In Week 9, Florida high school football was home to some truly stellar performances on the gridiron as teams began to wind down their regular seasons. Here are some of the best we saw, starting with Jordan Durham, the ITG Next Florida September 2024 Male Athlete of the Month.
Jordan Durham, Quarterback – Zarephath Academy Eagles
Durham had more than 500 yards passing in a single game for the fourth time this season in Zarephath Academy’s 54-3 win over Santa Fe. He completed 21-of-26 passes for 501 yards, six touchdowns, and an interception. The senior also rushed for 16 yards on two attempts.
Shawn Simeon, Running Back – Naples Golden Eagles
Shawn Simeon had likely his greatest performance of the season so far in Naples’ 36-12 win over Lely. The three-star Toledo commit rushed for 303 yards and four touchdowns on 30 attempts. In what was his second straight game of more than 300 yards rushing, the senior also returned one kickoff for 15 yards.
Brady Hart, Quarterback – Cocoa Tigers
Brady Hart, a four-star Michigan commit, completed 14-of-18 passes for 330 yards and four scores in Cocoa’s 54-0 win over The Villages Charter.
Wells Bettenhausen, Quarterback – Walton Braves
Wells Bettenhausen completed 14-of-21 passes for 310 yards with four touchdowns and a pick in Walton’s 41-31 win over Bay. The senior also rushed for 2 yards and a touchdown on three attempts.
Eddie Jordan, Quarterback – Beachside Barracudas
Eddie Jordan completed 6-of-14 passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns in Beachside’s 44-18 win over Middleburg. The junior quarterback also rushed for 83 yards and two touchdowns on 11 attempts.
Arthur Lewis IV, Running Back – Bartram Trail Bears
Arthur Lewis IV rushed for 109 yards and three touchdowns on 16 attempts in Bartram Trail’s 48-21 loss against St. Augustine. The running back also had two receptions for 14 yards.
Derrick Ferguson, Athlete – Southwest Miami Eagles
Derrick Ferguson rushed for 171 yards and two touchdowns on 19 attempts in Southwest Miami’s 21-20 loss to Coral Reef. The senior also caught a pass for 3 yards, had four tackles defensively, and returned two kickoffs for 45 yards.
Malachi Toney, Wide Receiver – American Heritage Patriots
Malachi Toney had a season-high 167 yards and two touchdowns on only four receptions in American Heritage’s 35-0 win over Archbishop McCarthy. The four-star prospect also returned two punts for 36 yards.
Holden Kubitz, Linebacker – Horizon Hawks
Holden Kubitz tied his season-high with 16 tackles and an interception in Horizon’s 35-27 win over Lake Minneola.
Trenton Curliss, Athlete – Charlotte Fightin’ Tarpons
Trenton Curliss had 10 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, and a fumble recovery defensively in Charlotte’s 35-28 win over Mariner. The junior also had a reception for 4 yards.
