Our top performers from Week 1 of the 2024 Georgia high school football season had big games, and some had the key play at just the right time to help their teams secure the win last week. Here are the top 10 performers, as submitted by coaches from around the state.
Top Offensive Performances
Camden County quarterback Parks Riendeau, a senior, completed 12-of-19 passes for 210 yards and passed for four TDs in the Wildcats’ win over Brunswick.
Lee County quarterback Weston Bryan completed 12-of-17 passes for 85 yards and had 18 carries for 82 yards and two TDs to lead the Trojans to a win over Warner Robins.
McIntosh County Academy running back Earnest McIntosh had 13 carries for 134 yards, two TDs, and two 2-point conversions to lead the Buccaneers to a 22-0 win over Islands High School.
Perry running back Decorrion Daniels rushed for 101 yards and two TDs on 17 carries to lead the offense in their win over Baldwin.
Houston County tight end Gavin Kurpis, a senior, scored five TDs in the Bears’ 57-10 victory over Alpharetta. Kurpis had three rushing TDs and two receiving TDs.
Top Defensive Performances
Collins Hill defensive lineman Deuce Geralds, a junior, made eight tackles, including four sacks, to become the school’s all-time sacks leader with 28 ½ sacks, surpassing Tomon Fox, who held the previous record with 27 career sacks.
North Gwinnett safety Jalen Gist, a junior, recovered a fumble and returned it 18 yards for a touchdown in their 39-17 win over McEachern. He also had a sack and forced two quarterback hurries, according to North Gwinnett head coach Eric Godfree.
Mill Creek linebacker Connor Faber, a senior, led the defense with 10 tackles, including a quarterback sack. He also recovered two fumbles, one of which he returned for a touchdown for Mill Creek’s opening score in their 56-26 win over Lambert.
Top Special Teams Performances
Hebron Christian kicker Cam Eblen was successful on two field goal attempts, one from 25 yards and one from 27 yards; put four kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks; and was 6-of-6 on extra point attempts in the Lions’ 48-0 win over Therrell.
Coffee kicker Jonah Saylor, a senior, kicked a 45-yard field goal, was 8-for-8 on extra point attempts, and had four touchbacks in the Trojans’ 59-6 win over Bainbridge.
