Big-time players step up in big-time moments, and there were several who did just that in the exciting 2023 Georgia high school quarterfinals. Here are this week’s ITG Next Georgia Top Performers.
Tip Top Performer
Our Top Top Performer of the Week is Milton quarterback Luke Nickel, who completed 20-of-34 passes for 302 yards and 4 touchdowns, and ran 16 times for 117 yards and another score. His 419 total yards and 5 TDs powered Milton to a come-from-behind win over Colquitt County in the 2023 Georgia high school 7A quarterfinals .
Special Teams
- Thomas County Central kicker Drew Reneau was 4-for-4 on field goal attempts against Rome, including the game-winner as time expired. His kicks came from 27, 36, 31, and, on the winner, 30 yards out.
- Cook punter Brooks Moore was as important as any player on the field Friday night as he averaged 49 yards on 4 punts, including one that went for 70. All his punts were downed inside Columbia’s 20-yard line, and one went dead inside the 2. Moore also kicked a field goal that gave Cook the lead for good.
Offense/Defense
- Grayson linebacker Tyler Atkinson led a standout Rams defensive effort against Buford with 15 tackles, including 4 sacks, in their quarterfinal win.
- Cook RB/LB Reshauld Tippins had 7 tackles, but it was his 2 interceptions that put him on our list this week. He returned one of those picks 40 yards for a touchdown, and he saved the game with the other, intercepting a Columbia pass at the goal line as time expired to seal the win.
- Douglas County running back James Johnson led the Tigers in their win over Lee County with 5 carries for 100 yards rushing and 3 TDs. He also had 3 receptions for 55 yards and 1 TD. On defense, he had 13 tackles, and he recovered a fumble and returned it for a score.
- Bryan County senior RB/LB Tanner Ennis had 12 tackles on defense and scored 2 TDs on offense to lead the underdog Redskins to a win over Commerce.
- Brooks County RB Chris Cole had 27 carries for 206 yards to lead the Trojans to victory over Rabun County.
- Frederica RB Jordan Triplett capped off an incredible four-year career with 56 carries for 325 yards rushing and 2 TDs. He also completed 2-of-3 passes for 46 yards and 1 TD in a loss to Valwood. He became the only Georgia high school player to rush for 9,000 yards, finishing with 9,028 for his career. He also tied the single-season rushing mark of 3,172 yards, and he had 41 rushing TDs in 2023.
- Pierce County RB Caden McGatha had 36 carries for 282 yards rushing and 5 TDs to pace the Bears to a win over Fellowship Christian.
- Coffee RB Fred Brown had 173 yards rushing on 25 carries to lead the Trojans to victory over the Cass Colonels in the 2023 Georgia high school 5A quarterfinals.
