Here are our Top Performers – those individuals who stood out on offense, defense and/or special teams – from Round 1 of the Georgia high school playoffs.
Offense
- Buford QB Dylan Raiola completed 12 of 15 pass attempts for 229 yards and 5 TDs to lead the Wolves to a big first-round playoff game victory over Wheeler Friday night at Tom Riden Stadium.
- Thomasville RB Ant Anderson had 9 carries for 187 yards and 2 TDs.
- Pelham RB Nate Walker had 18 carries for 269 yards.
- With his team trailing by a touchdown and just :03 seconds left in the game, Lanier County RB BJ Jonescaught a pass on his own 12-yard line and outran the entire ECI defense to the end zone to force overtime. Lanier County would lose 41-35, but the play was a top performance for sure.
- Rome QB Reece Fountain completed 13-of-18 passes for 185 yards and 2 TDs, and he had 5 carries for 83 yards rushing and 2 more scores.
All-Purpose
- Richmond Hill ATH Nick Bliss accounted for 192 all-purpose yards in Richmond Hill’s 34-24 playoff loss at Grayson. He had 11 carries for 81 yards and 2 TDs, 11 receptions for 91 yards, a punt return for 20 yards, and 1 blocked punt.
- Callaway ATH Cam Tucker was all over the field in leading the Cavaliers to a playoff win. He caught 3 passes for 106 yards and 2 TDs, rushed 4 times for 74 yards and 3 TDs, and had 9 tackles, including 3 TFL and 2.5 sacks.
- Thomas County Central QB Jaylen Johnson has thrown for more than 1,000 yards over the last three games.
- Lee County QB Weston Bryan completed an incredible 19-of-22 pass attempts for 145 yards and 4 TDs. He also ran 8 times for 52 yards.
Defense
- The Collins Hill defense. That’s right. While the Top Performers list is normally reserved for individual efforts, it’s impossible to ignore the Collins Hill defense, helped the Eagles beat North Cobb 45-14 in the first round of the Georgia high school playoffs. That defense has been a huge catalyst for the team’s improved play in the second half of the season.
Special Teams
- Colquitt County K Brett Fitzgerald was a perfect 3-for-3 on FG attempts and 6-for-6 on PATs to help his Packers win their first-round playoff matchup with Parkview. Brett’s FGs were from 40 yards, 22 yards, and 21 yards out. He has now connected on 13 of 15 FG attempts for the season.
