Here are ITG Next’s top 10 performers from Week 8 of the 2026 Georgia high school football season.
Top Offensive Performances
Roswell outside linebacker and punter Tyler Pressnall, a senior, contributed to the Hornets’ 39-13 win over Alpharetta in all three phases. He rushed for 90 yards and two touchdowns on five carries. He also had five tackles, including one tackle for loss. Pressnall averaged 40 yards per punt, had one punt downed inside the 5-yard line, and blocked a punt on defense.
Carrollton running back Nick Archer, a sophomore, rushed for a single-game school-record 325 yards and four touchdowns on 31 carries in the Trojans’ 62-24 win over Douglas County.
Lowndes running back Mason Woods, a senior, rushed for 269 yards and four touchdowns on 21 carries to lead the Vikings to a 50-13 region victory over Camden County.
Mill Creek running back and linebacker William Backus, a senior, made seven tackles and forced a fumble on defense while scoring two touchdowns on offense.
Marietta quarterback Jayden Whiteside, a senior, completed 15-of-23 passes for 323 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Blue Devils to a 70-48 win over Etowah. He also rushed for 87 yards and a touchdown on six carries.
Appling County running back Jaiden Knight, a senior, rushed for 259 yards and four touchdowns on 10 carries in the Pirates’ win over Beach last Thursday.
Thomasville quarterback Christian Hayes, a senior, completed 12-of-20 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries and caught the game-winning 15-yard touchdown pass with 10 seconds left against Fitzgerald.
Top Defensive Performances
Lowndes defensive back Damarion Treadwell, a senior, had 11 tackles, including two tackles for loss, and broke up a would-be touchdown catch in the end zone in the Vikings’ win over Camden County.
North Paulding linebacker Paul Dabbelt, a junior, had six tackles, including one tackle for loss, and came up with the game-winning interception in overtime to seal the Wolfpack’s 22-19 victory over North Cobb.
Top Special Teams Performances
Marist kicker Tyler Baradel, a senior, was successful on his only field goal attempt of the night from 31 yards and converted all five extra-point attempts. He also had five touchbacks on six kickoffs. The one return marked the first time one of Baradel’s 29 kickoffs has been returned this season.
