Here are 10 of the top performances from the 2023 Georgia high school semifinals, illustrating once again how big-time players show up big in big-time moments.
Tip Top Performer
In the Class 7A semifinals, Walton quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski showed why he is one of the best players at his position in Georgia high school football – and not just because of what he has been able to accomplish this season. Hecklinski has grown into a tall, heady quarterback, who will be heading off to Wake Forest following his final game as a Raider. The senior is our Tip Top Performer for his efforts in Walton’s 41-25 win over Camden County, including 16-of-23 passing for 317 yards and 6 TDs.
Offense/Defense
- Milton quarterback Luke Nickel again came up big against Grayson in the 2023 Georgia high school semifinals. He threw for 415 yards and 4 touchdowns while completing 30-of-51 pass attempts, and he also had 15 carries for 75 yards and a TD to lead the Eagles to a spot in the Class 7A state championship game.
- Grayson WR John Cineas had 135 yards receiving and a TD, and he returned a kickoff 99 yards for another score.
- Camden County’s Ja’Marley Riddle had 5 carries for 85 yards rushing, including a 60-yard TD, and on defense he had a 44-yard INT return for a TD in the Wildcats’ loss to Walton.
- Prince Avenue Christian QB Aaron Philo passed for 4 TDs and 477 yards, and he also ran for a touchdown to lead the Wolverines to a second straight appearance in the championship game.
- Pierce County RB Caden McGatha had 5 rushing TDs against Fitzgerald to lead the Bears to a berth in the Class 2A state championship game.
- Rockmart RB Brent Washington ran for 3 TDs to lead his team to a state championship meeting in Atlanta next week.
- Stockbridge RB Jayden Scott had touchdown runs of 90, 60, and 59 yards, accounting for 209 rushing yards in a stellar performance that helped Stockbridge earn a stunning win over Benedictine in the 2023 Georgia high school 5A semifinals.
Special Teams
- Woodward Academy K Hudson Hanges kicked 3 FGs and 1 PAT to help put the War Eagles in the 3A state championship game against Thomas County Central.
- Malachi Miller returned a kickoff 99 yards for a TD early in the fourth quarter to give Cedar Grove the game-clinching score and a trip to Mercedes Benz Stadium for the state championship game between the Saints and Savannah Christian.
