With state titles and playoff dreams on the line, several high school standouts delivered big-time performances this past weekend, showing exactly why they're names to watch as they move up to the next level. Let’s break down the key efforts from a handful of committed prospects who stepped up when it mattered most.
Malachi Thompson continues to shine under the lights
Wide receiver commit Malachi Thompson made his presence felt in a 36-13 win, pulling in four catches for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Thompson’s ability to create separation and make contested grabs has been a hallmark of his game all season, and he once again proved to be a reliable target in the red zone. With that win, his team now advances to face Princeton in the AAA State Championship Game - and if Thompson keeps playing at this level, he could be the difference-maker on the biggest stage.
Cameron Mallory anchors the trenches for Moody (AL)
Defensive tackle Cameron Mallory put on a clinic in the trenches during Moody’s 35-10 victory.
He racked up five tackles, including a tackle for loss and a sack, setting the tone early and often. Mallory’s combination of power and quickness makes him a disruptive force, and his ability to collapse the pocket was key in neutralizing the opposing offense.
Next up: a showdown with Vigor in the 5A State Championship Game, where Mallory will look to dominate once again.
Rickey Giles locks down the back end for South Oak Cliff
In Dallas, South Oak Cliff safety Rickey Giles continued his strong postseason with six tackles in a convincing 45-17 win.
Giles plays with a high motor and sharp instincts, often finding himself in the right place at the right time. His leadership on the back end has been crucial to South Oak Cliff’s playoff run, which now heads into the Regional Final - a quarterfinal matchup against Port Neches-Groves with a trip to the state semis on the line.
Emory Snyder delivers a defensive gem for Bixby (OK)
Linebacker Emory Snyder was all over the field in Bixby’s 49-17 victory, racking up ten tackles and snagging an interception.
Snyder’s sideline-to-sideline range and ability to read plays before they develop made life miserable for the opposing offense. His performance helped punch Bixby’s ticket to the 6A State Championship Game, where they’ll face Owasso in what promises to be a hard-hitting final.
Carter Kessler helps Shelby (OH) dominate up front
Shelby’s defense set the tone in a 42-7 rout of Indian Hill, and defensive lineman Carter Kessler was a key part of that effort.
Kessler’s physicality and gap control helped shut down the run game, allowing his team to control the tempo from the opening whistle. With that win, Shelby advances to the Division IV State Championship Game against Glenville - and Kessler will no doubt be a focal point in the trenches once again.
Jyron Hughley puts on a dual-threat clinic for Cardinal Newman (FL)
Quarterback Jyron Hughley was nearly flawless in a 42-13 win that secured the Regional title for Palm Beach Cardinal Newman.
He completed 6-of-7 passes for 100 yards through the air and added ten carries for 158 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Hughley’s ability to hurt defenses with both his arm and legs makes him a nightmare to game-plan for, and he’ll look to keep the momentum rolling in the 1A State Semifinals against Carrollwood Day.
As championship season heats up, these future college players are proving they can handle the pressure - and then some. Keep an eye on them as they chase state titles and build momentum heading into the next chapter of their football journeys.