Taylor McCurry (Week 7)

Taylor McCurry

Enka High School, Quarterback

A lot of what makes high school football in this state so good is the quality of talent that has been accumulated within the area. And with all that talent come a lot of eye popping numbers and some outstanding athletes. So far we have looked at some great defense and a couple of big rushing performances by some of the best running backs in the state but so far no Quarterbacks.

Introducing Taylor McCurry. McCurry took full advantages of all of his opportunities this week when his Enka High School team took on Asheville. Now keep in mind that Asheville may be one of the best teams in the state and all this was in a losing effort, 63-30. But McCurry went off, amazing 506 yards passing and 4 touchdowns on 52 attempts.

Currently McCurry is the state leader in passing with 2,063 yards and 17 TDs, but his performance this last week broke a western North Carolina record and ranks among the top in state history. You may want to keep an eye on Enka and Taylor as the season rolls along.

Jela Duncan (Week 6)

Jela Duncan, RB

Mallard Creek High School

The top rusher for, maybe the top team in the state within it’s top 4-A divison, the Mallard Creek Mavericks. Big performances are nothing new to this guy and this team, but the eye-popping category is the number of rushes he needed to compile the kind of yards that he did.

 The blue-chipper rushed for 232 yards in 55-7 win over Lake Norman in Just SIX carries. That is 38 yards per carry. Sure it was against an over matched Lake Norman Squad but it is impressive none the less. Keep an eye on Duncan and his Maverick teammates as their game with Butler approaches. That will be the game of the year, and Jela will play a big role.

Justus Pickett (Week 5)

Justus Pickett  RB

Ardrey Kell High School

I figured I should get Mr. Pickett on the board before anyone came after me asking if I am mentally ok. Pickett is at least one of the top, if not the top back in the state, and his performance against South Meck is worthy of him being on this list.

Pickett accounted for 437 yards total offense against South Mecklenburg last week, including 337 rushing and five touchdowns. Both the total yards and rushing yards are good for top-five performances all time in Mecklenburg County history. This guy can play, and we will see what he can manage next week against Independence.

Quinton Nelson (Week 4)

Quinton Nelson, DE

Garinger High School

It is always easy to look at the leaders in statistics on offense each week and pick one of the top guys in rushing or passing, but I went a little bit off the beaten track and focused on a great defensive performance by Garinger High defensive end Quinton Nelson.

Nelson came away with 4 sacks and a safety against his Friday opponent Rocky River.  He also helped Garinger to their 3^rd strait win and a 3-2 record. Teammate John Brockington also had an outstanding game achieving 123 yards receiving and scoring 2 touchdowns.