Linebackers Steal Show at 7th Annual Junior Showcase c/o 2024

Johns Creek, GA- The 7th Annual National High School Showcase 2024 junior game was a very tightly contested affair. A 66-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Colton Champman of Daniel High in Central, SC to Keon Davis of Newton High in Conyers, GA was the difference as the final score of 13-9 was indicative of the superb play of each team’s Defense.

Coordinators Ryan Woods for the winning Team Bark (Maroon jerseys) and Fabian Ryan for Team Sun (Yellow jerseys) did a masterful job of using elite talent and putting them into position to make plays. Ultimately, it was the efforts of the linebacker corps that stood out the most and shaped the tenor of the game. Junior outside linebacker Trace Carter from Ocean Springs High (MS) was the game’s overall MVP as he got it done of both sides of the ball, offense and defense for Team Bark. Carter was a tackle machine and also ran for several dozen yards and had an interception on defense after fumbling the ball on the previous drive.

His counterpart, David Moncrief, of Grayson High School (GA) was a tackle machine in his own right. He earned MVP honors for Team Sun as he scored team’s only touchdown by returning a recovered a fumble 30 yards. In addition to that explosive play, he logged two tackles for loss and four solo tackles overall. He’s expected to be a big part of the defensive operation for newly named Grayson Head Coach Santavious Bryant, a defensive minded coach.

In addition, great efforts at the same position were turned in by Widley Jean Francios of Miami’s St. Brendan High School. He’s primarily a running back and did well at that position during this game also. But Jean Francios made a strong impression at linebacker joined by Team Bark’s Ashton Bolton from Chamblee High in Decatur, GA. Both earned accolades by the television broadcast crew from Score 58 that live-streamed the game to a worldwide internet audience.

D’Kyah Banks, also of Grayson played solid at the outside linebacker position and accompanied Carter all game and Cameron Haynes of Flowery Branch High (GA) had a tackle for a loss, interception and several tackles that added up to the low scoring affair on Monday afternoon at Mt Pisgah High School.

The defensive line play can’t be overlooked as it kept the backers clean all game. Denmark (GA) High’s Kobe Jones of Team Sun forced a fumble at the defensive tackle position and also played center all game (his first time doing so), Fellow center Richard Dennis of Armwood High in Seffner, FL made plays on the defensive line for Team Bark, applying pressure on the quarterback. Chukwunedu Okeke of Pebblebrook High (Mableton, GA) did so well he was offered by Georgia Southern in the immediate days following Monday’s showcase game.

Offensively, the Davis, a three-star recruit drew a lot of defensive attention and was targeted several times and produced one score. His prowess opened holes for Carter and post-game MVP Hebron High’s (GA) Jeremiah ‘Gavin’ Hall a first team all-state selection on Team Bark’s side. Team Sun’s Stephon Morrison was the post-game MVP and pitched in running the ball, putting his team in position to score.

The game came down to a two FG performance by Gabriel Perez of Miami’s Southridge High School. Perez notched two field goals for Team Bark (one from 46 yards out on the ground) and one for Team Sun. His play was the difference in the game as he kicked for both teams.

JUNIOR SHOWCASE TOP PERFORMERS

TEAM BARK