14 of the greatest single-season QB performances in high school history
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Tag: High School Football
High school football coach steps down after unsanctioned tackling drill
High school football coach resigns over tackling drill.
A high school football coach in Washington state has stepped away from his role following a controversial tackling drill at practice.
Mark Smith has resigned from being head coach at Shelton (Shelton, Washington), a position he has held for 25 years. At issue is that Smith allegedly allowed a tackling drill this spring that was conducted without helmets or pads.
According to reporting from King 5 television station in Washington about the “unsanctioned” tackling drill, the football players were taken into the wrestling room where they participated in the drill. Several players were allegedly injured according to King 5, including injuries to the head and a dislocated finger.
The practice took place on Jan. 31. Once news of the practice became known, an investigation was undertaken by the school district.
“Coach told the other players no one was tackling me and they needed to do better. I was running to the other wall and got off a tackle from another kid and another kid grabbed from the back and picked me over his head and slammed me on my head,” one player said according to King 5.
Shelton is looking to bounce back following a 3-6 season in 2023.
Smith’s resignation was accepted by the school board on Tuesday. The search for a new head coach is currently underway.
14 of the greatest single-season RB performances in high school history
Rushing into history…
There weren’t enough players on defense to stop them. They scorched the turf on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons, leaving behind tracks of a legacy that many probably can’t comprehend as being athletically possible.
The top running backs in high school history have racked up yards and touchdowns that look like year-end team statistics. However, these were solo acts of legendary status, taking the accepted 1000-yard achievement and multiplying it sometimes by four!
Ahead of the pack are these 14 backfield juggernauts, talented individuals with single-season performances that have reigned supreme in high school rushing history.
The 20 highest-rated high school football recruits since 2000
A top name has a chance to shine in 2023
In 2020, USA TODAY High School Sports looked at the top-rated recruits since 2000, per 247Sports composite averages. Since then there has been new name added to the impressive list, one that comes with a perfect rating— which now makes six total in that unique category.
As we has said before, these players weren’t just one example of high school dominance; they were “The” example of high school football dominance. However, these are the football legends since 2000. That means the historical hierarchy with the likes of Bo Jackson, Marcus Dupree, John Elway, Peyton Manning, Randy Moss, and more, are not included. (Had the rating system been in place “back in the day” … well, it’s safe to assume there would be a lot more than six players with a perfect composite average.)
With that in mind, let’s check out the unmatched talents that took on almost legend-like lore under the lights on Friday night since 2000…
USA TODAY High School Sports Stars of the Week: Jacorey Stewart, Hawk Patrick-Daniels, DJ Bailey, Terry Bussey, Caden Durham
The USA TODAY High School Sports staff unveils the Stars of Week 18.
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The final highlight reel of USA TODAY HSS staff’s picks for “Stars of the Week” includes some of the best we’ve seen all season. A record-setting points total, a game-sealing interception, and rushing spectacle headline the five.
– Jacorey Stewart, Milton (Ga.)
– Hawk Patrick-Daniels, Aledo (Texas)
– DJ Bailey, DeSoto (Texas)
– Terry Bussey, Timpson (Texas)
– Caden Durham, Duncanville (Texas)
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Watch: Georgia football commit Dylan Raiola is enjoying his Nebraska official visit
Teddy Bridgewater plans to retire after 2023 season, coach high school football
Fan-favorite former Saints QB Teddy Bridgewater told the Detroit Free Press he plans to retire after the 2023 season and start a new career: coaching high school football
It’s always nice to see a pro football player step away from the game on their own terms, and that’s what New Orleans former Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater intends to do. Now with the Detroit Lions, the fan-favorite backup to Drew Brees told the Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett that the 2023 season will be his last in the NFL.
Bridgewater, 31, has seen it all in the NFL. He earned Pro Bowl recognition with the Minnesota Vikings early in his career. He recovered from a career-threatening knee injury to lead the Saints to a 5-0 record in relief of Brees during the 2019 season. He secured a life-changing $31 million from the Carolina Panthers as a free agent and has been valued by multiple teams as an experienced backup who can guide them through tough times.
And he’s on track to hang up his cleats and pursue his next passion: coaching high school football. Bridgewater has maintained a regular presence at high school games on Friday nights whenever he’s been free over the years and he wants to spend the next chapter of his football life coaching up the next generation. Good for him. He’s always been easy to root for and we’ll be keeping tabs on his next success story.
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USA TODAY High School Sports Stars of the Week: Elijah Brown, Dallas Golden, Caden Durham, Owen Long, Anthony Crews
The USA TODAY High School Sports staff unveils the Stars of Week 17.
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An incredible California high school football career came to a championship close on Saturday, with Mater Dei (Santa Ana) QB Elijah Brown leading the Monarchs to a 35-0 win over Serra (San Mateo.). For his efforts, an overall mark of 42-2 under center, the Stanford commit lands atop the USA TODAY HSS staff’s picks for “Stars of the Week.” Joining him in the highlight reel are two dynamic running backs and a pair of receivers who also put on a show during the playoff rush.
– Anthony Crews, Bell Vernon (Pa.)
– Owen Long, La Serna (Calif.)
– Caden Durham, Duncanville (Texas)
– Dallas Golden, Berkeley Prep (Fla.)
– Elijah Brown, Mater Dei (Calif.)
More
No. 3 Mater Dei dominates in CIF championship game over No. 17 Serra
USA TODAY High School Sports Stars of the Week: Bo Walker, Jeremy Hecklinski, Brandon White, Massillon defense, Landon Frey
The USA TODAY High School Sports staff unveils the Stars of Week 16.
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This past Friday night belonged to Landon Frey, whose acrobatic catch—perhaps one of the greatest not just in 2023 but all-time—lands the Marion (Wv.) wide receiver atop the USA TODAY HSS staff’s picks for “Stars of the Week.” Joining him are a pair of top-tier running backs, a Wake Forest commit who is lighting it up in the Georgia playoffs, and a defense out of Massillon, Ohio, that deserves a collective moment in the proverbial sun.
– Bo Walker, Cedar Grove (Ga.)
– Jeremy Hecklinski, Walton (Ga.)
– Brandon White, St. Edward (Ohio)
– Washington Massillon Defense (Ohio)
– Landon Frey, North Marion (Wv.)
More
Arizona state championship features 19 ejections, near-30-point comeback, and controversial call
Jason Witten coaches sons’ high school team to undefeated championship season
USA TODAY High School Sports Stars of the Week: Nate Sheppard, Mylin Lennox, Kelby Tyre, Abduall Sanders, Ju’Juan Johnson
The USA TODAY High School Sports staff unveils the Stars of Week 15.
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A record-breaking night down in Louisiana leads the way for the USA TODAY HSS staff’s picks for “Stars of the Week,” with a walk-off kick return, a momentum-shifting interception, a catch of the year candidate, and a massive Massillon run completing the highlight reel.
– Nate Sheppard, Mandeville High (La.)
– Mylin Lennox, Massillon (Ohio)
– Kelby Tyre, Dunbar (Fla.)
– Abduall Sanders, Mater Dei (Calif.)
– Ju’Juan Johnson, Lafayette Christian Academy (La.)
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5-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith continues to shine for No. 2 Chaminade-Madonna
LSU commit Ju’Juan Johnson breaks Louisiana high school yards record
USA TODAY High School Sports Stars of the Week: St. John Bosco defense, Trey’Dez Green, Jordan Lyle, George Roberts III, Tyler Morgan
The USA TODAY High School Sports staff unveils the Stars of Week 14.
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An all-time two-point conversion stop leads the way for the USA TODAY HSS staff’s picks for “Stars of the Week,” with another Trey’Dez Green appearance headlining a four-pack of incredible plays from the offensive side of the ball.
– Tyler Morgan, Central Catholic (Ohio)
– George Roberts III, Treasure Coast (Fla.)
– Jordan Lyle, St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.)
– Trey’Dez Green, Zachary (La.)
– St. John Bosco Defense (Calif.)
More
This might be the best throw Dylan Raiola has made all season (and it wasn’t even a touchdown)
Game of the year? No. 3 St. John Bosco edges No. 18 Centennial in semifinal thriller