Athlete Spotlight
Week One: North Carolina Spotlight Players
Braden Atkinson Leads Rolesville to a Dominant Victory Over Butler
Braden Atkinson continues to solidify his reputation as one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks at the high school level. Known for his pinpoint accuracy and exceptional decision-making, Atkinson consistently delivers precise passes across all distances, whether short, intermediate, or deep. His ability to make quick, smart decisions under pressure sets him apart, as he reads defenses with ease and adapts his play to maximize offensive efficiency while minimizing turnovers.
In Rolesville’s overwhelming 64-14 victory against Butler, a clash between two of North Carolina’s top-ranked teams, Atkinson’s talents were on full display. He completed 22 of 31 passes, amassing 317 yards and throwing for three touchdowns. His precision passing and poise under pressure were instrumental in the Rams’ dominant performance, as they scored on their first eight possessions, leaving no doubt about their superiority.
With Atkinson at the helm, Rolesville is poised for a deep playoff run, with his continued development playing a crucial role in the Rams’ pursuit of a state championship. His performance in the season opener is just the beginning of what promises to be an impressive senior year.
Atkinson’s career stats after just one game into his senior season are already remarkable:
– QB Rating: 132.2
– Completions: 376
– Attempts: 560
– Passing Yards: 5,547 yards
– Yards per Game: 205.4 yards
– Completion Percentage: 67.1%
– Touchdowns: 68
– Interceptions: 9
– Longest Pass: 71 yards
Braden Atkinson’s commitment to Mercer University is a testament to his talent and potential. As he transitions to the next stage of his football career, he is expected to make a significant impact at the collegiate level, continuing the success he has built at Rolesville.
Mitchell Summers: The 5’8″, 165-Pound Running Back with a Big Impact
Mitchell Summers may be small in stature, but his presence on the field is anything but. A powerhouse in the Class 4A Division, Summers has been a dominant force for Grimsley High School, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down. As the workhorse for the number 3 ranked program in North Carolina, Summers is on pace to surpass 6,000 career rushing yards, an incredible feat that speaks to his consistency and talent.
After back-to-back seasons where he racked up over 2,000 rushing yards, the question on everyone’s mind is: What will Summers’ senior year hold? If his first game is any indication, he’s set for another remarkable season. In his senior opener, Summers carried the ball 23 times, amassing 212 yards and scoring all five of Grimsley’s touchdowns in a decisive win over Mount Tabor.
Summers’ career stats after just one game into his senior year are already impressive:
– Rushing Yards: 4,470 yards
– Rushing Average: 8.6 yards per carry
– Attempts: 522
– Yards per Game: 135.5 yards
– Longest Run: 97 yards
– 100+ Yard Games: 23
– Touchdowns: 73
His performance against Mount Tabor was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his trademark blend of power, speed, and vision. Summers’ relentless drive and dedication have made him one of the most feared running backs in the division, and as he continues to rack up yardage and touchdowns, he’s undoubtedly making his final high school season one for the history books.
With his sights set on a memorable senior year, Mitchell Summers is not just a player to watch—he’s a player who is rewriting the standards of excellence on the field.
Dionte Neal: The Multi-Talented Star Makes His Presence None After Losing Kendre Harrison.
When Reidsville High School lost superstar Kendre Harrison, the 23-24 MaxPreps Male National Athlete of the Year, to a transfer, the Rams needed guidance about who would step up. Enter Dionte Neal, the 5′9“, 155 pound, dynamic junior who has been making waves since his freshman year. Known for his versatility and athleticism, Neal has taken on multiple roles, proving himself indispensable to the team. In his freshman year, Neal intercepted an incredible 12 passes, establishing himself as a defensive force. As a junior, he’s expanded his skill set to include quarterback, and his impact on both sides of the ball is undeniable.
In Reidsville’s 28-3 victory over Western Alamance, Neal showcased his wide-ranging talents. He was nearly flawless as a quarterback, completing 12 of 14 passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns. He also demonstrated his dual-threat capability by rushing six times for 81 yards. But Neal’s contributions didn’t stop there. He electrified the field with a 93-yard kickoff return and capped off his stellar performance with a 35-yard interception return, proving once again that he’s a game-changer in every aspect.
With the expectations surrounding Neal are sky-high. His impressive junior season showcased his versatility as a quarterback, defensive back, and return specialist. Neal’s ability to perform at a high level across multiple positions makes him a standout player and a leader for the Rams as they navigate the season without Harrison. His continued development and versatility will be crucial for Reidsville as they aim for success in the coming games.
Neal’s Offensive Impact:
As the team’s starting quarterback, Neal is expected to build on his junior year success. His dual-threat capabilities—combining accurate passing with dynamic rushing—make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Neal’s senior year could see him passing for over 1,500 yards while also adding significant rushing yardage, making him one of the most productive quarterbacks in the state.
Neal’s Defensive Prowess:
On the defensive side, Neal’s ability to read the game and make big plays will continue to be a major asset. With his experience and instinct, he could easily surpass his freshman interception total, making him a key player in the secondary. His defensive skills will be crucial in close games where turnovers can shift momentum.
Neal’s Special Teams Excellence:
Neal’s explosiveness as a return specialist is another dimension of his game that will shine during his senior year. His ability to turn kickoffs and punts into game-changing plays adds a dangerous element to Reidsville’s special teams. Expect Neal to have multiple return touchdowns, further boosting his impact on the game.
North Carolina Spotlight: Lex Sevilla – Rising Star in the Class of 2027
In the ever-evolving landscape of high school football, the search for the next great quarterback never stops. Among the emerging talents in North Carolina, Lex Sevilla, a 6’1 “, 205-pound dual-threat quarterback from Middle Creek HS in Cary, has started to make a name for himself. Sevilla is poised to build on an impressive freshman campaign and an offseason that has drawn attention from media outlets and college scouts alike as he enters his sophomore year as the starting JV quarterback. Against Fuquay-Varina, he threw for 225 yards and three touchdowns and used for 65 yards for the win 37-6.
A Promising Offseason
Sevilla’s offseason was nothing short of remarkable. The young quarterback spent his summer attending national combines and college camps nationwide, honing his skills and showcasing his talent on a larger stage. While he may not boast the prototypical size or an elite arm, Sevilla has proven himself to be an accurate passer with the ability to place the ball where only his receivers can make a play. His fluid throwing motion and the impressive velocity he generates on his passes have set him apart from many of his peers.
Football IQ and Mental Toughness
One of the most intriguing aspects of Sevilla’s game is his football IQ and mental makeup. He’s not just physically talented; he’s also mentally tough. Sevilla doesn’t let mistakes rattle him. After a bad throw, he quickly regroups, displaying a level of resilience rare in a young player. His passes are delivered with natural velocity and a tight spiral, and his ability to take coaching and quickly apply it on the field is a testament to his work ethic and determination.
Freshman Year Performance
Sevilla’s freshman-year stats paint a picture of a quarterback with a bright future. He showed poise in the pocket, rarely panicking under pressure, and demonstrated a keen ability to keep his eyes downfield, even when flushed out of the pocket. Though he’s more comfortable as a pocket passer, Sevilla performed admirably when forced to throw on the run. While still a work in progress, his footwork is more than adequate for a player who excels in pocket passing.
Here’s a look at Sevilla’s first-year stats:
– QB Rating: 82.8
– Completions: 90
– Attempts: 172
– Passing Yards: 1,253 yds
– Average Yards per Pass: 13.9
– Completion Percentage: 52.3%
– Touchdowns: 11
– Interceptions: 6
– Longest Pass: 62 yds
Looking Ahead
As Lex Sevilla continues to develop, it’s clear that he has the potential to become a standout quarterback at the high school level and beyond. His combination of physical ability, mental toughness, and a strong work ethic make him a player to watch in the coming years. As he embarks on his sophomore season, the North Carolina high school football community will watch closely to see how this rising star continues to evolve and make his mark on the game.
Reggie Bush: The Explosive Junior Running Back Driving Lumberton’s Success
Reggie Bush, 5’10”, 150 pound junior running back for Lumberton High School, continues to make waves with his dynamic play on the field. Renowned for his explosive speed and ability to break through defenses, Bush recently demonstrated his prowess in a commanding 35-0 victory over Fairmont, solidifying his status as a standout player this season. Bush’s remarkable acceleration and top-end speed are vital assets, allowing him to reach and exploit the second level of the defense quickly. Despite his relatively modest height, he combines powerful running with exceptional agility, using his lower body strength to push through tackles and maintain balance. His keen vision and decision-making skills enable him to identify and exploit gaps in the defense, turning short gains into significant yardage.
In the game against Fairmont, Bush ran 29 times for 210 yards and scored four touchdowns. This impressive performance underscores his skill and work ethic and his crucial role in Lumberton’s offensive strategy. His ability to dominate and produce high-level results highlights his conditioning and dedication. As a junior, Bush is poised for a standout season and a bright future in football. Given his high workload, ensuring his durability throughout the season will be essential. With his current trajectory, Bush has the potential to build on his success and make a significant impact for the remainder of the season.