Week 1: South Florida's Top Freshman Performers
By Jerry Williamson
Rising Stars' Freshman of the Week consisted of performances from both the kick-off classic and the season opener. This week standouts were made up of of varsity in South Florida for the class of 2022. OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Hialeah High School freshman athlete Jai-ayviauynn Celestine (5-8, 150) gave the high school world a glimpse of what to come this fall. In the kick off classic against the depending state champions Champagnat Catholic, Celestine returned a pick six, caused a force fumble and recorded 50 yards on the ground.
Celestine recorded a 132 yards from scrimmage and two scores week 1 against Miami Springs. His two scores consisted of 65 (rush) and a five yard reception out of the backfield.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Cardinal Gibbons defensive end Deshawn Willoughby, a 6-foot, 210-pounder, demonstrated his ability to play both the pass and run versus Key West on the road. Willoughby recorded (8) tackles and two sacks. Willoughby added four tackles against Miami Central this past week.
8th GRADE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Wide receiver Brandon Inniss (5-11, 165) of University School is a dynamic class-of-2023 varsity starter who holds an early D1-FBS verbal offer from Florida Atlantic University. Inniss made an instant impact, by totalling 92 all-purpose yards, 1 touchdown, and a force fumble vs. Glades Central. He caught 3 passes for 70 yards and returned a kick off 22-yards.
• Miami Southridge duo freshman has combined for four sacks within two games despite playing late in the second half of ball games. Dante Anderson (6-4, 190) has recorded 1.5 sacks, 2 tackles for a loss and Daniel Lyons (6-3, 215) recorded 2.5 sacks.
• Somerset Silver Palms defensive back Dedrick Browder performance versus the defending class 2A state champions earned him the defensive player of the week. Browder based on film, lined up at cornerback, nickle and free safety and accumulated seven tackles and one pass delection, which was one-on-one coverage against a wide receiver that holds ten plus D1-FBS verbal scholarships. • Hialeah wide receiver De'carlo Donaldson (6-2, 188) made a splash his high school debut, by hauling in six receptions for 97 yards and one score. Donaldson displayed his YAC (Yards After Catch) ability, by catching a slant route and racing upfield for a 12-yard touchdown. • Freshman running back Leanard Smith of St. Brendan rushed for 100 yards on 14 carries and scored 2 touchdowns vs. Pine Crest Preparatory. • Miami Palmetto freshman running back Tyrone Maxwell rushed for 52 yards on five carries and one touchdown. He also recorded one tackle on defense. • Miami Christian (2A classification) defensive end/defensive tackle Francois Nolton, Jr. (6-4, 225) was responsible for 9 tackles, 3 solo, 1 TFL vs. Marathon.
• Southwest Miami freshman linebacker Javon Only (5-11, 175) combined for 7 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, and 3 QB hurries against Sunset and Coral Park.
• Gulliver Prep freshman place kicker Will Bettridge went 4-for-4 on extra points and nailed a 47-yard field goal.
