Week 8: Freshman of the Week - Atkins, Allen, and Stanzani leads the pack

By Jerry Williamson  For the first time in 8 weeks, the offensive freshman of the week didn't run the ball, nor catch it. South Dade offensive guard Patrick Atkins (6'2, 270) did perhaps something a freshman or better yet, a senior has ever done at the 8A classification in a single-game.  The Bucs have another highly sought after recruit in waiting following the footsteps of nationally ranked offensive lineman Jonathan Denis and Jose Mirabal.  The City of Clearwater has an emerging star named Luca Stanzani who's a winner and has an unbelievable arm for a freshman. Last just say he's a veteran on varsity. Article coming soon.  CO-OFFENSIVE FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK South Dade, Patrick Atkins  

Note: If the name rings a bell, yes this is the same young man I named a Rising Star and ranked as the No. 1 overall offensive lineman within the Southwest Miami-Dade region during middle school. Atkins (6'2, 270) is certainly, living up to the high expectations this season. Atkins, a day 1 varsity starter, for the unbeaten Bucs was responsible for a jaw-dropping 7 pancake blocks against Miami Killian. Trust me, that's not an error. This young man is recruiting board material college football programs and is the next highly sought after recruit at offensive lineman in South Florida.  CO-OFFENSIVE FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK 

Clearwater International Academy, Luca Stanzani

Note: I remember observing his film as an eighth-grader and quickly realized, I had to promote beyond South Florida boarders. This past week, Stanzani (5'11, 170) defeated IMG Academy (White) 54-10. The gunslinger went 21-for-34 and threw for 333 yards and 2 touchdowns. If you watch his film, his accuracy, and arm strength are standouts. Stanzani victory against IMG Academy (White) improved his team record to 7-0.  DEFENSIVE FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK

Everglades, Alfonzo Allen 

Note: Against Flanagan, the rising freshman performed exceptionally well. At defensive back, the 5-foot-11, 165-pounder recorded 9 solo tackles, 1 fumble recovery, and delivered a bone-crushing hit. Allen is making his mark among freshman on defense this season.  8TH GRADER VARSITY PLAYER OF THE WEEK University School, Brandon Inniss

Note: The 8th-grade varsity player of the week might as well be renamed the Brandon Inniss of the Week. The Sharks class-of-2023 prospect, is just a kid beyond his time, athletically and physically. Against the defending 2A state champions Champagnat Catholic, he recorded three catches for 75 yards and 1 touchdown; 4 solo tackles on defense and including a beautiful one-hand catch.  Monsignor Pace, Shemar Stewart Note: Last season, the Spartans featured an impressive looking defensive freshman named James Williams, who is now a four-star and University of Miami commit. This fall, meet eye-candy defensive end Shemar Stewart, standing 6-foot-4, 215-pounds. His 4 tackles, 4 TFL, and a sack helped his rally back to defeat Miami Edison.  Gulliver Prep, Will Bettridge Note: The Blue Raiders are in great hands for the next three years on special teams with future Lou Groza Award finalist, Will Bettridge. Bettridge went 5-for-5 on extra attempts and drilled one kick off into the end zone for a touchback versus unbeaten Kings Academy.  Gulliver Prep, Brandon Brana  Note: His performance against unbeaten Kings Academy made him a strong candidate for offensive player of the week. Brana was responsible for zero penalties and no sacks allowed. His unsung effort resulted in over 250-yards and 4 TDs; 3 pancake blocks.  Liberty High School, Lamar Patterson Note: 2 catches for 52 yards and 1 TD; no catches allowed on defense.  Everglades, Kheylan Martin-Brown Note: Recorded 7 tackles, 1 INT, 1 Big Hit vs. Flanagan.  Everglades, Jayden Thomas  Note: 5 catches for 64 yards vs. Flanagan. Miami Killian, Parnell Paige Note: Recorded 5 solo tackles vs. South Dade