Freshman of the Week: Atkins, Celestine, Donaldson, Bettridge still performing postseason

By Jerry Williamson The regular season is officially in the books. But these particular freshman chapters are still on-going filled with the exciting content of game-changing performances. Hialeah high school surge of freshman phenoms Jai-Ayviauynn Celestine and De'carlo Donaldson both amassed 1,000 yards from scrimmage. South Dade offensive guard Patrick Atkins nickname should be based on his endless numbers of pancake blocks. Miami Palmetto made a splash with their class-of-2022 recruiting class and newcomers Michael Jackson and Tyrone Maxwell just adds to the Panthers impressive youth. Gulliver Prep freshman class reminds me of the Blue Raiders 2016 recruiting class that sent four prospects to the hometown Canes. Below are the top freshman performers CO-OFFENSIVE FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK

Hialeah, De'carlo Donaldson (WR)

Note: Donaldson became the first freshman to record 1,000 yards receiving at the 8A classification. His past two weeks were remarkable. Against North Miami, he caught 8 passes for 103-yards and 1 TD and versus South Dade he finished the game with 12 catches for 186-yards and 2 touchdowns. CO-OFFENSIVE FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK South Dade, Patrick Atkins (OL) 

Note: The Bucs keep a staple of massive lineman and Atkins is the next-in-line after posting a jaw-dropping five pancakes and zero sacks allow vs. Hialeah. DEFENSIVE FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK Hialeah, Jai-Ayviauynn Celestine (ATH)

Note: Against North Miami, he tallied approximately 133-yards all on defense. Celestine returned a pick-six for 103 yards and recorded his second interception for an additional 30-yards. Last week he hauled in a 15-yard score vs. South Dade along with a 60-yard kick return. Miami Palmetto, Michael Jackson (ATH) 

Note: Jackson recorded his 3rd special teams score this season. He added to his touchdown column with a 75-yard touchdown vs. Belen Jesuit. Jackson has two ints and five touchdowns on the season.  Gulliver Prep, Will Bettridge (PK)

Note: Florida's Lou Groza nailed every extra point and field goal for the past two weeks. Bettridge went 9-for-9 on extra points and 3-for-3 on field goal attempts along with several touchbacks. Miami Palmetto, Tyrone Maxwell (RB)

Note: When given the opportunity this freshman always makes the most of it on varsity. Maxwell recorded his 3rd varsity touchdown returning a punt return for 75-yards vs. Belen Jesuit. Gulliver Prep, Travoius Lathan (LB) 

Note: The 6-foot-1, 160-pounder recorded 10 tackles and 1 sack vs. Lasalle. Keep an eye on him next season at wide receiver.  Gulliver Prep, Carson Haggard (QB) 

Note: The future Drew Bress of South Florida high school threw his 5th varsity touchdown against Lasalle. I personally believe he'll be the Nick Viattatio (University School) next season as a full-time starter despite his physical statue. Miami Southridge, Kevin Smith (QB) 

Note: The Spartans signal caller has major upside. Smith, who was ranked my No. 1 overall player during the preseason in middle school threw his 2nd touchdown pass this season. He stands 6-foot-2, 195-pounds.  Gulliver Prep, Brandon Brana (OL)

Note: When you scout the Blue Raiders you'll quickly notice their offensive guard Brandon Brana. He's not the tallest of course, but his film speaks for itself. Zero sacks allowed paving the way for 450-yards from scrimmage.