WEST LAFAYETTE - Week one of high school football in Lafayette is complete and with it, a strong group of performances from across the area.
These were the top 10 performers from week one.
More: Check out the Lafayette-area high school football scores from Week 1
1. Keyen Crowder - Lafayette Jeff
There was zero rust from Crowder, who hasn't played a high school football game in a year and a half after injuries sidelined him throughout 2023. Crowder completed 26-for-35 for 254 yards and five touchdowns to lead Lafayette Jeff over Avon 41-20. The win marked Lafayette Jeff's first win over Avon since 2012.
2. Jack Gonzalez - Harrison
The junior wide receiver overcame a broken hand he sustained during the summer to score three touchdowns in Harrison's season opening win over West Lafayette 30-22. Gonzalez rushed for two touchdowns on 44 yards and returned a kickoff 78 yards with 25 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
3. Bobby Metzger - Central Catholic
The senior quarterback for the Knights was efficient, completing 20 of 26 passes for 272 yards and four touchdowns as Central Catholic routed Seeger 55-6.
4. Payne Meyer - Harrison
The senior defensive back made several big plays including a pass deflection, six tackles and assisted with a safety in the second quarter. The momentum snatching play for Harrison came in the third quarter from Meyer who ran a 49-yard interception back for a touchdown.
More: Harrison capitalizes on West Lafayette miscues
5. Nehemiah Powers - Lafayette Jeff
It wasn't just the offense that flourished for the Bronchos. Leading the charge for Lafayette Jeff was the senior defensive lineman Powers. Powers hounded Avon at the line of scrimmage for a team-leading two sacks.
More: A culture reset and a healthy, humbled quarterback are lifting up Lafayette Jeff football
6. William King - Faith Christian
A quarterback that makes tackles and lays down wood? King passed the ball and did some crowning of his own on defense. The senior quarterback and middle linebacker threw a 49 yard touchdown and recovered a fumble for a 9-yard touchdown to lead Faith Christian to its first 11-man win in program history beating Irvington Preparatory Academy 25-6.
7. Kelby Harwood - North Montgomery
The 6-foot-3 wide receiver Harwood was sensational in a 52-20 loss to North Putnam. Harwood made eight catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns.
8. Jonathan Pearson - Tri-County
Pearson affected the game in a multitude of ways for the Cavaliers. Pearson gained 132 all-purpose yards with two touchdowns, one rushing and receiving to lead Tri-County over Covington 25-20.
9. Mason McCarty - Crawfordsville
The junior quarterback sped by the Wolves of Parke Heritage. McCarty rushed for two touchdowns of 10 and 88 yards on Friday to help the Athenians win their season opener 14-6.
10. Heath Tolliver - Southmont
Tolliver's speed and arm were on display against Fountain Central. The junior 6-foot-4 quarterback threw two touchdowns of 19 and 57 yards and added a 57-yard rushing touchdown as the Mounties rode to a 42-14 win.
Ethan Hanson is the sports reporter for the Journal & Courier in Lafayette. He can be reached at ehanson@jconline.com , on Twitter at EthanAHanson and Instagram at ethan_a_hanson .
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Week 1 Top Performances: Harrison, Lafayette Jeff lead big night on gridiron
Most Popular
Comments / 0