Florida: Two high school games, five takeaways
The action on the Florida high school football fields was popping in Week 2 with big games up and down the peninsula. Thursday night, Fort Lauderdale’s Stranahan traveled to Plantation seeing five-star receiver Hykeem Williams in action and on Friday, Naples took I-75 north to battle against defending state champs Venice.
THE TAKEAWAYS
Hykeem Williams is reminiscent of an elite NBA player that steps foot on the court getting his 25 points and 10 rebounds each game with ease. Williams is too much for most high school corners to handle because of his size and speed. The five-star hauled in two touchdown passes but missed most of the second half with leg cramps. On the recruiting front, Williams has a set commitment date of Sept. 23 with Texas A&M, Florida State, and Pitt heavily in the mix going down to the wire.
Arkansas is getting a bulldozer in 2023 Naples running back Isaiah Augustave. Going against Venice’s defense, Augustave was popping the pads covering 72 yards on 15 carries. For the curious Arkansas fans, after the game Augustave was decked out in Razorback gear.
The quick cuts and speed were showcased by 2023 four-star Iowa commit Kendrick Raphael. The one-two punch between Augustave and Raphael wore down the Indians’ defense in the second half. Raphael worked the rock 18 times for 104 yards with a score springing a 54-yard run.
Venice defensive end Damon Wilson is looking more and more like a five-star. Although Naples was only credited with two pass attempts, Wilson found other ways to impact the game setting the edge forcing everything inside. When called upon, he went on offense working as a tight end/H-back for Venice.
After the game, Wilson took off for Columbus watching Ohio State take down Notre Dame 21-10 on an official visit. During the post-game interview, Wilson shared he may be committing in the next two to three weeks.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
A Stranahan player to watch going forward is 2024 receiver Cris Thornton. Thornton also pulled down a TD pass and made an impressive juggling reception. Thornton is tall with good speed and great hands. Once college teams find him, his offer sheet will grow in a hurry.
For Plantation, 2023 QB Amer Ellis is raw but talented. Ellis is a dual-threat with a live arm.
Roaming the box for Naples is linebacker Debonair Brown. Brown may not fit the prototypical wants in Power Five linebackers but he is a football player. He led the Golden Eagles with 14 tackles with two tackles for a loss against Venice.