2024 Bluegrasspreps.com Mr. Football Watchlist (8/27)

**DevilMayCare** · August 27

Week 1 Headlines

• Atwell Blasts Apollo To The Moon

• Carter Outruns A Pack Of Wild Horses

• Meet The New Hodge, Same As The Old Hodge

Pic cred to The Owensboro Times.

Brady Atwell (Owensboro Catholic, QB)

If you were sitting on either side of the stands at Apollo High School Friday night and felt a tinge of deja vu, rest assured there was no distortion of time and space. The force of nature wearing #7 only made it seem that way. Atwell accounted for six touchdowns - four passing, two running - Friday night after doing the same to the Eagles last year. He only needs 79 more to equal his junior season total. Piece of 🍰.

Season To Date: 14/27 for 207 yards and 4 TDs with 1 interception | 75 rushing yards and 2 TDs

Highlights: vs. Apollo

Martels Carter Jr. (Paducah Tilghman, ATH)

Tilghman's storm cell is already beginning to swell. Carter lit the fuse on the 2024 season by housing the opening kickoff against McCracken County. PT coach Sean Thompson echoed our own @TilghmanPride in questioning the Mustangs’ decision making process, telling the Paducah Sun, “I don't know why teams keep kicking to him”. The shared bemusement is understandable, given that Carter took six kicks back for scores last year.

Season to date: 1 reception for 15 yards | 1 kick return touchdown | 1 fumble forced and 1 recovered

Highlights: vs. McCracken County

Connor Hodge (Christian Academy of Louisville, ATH)

After leading the state in receptions and interceptions last year, the younger Hodge seamlessly transitioned to quarterback and picked up where brother Cole left off. He rolled up over 300 yards of total offense and all four CAL touchdowns against Owensboro. Proving that his new role hasn't detracted from his defensive efforts, Hodge pilfered his first pass of the season to help further thwart the Red Devils.

CAL's social media endorses his inclusion this week, though they may be a little biased. 🤏

Season to date: 18/22 for 233 yards and 3 TDs | 70 rushing yards and 1 TD | 1 interception

Honorable Mention

Austin Alexander (Cooper, DE/TE)

Got his season off on the right foot, defensively, registering a pair of sacks to help dispatch Bardstown.

Season to date: 2 tackles | 2 sacks

Clay Hayden (Beechwood, QB)

Rescued the Tigers with a touchdown strike to seal the comeback victory over Pulaski County with 33 seconds remaining.

Season to date: 12/22 for 190 yards and 2 TDs

Highlights: vs. Pulaski County

Photo credit to Matt Stone for the Courier-Journal.

Cortez Stone (Central, RB)

Pulled a disappearing act on a Manual safety before jetting 73 yards to paydirt, as part of a 142 yard, two touchdown night.

Season to date: 11 carries for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns | 2 receptions for 42 yards

Highlights: vs. Manual

Photo credit to the 13th Region Media Network.

Kade Elam (Corbin, QB)

The seasoned leader of the Redhounds is arguably the most underrated quarterback in a star studded ‘25 class. Elam compiled 274 yards and two touchdowns against Pikeville in a battle of EKY bluebloods.

Season to date: 17/27 for 242 yards and 1 touchdown | 32 rushing yards and 1 touchdown