Every week, TexasHSFootball.com will present their official game ball honors to those that were the most impactful under the Friday Night Lights. Our experts watched numerous games and decided on the very best that Week One had to offer. Please post your own game ball honorees below or through our various social media channels. We’ll be sure to keep an eye on those who are suggested.
De’Quavian Thomas (RB, Steele), Julon Williams (QB, Judson)
Game ball is split between the two most impactful players in San Antonio on Friday. Props to Steele running back De’Quavian Thomas for carrying the rushing duties in the absence of stud Brendan Brady, compiling 21 carries, 195 yards and two touchdowns in a easy victory against Madison.
The best game of the week was heavyweight Judson clobbering Lake Travis in a statement season opener. Four-year starter Julon Williams impressed through the air and on foot, totalling 489 individual yards and accounting for five touchdowns in the Rockets upset victory. – Kyle Spishock
Jase McClellan (RB, Aledo), Tre Owens (RB, Aledo), Jaiden Larry (FS, Saginaw Chisholm)
Running backs Jase McClellan and Tre Owens are the new 1-2 punch for the Aledo Bearcats. McClellan (an OU commit) ran for 134 yards and two TDs in the 1st, before fracturing his wrist. Owens came in to replace him and held down the backfield duties. He rushed for two TDs in a dominant Aledo win over Colleyville Heritage 38-21.
FS Jaiden Larry came up big for the Saginaw Chisholm Trail Rangers on defense. Larry had three interceptions to shut down Fort Worth YMLA in a 19-3 Ranger victory. – Marcus Henry
James Fullbright (RB, Waco Midway)
Birthday boy James Fullbright balled out in my game Friday night. The sophomore accounted for 230+ yards and three TDs including a 50-yard game-winner with three minutes left to lift Waco Midway past Cedar Park. – Steven Ryan
Dominique Smith (QB, Andress), Ivan Avina (WR, Eastlake)
Andress quarterback Dominique Smith stood out in a 65-10 season-opening win over Hanks. The junior quarterback finished 16 of 21 passing for 291 yards and five touchdowns and also ran for a touchdown in two and a half quarters of action. He’ll be a key player for Jeff Woodruff and the Eagles in 2017.
Eastlake senior receiver Ivan Avina showed off his playmaking ability last Thursday in a win over El Paso El Dorado, catching 13 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns while adding another rushing touchdown in the Falcons 34-12 win over El Dorado. He’ll be a leader this season for Eastlake and how far they go will ride a lot on how he plays throughout the season. – Tony Venegas
Brock Sturges (RB, Allen)
Brock Sturges performed at the level expected for a player of his caliber in a game of that magnitude when it came to helping the Allen Eagles defeat the Cedar Hill Longhorns 23-8.
Sturges ran for 116 yards and a touchdown and helped Allen get the early advantage as the offense was able to score following Cedar Hill’s turnover on the initial drive of the game. – Jonathan Rodriguez
