Week 0 Highlights
The Montgomery Advertiser has released its first set of rankings for the 2026 high school football season, spotlighting the ten players who made the most impact during the opening week of play. The list was compiled using preseason expectations, coach feedback and the immediate results of Week 0 matchups across the region.
Deshawn Hall of Prattville tops the receiver chart after scoring a touchdown in his team’s victory over Niceville, Fla., a performance that has already drawn praise from local analysts.
Jayden Aparicio‑Bailey, a defensive back from Montgomery, earned the distinction of the area’s best coverage player, his ability to shut down opposing passing attacks drawing comparisons to state‑level standouts.
Braden Gordon of Prattville showcased a versatile skill set, amassing 108 all‑purpose yards while also contributing on defense, underscoring his potential to influence multiple facets of the game.
Other notable contributors include Jason Crenshaw, a three‑star recruit expected to anchor Prattville’s defensive line, and Elijah Brown, the region’s highest‑rated defensive lineman, who is poised to make a significant impact as the schedule progresses. Will McKay, who assumed the starting quarterback role as a junior, threw for 264 yards and three touchdowns in his debut, while Quinton Robinson powered Pike Road with 4.1 yards per carry and two rushing scores.
Natorian Green, a junior at Carver‑Montgomery, surprised observers by catching two touchdowns in limited action, and Ricardo Parker emerged as a defensive threat who could complement Brown’s interior presence. Elijah Tarver also added two short‑yardage scores despite a modest workload, averaging 4.1 yards per carry.
The initial rankings also feature a watchlist of emerging talents such as Braylon Jackson and Marterrius Sankey, players whose development will be tracked closely as the season unfolds. The Advertiser plans to refresh the list throughout the regular season, reflecting each athlete’s evolving performance and regional influence.