Larry’s Picks for Top Performers in Week 1 of Alabama High School Football

High school football inside the state of Alabama got off to a roaring start on last week with top performers emerging from very corner of the state.

In an effort to highlight multiple top performers, here is a look at my picks from week one:

Jordan Holmes, 2026 Athlete, Pike Road High School:

The Kennesaw commit has been flying under the radar as one of the state’s most kept secrets but that is surely about to change. Holmes had arguably the best performance of any individual Week 1 in the state of Alabama. He posted 9 catches for 141 yards and a touchdown. He also added three interceptions, including a pick 6 and compiled more than 200 all-purpose yards. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound Holmes surely got the attention of many collegiate programs across the country.

There is a debate out there about who the top wide receiver in the state of Alabama is and Corey Barber showed the entire state why he is arguably the top guy. Corey’s dynamic skill-set and his outstanding ability with the ball in his hands is something truly special to watch. The Ole Miss commit registered 169 yards and 2 touchdowns, which were from 63 and 87 yards. He also added a punt return for a touchdown and scored a 60-yard passing touchdown.

Gunner Rivers, 2027 Quarterback, St. Michael’s Catholic High School:

Rivers has already solidified his position as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. Through two seasons, he has thrown for 7,024 yards and 65 touchdowns. He started off his junior campaign by registering 255 yards and 5 touchdowns. Rivers is expected to be a hot commodity on the recruiting trail this upcoming season.

Mason McClure, 2027 Athlete, Spain Park High School:

McClure is one of the rising dynamic athletes in the state. He has 6 catches for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns in his junior debut, and he could soon find himself on collegiate boards across the country.

Dylan Reese, Quarterback, Parker High School:

State-Champion Quarterback, Dylan Reese’s senior campaign is off to a very impressive start. Reese threw for 321 yards and 5 touchdowns against Ramsey in Week 1. Coming off the best season in school history, Dylan will look to solidify his status as one of the top passers in the state. Last season, Reese passed for 1,876 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Jackson Rhodes, 2027 Quarterback, Northside High School:

Rhodes got his second season as a starter for Northside High School off to a good start on last week. Last season, Rhodes passed for 2,280 yards and 25 touchdowns. He was named All-State for his performance. He began his 2025 campaign by throwing for 217 yards and 4 touchdowns. The state of Alabama should get used to hearing this young man’s name.

Lawardrick Jones, 2026 Defensive Back, Saraland High School:

Among the most underrated defensive backs in the state, the 6-foot, 180-pound Jones excels in both man and zone coverage. The trait that stands out the most is his physicality with receivers at the line and his recovery abilities. He had an outstanding game against North Carolina commit Keeyun Chapman in Week 1. Jones has offers from Mississippi State, North Alabama, among others.