Week Four in DFW opened with a pair of Thursday night games that delivered everything you want from high school football: a stunning upset of a state-ranked team, late-game heroics, and multiple performances that will move the needle on recruiting boards. Rockwall’s offense looked like a clinic on timing and playmaking, North Crowley’s standout running back reminded everyone why he’s a must-watch, and a handful of quarterbacks and running backs put themselves squarely on the radar of college recruiters.
Below is a breakdown of several top Thursday night performances, we include quick scouting notes, and explain the recruiting implications that these performances provide for these prospects.
Game of the night — Rockwall over state-ranked North Crowley
Rockwall’s passing game and playmakers made the difference in a classic shootout. Several Rockwall names popped on film; here are the biggest standouts.
Ryan Wiley — WR, Class of 2028 (Sophomore) — Rockwall Yellowjackets
Snapshot: 6-foot sophomore, game-winner vs North Crowley. Early offers: Pittsburgh, SMU, UTEP, Tulsa, Sacramento State, North Texas
The performance: Wiley hauled in the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter and was a constant matchup problem all night. His skill set: crisp routes, reliable hands, sudden separation after the catch.
Film notes: Excellent route-running: stems defenders, wins inside-out on comebacks and fades, plus the sudden burst to create separation. Natural hands: plucks contested throws and secures through contact. Shows top-end quickness and speed to threaten downfield.
Recruiting outlook: Early Power-4 and Group-of-5 interest is already on the board. At just a sophomore, Wiley projects as a high-value recruit who will get more looks if he continues to win contested reps and dominates at camps. Next step for him: more early-season film and appearances at regional 7v7/camp settings to validate the offer list.
Brent Rickert — QB, Class of 2026 (Senior) — Rockwall
Snapshot: Efficient passer: with 292 passing yards and 2 TDs in the upset. Athletic, quick release, plus a strong deep ball.
The performance: Poised under pressure, Rickert delivered multiple timely throws and picked his spots to move the chains. Made plays both from structure and on the run.
Film notes: Quick trigger and clean footwork in the pocket. Throws with anticipation and touch on the deep ball. comfortable stepping into throws or setting to throw on the move. Mechanics are repeatable. Limited mental mistakes and he manages the game well.
Recruiting outlook: A productive senior season like this one keeps him on the recruiting radar. If he keeps showing accuracy on intermediate/deep timing throws, expect more recruiting interest
Kaydon Castro — RB, Class of 2027 (Junior) — Rockwall
Snapshot: 71 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns. Runner with downhill power and low center of gravity.
The performance: Castro did the little things, hit creases decisively, finished through contact and executed in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
Film notes: Compact build, accelerates quickly, excellent contact balance and a violent inside handoff style. Shows ability to lower shoulder and create extra yards after contact.
Recruiting outlook: A reliable short-yardage and touchdown threat. With more consistent volume, he’ll draw attention from college programs looking for a three-down back with goal-line finishing ability.
Jack Duckworth — WR, Class of 2026 — Stanford commit (Rockwall)
Snapshot: Stanford commit who made an impact on both sides of the ball for Rockwall. Elite hands, separation speed, and suddenness off the line.
The performance: Made several clutch catches to extend drives and was a physical mismatch whenever targeted. Also contributed on defense/special teams as needed.
Film notes: smart route runner, strong hands, explosive start, a true vertical and chain-mover. Plays bigger than his size at the catch point and is able to generate yards after the catch with sudden lateral power.
Recruiting outlook: Already committed to a top academic-athletic program. Expect him to be a focal point of Rockwall’s offense and a player to monitor for early playing time at the collegiate level.
North Crowley’s RB gets the job done
G’yrell Smith — RB, Class of 2027 — North Crowley
Snapshot: Five touchdown game. Speed, elusiveness, excellent balance and natural vision. Offer from North Dakota more should be coming his way
The performance: Smith repeatedly broke the first tackle and had multiple breakaway runs, a true difference maker. Scored in a variety of ways (inside power and perimeter cuts).
Film notes: Elite burst and change of direction. defender-baiting footwork plus the ability to accelerate into open grass. Stays low and uses pads to create separation, but also can run through contact and keep his feet. Outstanding field vision on zone reads.
Recruiting outlook: A five-TD outing will force more eyes on him. At minimum expect increased Group-of-5 and FCS interest: he is developing into a Power 4 target showed high level production
Rockwall Heath blows out Mansfield Legacy: other performers to note
Carter Zahm — RB, Class of 2027 (6’0, 190) — Heath
Snapshot: Had multiple touchdowns in Heath’s 49–14 win over Mansfield Legacy. Physical runner with a nose for the goal line.
Film notes & outlook: Power runner with strong forward lean and tackle-finishing ability. Projects as a workhorse between the 20s and a clear feature back in district play. Expect recruiting interest to increase and a heavy workload as the season continues.
Prosper Neal — QB, Class of 2027 (Junior) — Rockwall Heath
Snapshot: Two seasons as a starter; quick trigger and strong arm. Week 2: 302 total yards, 2 TDs. In the Mansfield Legacy win: 168 yards, 3 TDs.
Film notes: Athletic pocket presence, crisp footwork, and the ability to make throws off platform. Can beat you with legs and arm.
Axel Lofstrand — QB, Class of 2026 (Senior) — Newman Smith HS (6’3, 200)
Snapshot: Big arm, athletic in the pocket: led a 69–0 win over Sunset HS. Stands tall in the pocket, good throwing platform and deep ball touch.
Film notes & outlook: Prototype size for college QB with arm talent. He makes throws in rhythm and ball placement. His game translates at the next level and he will be a steal for the right program.
Benjamin Wilson — QB, Senior — Frisco Memorial HS
Snapshot: 284 yards, 3 TDs in a 35–6 win over Frisco Independence. Two-sport star, committed to University of Central Oklahoma for baseball.
Film notes & outlook: Big arm, moves well on rollouts, clean footwork. Clean mechanics, good pocket posture
Takeaways & who to watch next
- Top individual performance: G’yrell Smith’s five TDs were impossible to ignore, even in a loss, that kind of production forces recruiters to evaluate him more deeply.
- Most impactful underclassman: Ryan Wiley (2028) early offers and a go-ahead touchdown as a sophomore playing at a high level.
- Quarterback stock risers: Brent Rickert and Prosper Neal both delivered performances that should translate to increased recruiting interest. Axel Lofstrand will attract programs that covet size and arm talent.
Recruiting notes: Several players on this list (Wiley, Rickert, G’yrell Smith, Zahm, Duckworth) should expect more staff calls and offer movement if they maintain this level of play over upcoming district games.
