Day one at DR7 Tampa featured the future stars of Friday night lights making their presence felt in a loaded 12U division. With powerhouse programs such as Manatee, Team Elite All the Smoke, Next Level, NFTK, Showtime, and more competing, standing out required truly elite play.
Several young athletes rose above the competition with impressive performances throughout pool play, showcasing advanced football IQ, playmaking ability, and big-game confidence.
The Platform will spotlight several top performers from day one that stood out.
Mason Rueter | QB | Next Level
Rueter was the top quarterback in the 12U division on Saturday. He has great size for his age. He paired it with a strong arm and the ability to command the offense effectively throughout the day, making him one the top players in the division on day one.
Knox Megeoghan | WR | Next Level
Megeoghan delivered one of the most electric performances of the day. In a single game he recorded three touchdown receptions and a pick-six, making him the clear Day One MVP in the 12U division.
Otto Brown |WR | Team Elite All the Smoke
Brown showed polish beyond his years as a technically sound route runner. His understanding of how to bend routes back toward the quarterback consistently created separation and open passing lanes.
King Howard | WR/DB | City Boyz
Howard stood out with his size and natural athletic ability, making plays on both sides of the ball and proving to be one of the most versatile athletes in the division.
Jason Matthews: WR: NFTK:
Matthews quietly put together one of the best overall performances of the day, consistently creating opportunities for his offense and making key plays when needed.
Luke Starner | QB | Showtime
Starner operated the Showtime offense with surgical precision, delivering accurate throws and making smart decisions. His leadership gives Showtime a legitimate chance to make a Sunday championship run.
Naylen Goff | WR | Manatee
Goff proved to be a touchdown machine, repeatedly finding the end zone and giving opposing defenses major problems throughout pool play.
Tyrell Hardy | DB | Manatee
Hardy anchored the Manatee secondary with lockdown coverage and multiple interceptions, emerging as one of the top defensive backs of the day.
Honorable Mention Playmakers 12u Division
Liam Gaias: DB: Next Level
Kingston Willis: WR: Team Elite All the Smoke
Talib Tate: WR: Team Elite All the Smoke
Roman Graham: WR: Tri County
Alec Barnette: DB: Team Elite All the Smoke
Max Schmeegold: WR: Team Elite All the Smoke
Raymond Murray: QB: Team Elite All the Smoke
Johnathan Thomas: WR: Showtime
