Independence QB among Charlotte Observer prep football players of the week

Luke McPhail, Independence: The 6-foot-4, 205-pound senior completed 20-of-31 passes for 346 yards and six touchdowns in Friday’s 54-19 season-opening victory over Hopewell. He is the 20th different Mecklenburg County player to throw for six touchdowns in a game. Teammates Shai Wheeler, a 5-10, 165-pound junior, caught 10 passes for 213 yards; and Antwan Watson, a 5-10, 175-pound senior, ran 16 times for 195 yards. Wheeler’s receiving yardage is the 20th best in county history.

Muhsin Muhammad, Myers Park: Junior wide receiver had 153 total yards in a 50-7 victory over Ardrey Kell. That included a 55-yard fake punt score, a 55-yard punt return and a 43-yard catch. Sophomore QB Drake Maye threw for 283 yards and two scores.

Aaron Scott, North Mecklenburg: Scott completed 14-of-23 passes for 231 yards and four touchdowns in a victory over Olympic. He ran 10 times for 84 yards. Teammates Justin Olson (five catches, 133 yards, two TDs; 70-yard punt return for TD) and Fabian Duncan (13 carries, 180 yards, three TDs) also had big games.

Antonio Smith, Garinger: Smith threw for two touchdown passes and ran for another in a 41-21 upset victory over reigning N.C. 4A state champ Harding.

Jack Wilton, Indian Trail Sun Valley: The senior linebacker had 15 total tackles, including two for a loss in Friday’s win over Anson County. He also had a 20-yard interception for a touchdown.

This story was originally published August 27, 2018 at 2:08 PM.