A-K Valley high school football players to watch for 2024 Week Zero

By: Michael Love
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 | 6:41 PM

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Jayden Floyd

Leechburg, sr., QB/FS

Floyd became just the 17th signal caller in WPIAL history to both throw and run for 1,000 yards in a single season last fall. He accounted for 26 touchdowns — 18 rushing, eight passing — and 2,624 combined yards as the Blue Devils reached the WPIAL playoffs for a program-record third straight season. Floyd, a senior co-captain, hopes to get his 2024 season off to a strong start at home Friday against rival Apollo-Ridge.

Zach Grant

Deer Lakes, sr., WR/DB

Grant tied for the team lead last year in total receptions with 33 and collected 527 yards and eight touchdowns. Both his yardage and TDs were second only to graduate Ryan Cochran. Grant hopes to make his mark Friday as Deer Lakes begins its journey toward a third straight WPIAL playoff appearance.

Montrell Johnson

Highlands, sr., WR/DB

While the Golden Rams move down from Class 4A to Class 3A, Johnson hopes to move up in stature and influence for a team seeking its fourth consecutive trip to the WPIAL postseason. Last year, Johnson had 43 tackles and two interceptions as the now third-year starter earned all-conference first-team recognition. In Highlands’ run-heavy offense, Johnson caught seven passes for 142 yards, an average of 20.3 yards per catch.

Mason Simmons

Valley, sr., QB/DB

Simmons is energized to lead the Vikings as he hopes to stay healthy in his final varsity season after battling through injury as a junior. The multisport athlete — he also plays hockey and baseball — says he has improved his accuracy throwing the football and also his speed for when he takes off and runs for yardage. Simmons hopes to help Valley make its first WPIAL playoff appearance since 2015.

Michael Love is a TribLive reporter covering sports in the Alle-Kiski Valley and the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh. A Clearfield native and a graduate of Westminster (Pa.), he joined the Trib in 2002 after spending five years at the Clearfield Progress. He can be reached at mlove@triblive.com.

Tags: Deer Lakes, Highlands, Leechburg, Valley