In a game filled with top-tier youth talent, Rahmir Rivera, the dual-threat quarterback from Toms River Warriors 14U (NJ), proved why he’s one of the most dynamic young QBs in the country. A former AYF National Champion, Rivera was a natural choice for the East All-Star team, though he didn’t get the start. When his number was called, he initially struggled to find his rhythm—a challenge expected when working with new teammates after just four practices.
But once Rivera settled in, he showcased exactly what makes him special. Using his mobility to buy time, he began threading the ball with precision. His 35-yard seam strike to DMV U’s Gabe Sanders was a turning point, followed by a perfectly placed bootleg wheel route to Ashton Carter that went for 40+ yards and a touchdown. From there, Rivera took over, keeping the East ahead and answering every counterpunch from the West.
With four touchdown passes, including scores to Mike McClain and Emerson Walker, plus a clutch rushing touchdown, Rivera led the East to a thrilling 34-33 victory, breaking the West’s four-game winning streak. Finishing with a 70% completion rate, over 200 passing yards, and five total touchdowns, Rivera’s performance earned him All-Star Game MVP honors.
With his combination of poise, playmaking ability, and leadership, Rivera left no doubt that he’s a name to watch as he moves into the high school ranks.
Name: Jordan Blanchard
Position: ATH
Team : OG Ducks
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When you’re the #1-rated athlete in the Class of 2029, expectations are sky-high. But for Jordan Blanchard of the OG Ducks, pressure is just another opportunity to dominate—and that’s exactly what he did in the 2025 AYF 8th Grade East vs. West All-Star Game.
Blanchard wasted no time making an impact, torching the defense with a textbook 9-route that left both the corner and safety in his wake. With elite acceleration and ball-tracking ability, he laid out for a spectacular diving touchdown catch, setting the tone early for the West.
But his impact wasn’t just on offense. Blanchard showed his versatility and football IQ on the defensive side as well, locking down receivers and making crucial plays in coverage to keep the West in striking distance. Whether it was breaking up passes or taking away an entire side of the field, his presence was undeniable.
Blanchard’s ability to take over a game on both sides of the ball solidified why he’s considered the top athlete in his class. While the West fell just short in a 34-33 thriller, Blanchard’s performance further cemented his status as a future star.
Name: Jason Haines
Position: QB
Team : Future U
Class : 2029
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Every year, the AYF East vs. West All-Star Game produces breakout stars, and this time, Arizona native and Future U quarterback Jason Haines stole the spotlight. Coming into the game under the radar, Haines quickly proved he belongs among the elite with a gutsy performance that nearly led the West to victory.
Haines’ ability to shake off mistakes and stay composed was on full display. He showed his improvisational skills and deep-ball accuracy early, breaking the game open with a 54-yard touchdown strike to OG Ducks’ Jordan Blanchard. But when the West found itself trailing by two scores, Haines stepped up in crunch time.
With the pocket collapsing, he maneuvered under pressure, kept his eyes downfield, and delivered a perfectly timed 30-yard wheel route touchdown to Dionte Shepard. Later, he connected with Shepard again on a 51-yard post route, showing off his arm strength, anticipation, and ability to extend plays.
Haines finished the night completing 68% of his passes for over 200 yards, three passing touchdowns, two interceptions, and a late rushing touchdown that brought the West within one point of victory. His performance earned him West MVP honors, proving that he’s more than just a rising name—he’s a true gamer.
Name: Delvin Brooks Jr.
Position: DB
Team : Miami Gardens Ravens (FL) 13u
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Some athletes are labeled as versatile, while others define their position through sheer dominance—Delvin Brooks of the Miami Gardens Ravens is proving he’s the latter. Though he has the size and athleticism to be a standout receiver, his instincts and ball-hawking ability in the secondary are making it clear: Brooks is one of the top defensive backs in the Class of 2029.
Throughout the 2025 AYF Nationals and All-Star Game, Brooks has been a game-changer, always in the right place at the right time. In the East vs. West showdown, he put his elite coverage skills on display, running stride for stride with the West’s speedster Dionte Shepard. When Shepard struggled to secure a deep pass, Brooks capitalized, securing a clutch interception that erased a sure touchdown.
But he wasn’t done. Later in the game, Brooks broke up a key pass and, on the very next play, snagged his second interception of the night, completely shutting down the West’s momentum. His ability to read the game, react quickly, and make big plays earned him Defensive MVP honors and solidified his status as a top-five DB in his class.
With his size, instincts, and versatility, Brooks’ upside is limitless. If he continues to sharpen his craft, there’s no doubt he’ll be a name we hear for years to come.
Name: Dionte Shepherd
Position: WR
Team : Ginn Elite (OH)
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Speed kills, and in the 2025 AYF 8th Grade East vs. West All-Star Game, Dionte Shepard of Ginn Elite (Ohio) showed exactly why he’s one of the most dangerous athletes in his class. Anytime the ball was in his hands, Shepard was a threat to score, torching the East defense with four receptions for over 120 yards and two touchdowns.
Early in the game, Shepard kept the defense honest with quick bubble screens, turning short catches into explosive gains of 10+ yards per touch. But once the East adjusted, Shepard took the top off the defense, first burning them on a perfectly executed wheel route for a touchdown, then making a highlight-reel play on a post route—catching a tipped pass from a teammate and still leaving his defender 10 yards in the dust.
With elite speed and the ability to win one-on-one matchups, Shepard is a nightmare for opposing defenses. It’s clear he’ll be a dangerous weapon at the next level, not just as a receiver but also in the return game, where his game-breaking ability will shine.
One thing you can’t teach is speed, and Shepard has plenty of it.
Name: Genius Allen
Position: DT
Team : North Carolina Darkhorses (NC)
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First and foremost, we want to send well wishes to Genius Allen, the dominant defensive tackle from the North Carolina Darkhorses, who was forced to leave the 2025 AYF 8th Grade East vs. West All-Star Game due to injury. But if you only looked at the stat sheet, you’d never know he didn’t finish the game.
Allen made his presence felt early and often, living in the backfield and disrupting plays with his elite strength and relentless motor. In limited action, he racked up five tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and a sack, proving once again why he’s one of the most feared interior linemen in his class.
A true 110% effort guy, Allen plays every snap like it’s his last—and that mindset will be key in his recovery. His passion, work ethic, and physical dominance make him a name to watch, and we have no doubt this is just a minor setback for a major comeback.
Name: Colin Itule
Position: OL
Team : AZ Wardawgs
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The AZ Wardawgs may not be a household name in AYF just yet, but thanks to the performance of Offensive Lineman Colin Itule, that could soon change. The big, technically sound left tackle for Team West made his presence known in the 2025 AYF 8th Grade East vs. West All-Star Game, proving to be a key piece in the trenches.
Wearing a bright red helmet and #72 jersey, Itule was the go-to guy when the West needed rushing yards. Time and time again, they ran behind his side, trusting his ability to not only handle the first defender but also climb to the second level, clearing lanes for his ball carriers. While he didn’t rack up pancake blocks, Itule consistently drove defenders out of position, keeping lanes open and giving his quarterback a clean pocket to work with.
Playing offensive line isn’t always glamorous, but Itule plays it with passion and a high level of technique. His performance earned him a solid B+++ grade, and with his combination of size, footwork, and football IQ, expect him to be a name to watch as he continues to develop.
Name: Mike McLean
Position: ATH
Team : Primetime Elite Bulldogs (NC )
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Already regarded as one of the top running backs in his class, Primetime Bulldogs athlete Mike McLean used the 2025 AYF 8th Grade East vs. West All-Star Game to show he’s more than just a backfield threat. Lining up at wide receiver, McLean proved he could be a versatile offensive weapon, showcasing his route-running, football IQ, and reliable hands.
McLean consistently found soft spots in the defense, exposing weaknesses in the zone and serving as a security blanket for QB Rahmir Rivera. He finished the game as the East’s leading receiver, hauling in four catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. His biggest moment came under pressure—when Rivera scrambled away from a collapsing pocket, McLean adjusted his route, secured the catch on an out route, and turned it into a 40+ yard gain after the catch.
With his shiftiness, hands, and ability to create after the catch, McLean’s stock is rising. His natural ability to contribute at multiple positions only makes him more valuable as he continues to develop into a complete offensive playmaker.
Name: Damian Aguirre
Position: LB
Team : Future U
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Arizona’s Future U program may not be a household name across the country just yet, but after the 2025 AYF 8th Grade East vs. West All-Star Game, Damian Aguirre made sure people took notice. The West linebacker played with intensity, flying around the field and making a huge impact in the run game.
Wearing the #22 jersey, Aguirre was a constant presence in the East’s backfield, racking up eight total tackles, with five coming for losses. His instincts and quick reaction time were on full display—he seemed to have the snap count memorized, timing his blitzes perfectly and shooting the A-gap like a heat-seeking missile. Every time the East tried to establish the run, Aguirre was there to shut it down.
A fiery competitor who thrives on high-energy, aggressive play, Aguirre made his presence felt from start to finish. With his ability to diagnose plays, attack downhill, and disrupt offenses, expect his name to rise on the list of top young linebackers to watch moving forward.
Name: Brian Wilson Jr.
Position: RB
Team : Suniland Sundevils (FL
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The Suniland Sundevils’ Brian Wilson Jr. has already established himself as an elite talent in South Florida, but his performance in the 2025 AYF 8th Grade East vs. West All-Star Game proved he’s ready for the national stage. A true all-purpose back, Wilson showcased his unique blend of vision, power, and breakaway speed, making him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the game.
Although the East leaned heavily on its passing attack, Wilson made the most of his opportunities. He nearly broke free on a perfectly executed wheel route that would have gone for a touchdown, but the pass just missed him. As a runner, he displayed his signature smooth yet violent running style, capable of both steamrolling defenders and outrunning them in the open field.
His most electric play of the game came on what should have been a five-yard loss—but Wilson had other plans. As a defender rolled over him, Wilson used his hand to keep himself off the ground, bounced out of the tackle, and sprinted for a 42-yard gain, setting up the game-clinching score.
While he didn’t find the end zone, his ability to turn any play into a potential touchdown kept defenders on edge. Wilson is the kind of back that makes you hold your breath every time he touches the ball—and that’s exactly what makes him so special.
Name: Trey Washington
Position: RB
Team : Las Vegas Tribe
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When you give Trey Washington a crease, he’ll make you pay. The Las Vegas Tribe running back put his explosiveness on full display in the 2025 AYF 8th Grade East vs. West All-Star Game, leading all rushers with 103 yards on just 6-7 carries—a staggering average in an All-Star setting.
Washington wasted no time making his impact felt, ripping off a 67-yard run on a perfectly executed zone sweep, then following it up with another 26-yard burst on the same play. His quick feet and decisive running style separate him from the pack—he doesn’t waste movement, hitting the hole with purpose and exploding into the second level.
With a back like Washington in the backfield, the West’s offense stayed balanced and kept the defense honest. He may not have needed a high volume of carries, but every time he touched the ball, he was a threat to break a big one. The X-Factor of the West’s ground game, Washington proved he’s a back to watch moving forward.
Name: Davon Dunn
Position: DB
Team : San Diego Bolts (CA)
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Confidence, skill, and a high football IQ—that’s what you get with Davon Dunn. The San Diego Bolts athlete came into the 2025 AYF 8th Grade East vs. West All-Star Game talking the talk, but more importantly, he backed it up with his play.
Dunn is listed as an athlete because of his versatility, but after watching him completely shut down his side of the field, it’s clear he’s a true cornerback. His ability to reroute receivers at the line of scrimmage, anticipate throws, and bait quarterbacks into making mistakes made him a nightmare for the East’s passing attack. Even when a receiver seemed open, Dunn’s quick recovery speed allowed him to make a play on the ball.
And if that wasn’t enough, Dunn also flashed his special teams ability, nearly taking a kickoff to the house after reversing field for a 41-yard return. His vision and elusiveness in the open field make him a dangerous weapon in the return game.
There’s no better stage to prove you’re among the nation’s elite than the AYF 8th Grade All-Star Game, and Dunn left no doubt—he’s a playmaker on both defense and special teams.
Name: Maurice Wright
Position: DB
Team : Miami Gardens Ravens (FL)
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Most 8th-grade linebackers eventually transition to different positions at the high school level, and Maurice Wright is already ahead of the curve. The Miami Gardens Ravens standout made a seamless shift to the secondary in the 2025 AYF 8th Grade East vs. West All-Star Game, proving that his instincts and playmaking ability translate anywhere on the field.
Wright finished the game with five tackles, one tackle for loss (TFL), and three pass breakups, showing his ability to both defend the run and disrupt the passing game. What stood out the most was his football IQ—he not only made plays but also helped his teammates align properly, showing the type of leadership that coaches love.
A natural defensive playmaker, Wright has the awareness, physicality, and ball skills to thrive as a defensive back at the next level. If this game was any indication of what’s to come, he’s well on his way to a strong high school career.
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