Friday Night Lights: Checking in on Notre Dame Recruits

High School football is among us and many Irish commits were in action this past week. In an effort to keep Irish fans engaged with the recruits, we will be tracking their progress on the gridiron every week.
Notre Dame had 6 commits in action on Friday, 5 from the 2018 class and 1 from the 2019 class. Here is how they fared:
Derrik Allen: Allen and his Lassiter (GA) football squad took on John’s Creek HS (GA) and he was as advertised. The four-star safety commit finished the game with double-digit tackles, an interception and multiple other pass break-ups in a 45–21 victory. Needless to say, he was a game-wrecker on defense. Next game: Vs. Pope High School (GA)
Markese Stepp: Stepp made his way back on to the football field after dealing with a hamstring injury all of last season and showed out in a big way. The Cathedral Fighting Irish (IN) made their way to Kentucky to face powerhouse St. Xavier. Stepp showed no signs of rust as he rushed for 200+ yards on just 18 carries; also breaking off a 70 yard touchdown run. He added two other scores on the ground in a 35–28 loss. Next game: Vs. Detroit King High School (MI)
Jahmir Smith: Notre Dame’s other running back commit also had himself an impressive game piling up 150 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Smith played sparingly in the second half as Lee County HS (NC) won 35–0 over Northwood HS (NC). Next game: @ Holly Springs HS (NC)
Cole Mabry: Mabry’s Brentwood HS (TN) football team opened up against a big rival in Franklin HS (TN) and came away with a close 14–10 victory. Next game: @ Cane Ridge HS (TN)
Jacob Lacey: The lone 2019 commit in action this past week, Jacob Lacey was a force in helping South Warren HS (KY) defeat Hopkinsville HS (KY) 35–14. Even while dealing with a minor leg injury, Lacey was able to compile 8 tackles with Hopkinsville scheming against him all night. Next game: Vs. Warren Central @ Western Kentucky University
Jack Lamb: Lamb’s Great Oak HS (CA) squad scrimmaged on Friday night against Elsinore HS (CA) and he was all over the stat sheet. Lamb recorded 3 tackles for loss, one sack, a safety and forced a fumble. First game: Vs. Heritage HS (CA)
All Other Next Week Games:
Phil Jurkovec: Pine-Richland HS (PA) vs. Wayne HS (OH)
Kevin Austin: North Broward Prep (FL) @ Pembroke Pines Charter (FL)
Shayne Simon, Jayson & Justin Ademilola: St. Peter’s Prep (NJ) vs. Union City HS (NJ) (Sept 1st)
Matthew Bauer: Cathedral Prep (PA) vs. Central Catholic (PA)
George Takacs: Gulf Coast HS (FL) @ Lely HS (FL)
Ovie Oghoufo: Harrison HS (MI) @ East Grand Rapids HS (MI)
John Dirksen: Marion Local HS (OH) vs. Chaminade-Julienne HS (OH)
Micah Jones: Warren Township HS (IL) @ Barrington HS (IL)
Ja’Mion Franklin: North Caroline HS (MD) @ Wicomico HS (MD)
Cade McNamara: Damonte Ranch HS (NV) vs. Northgate HS (CA)

