CLEMSON — In 2016, the only thing Georgia eighth-graders feared more than pre-algebra tests was lining up against the undefeated Grayson Middle School football team.
The championship-winning squad featured the backfield talents of quarterback Ian Schieffelin, who was hovering several inches above other players on the field, and running back Phil Mafah, who juked defenders all the way back to third-period geography class.
While Mafah punished linebackers with his physicality, Schieffelin directed the offense with confidence. He fired screen passes to receivers, connected on deep play-action bombs for touchdowns, and even occasionally took off running for crucial first downs.