Jaiden Moore, a sophomore at Hillgrove and a running back for the undefeated Hawk football team was selected as "Player of the Week" by Georgia High School Football Daily for his performance last Friday in a rivalry game against McEachern. 

Jaiden rushed for 255 yards and scored on runs of 97, 51, and 67 yards in a 30-23 victory at McEachern's Walter Cantrell Stadium. He also caught a 34-yard pass to extend a drive that ended with a 20-yard field goal, putting the Hawks in front for good, 17-16, with 4:36 left in the third quarter.

What is most incredible about Jaiden's win is not that he is a sophomore but that he is the backup running behind senior starter Caleb Walters. This is only the second time in the last five seasons that a sophomore has been selected Player of the Week, but it is the first time a non-starter has been chosen!

"Jaiden's been our number 2 or number 3 back all season," Hillgrove Head Coach Justin DeShon said. "He’s a young sophomore with tons of potential. Caleb came up with an ankle injury against Campbell last week, and we had a lot of confidence in Jaiden. We knew he had some spurt, and some things worked out tonight, and he got to showcase his talents."

This year's Hawk team is full of talent, which helped them improve from 2-8 last year to 8-0 this year, the first time since 2018. They are guaranteed a home playoff game for at least the first round of the GHSA playoffs. A win over Harrison tomorrow night will give them the Region 3-6A title, as well as a home game in the second round.

"Jaiden is a special kid, and he has been phenomenal to us all year. The lesson we teach over and over is that it's about opportunity. Jaiden's opportunity came in Week 8 because he steadily practiced and has gotten better all season. We are so happy for him!" Coach DeShon concluded proudly.

"This is a testament to the staff and the culture that has been built at Hillgrove that Jaiden was ready when his number was called," said District Director of Athletics Don Baker. "It can be easy at the high school level to focus on particular individuals, but what is happening with the Hawks is a total team effort. Everybody is pulling in the same direction, and that is refreshing to see. I am super proud of what their entire staff has been able to put together."

Craig Musselwhite presented Jaiden with the GHSF Daily Player of the Week Award, sponsored by Sports Turf, on Wednesday at a brief ceremony in the school cafeteria with his team, coaches, administrators, and members of his family.

Congratulations Jaiden and the entire Hawk football team for an exceptional season. Good luck on Friday!