Gainesville quarterback Deshaun Watson entered this season as one of the most highly touted juniors in the state. Already with two seasons as a starter under his belt, the Clemson University recruit had already led the Red Elephants to two region championships, four playoff wins, one trip to the state semifinals, and had been named the Class AAA Offensive Player of the Year after a record-breaking sophomore season last fall. Jackson McDonald took over as the Flowery Branch quarterback in August with considerably fewer credentials.