In a football game, there are four methods to earn points, with countless strategies for achieving them. Football, which dates back to its first high school game in 1862 in Boston, has seen some players excel in scoring touchdowns, field goals, safeties, and points after touchdowns more than their counterparts.
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) was established in 1920 to serve as a guiding body for high school sports across the United States. With member associations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the NFHS oversees regulations and maintains records for various sports. Record-Breaking Point Scorers in High School Football History.
This is a list of top-scoring high school football players throughout history. These local legends have left their mark on the sport, with some even becoming Heisman Trophy winners and All-Americans. Interestingly, a few of these high-achieving players had limited playing time during their college careers.
Get ready to be inspired by their incredible achievements as we delve into the stories behind these high-scoring legends. Here we will discuss about 15 legend players:
1. Record-Breaking Point Scorers in High School Football History is Michael Hart get 1,246 Points
High school: Onondaga High School (Nedrow, New York)
Years: 2000-03
Position: Running back
Bottom line: Michael Hart guided Onondaga to three state championships and established a national record for career touchdowns, which Johnathan Gray from Aledo High later surpassed eight years after. Hart also set the career rushing record at the University of Michigan, earned All-Big Ten honors three times, and enjoyed a three-season stint in the NFL.
Please note that all point totals mentioned have been compiled using data from the NFHS record books, MaxPreps archived statistics, and Stadium Talk research. Record-Breaking Point Scorers in High School Football History.
2. Johnathan Gray — 1,232 Points
High school: Aledo High School (Aledo, Texas)
Years: 2008-11
Position: Running back
Bottom line: Johnathan Gray stands out as one of the most renowned high school football players from Texas, a significant accomplishment in itself. During his time at Aledo High, Gray accumulated an impressive 10,881 rushing yards along with a national record of 211 touchdowns, culminating in a state championship and Gatorade National Player of the Year honors.
Unfortunately, Gray’s college career at the University of Texas faced setbacks, as he suffered from two Achilles tendon injuries within a four-year span. Record-Breaking Point Scorers in High School Football History
3. Charlie Spegal — 1,164 Points
High school: New Palestine High School (New Palestine, Indiana)
Years: 2016-19
Position: Running back
Bottom line: Charlie Spegal concluded his high school football journey with consecutive state championships at New Palestine High, joining the exclusive group of just five players across the nation to achieve over 10,000 rushing yards and score more than 1,000 points in their career.
Spegal opted to join the University of Indiana as a preferred walk-on, where former Michigan standout Mike Hart, who recruited him, serves as the running backs coach. Spegal’s illustrious career culminated in being honored as Indiana’s Mr. Football in 2019.
4. Arkeel Newsome — 1,162 Points
High school: Ansonia High School (Ansonia, Connecticut)
Years: 2010-13
Position: Running back
Bottom line: Arkeel Newsome made a name for himself in Connecticut by setting the state record with 10,672 career rushing yards and establishing a career record of 187 touchdowns. Additionally, he holds the single-season record with an impressive 68 touchdowns.
Newsome continued his football journey at the University of Connecticut (UConn), where he accumulated 1,956 rushing yards and scored eight touchdowns over four seasons.
5. T.A. McLendon — 1,076 Points
High school: Albemarle High School (Albemarle, North Carolina)
Years: 1998-2001
Position: Running back
Bottom line: During his last game for Albemarle High, T.A. McLendon displayed his exceptional talent by scoring seven touchdowns in the Class 1A state championship, setting a national career record for touchdowns.
As a freshman at North Carolina State, McLendon emerged as one of the nation’s top running backs, setting the school’s single-season record with 18 touchdowns and earning the title of ACC Rookie of the Year.
After his junior season, McLendon left college for the NFL draft but went undrafted. Unfortunately, two years later, he faced legal troubles due to drug possession in his hometown.
6. Cory Eikmeier — 1,021 Points
High school: Dodge High School (Howells, Nebraska)
Years: 1993-96
Position: Running back
Bottom line: Cory Eikmeier, despite playing eight-man football, continues to hold Nebraska’s all-class rushing record with an impressive 8,330 yards and 156 career touchdowns.
Eikmeier’s remarkable achievements include guiding Dodge High to three consecutive state championships and playing college football at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. In recognition of his outstanding career, Eikmeier was inducted into Nebraska’s Eight-Man Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
7. Kellen Overstreet — 1,020 Points
High school: Penney High School (Hamilton, Missouri)
Years: 2011-14
Position: Running back
Bottom line: Kellen Overstreet delivered an exceptional senior season at Penney High, which is considered one of the best in high school football history. His remarkable 4,259 rushing yards and 70 touchdowns rank among the top five single-season achievements nationwide.
Having scored a total of 168 touchdowns in high school, Overstreet became the first Parade All-American to sign with the University of Wyoming. However, his college career was short-lived, as he played only two seasons there.
8. Nick Brosette — 1,002 Points
High school: University Laboratory School (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Years: 2010-14
Position: Running back
Bottom line: Nick Brossette started as an eighth grader and played five seasons of varsity football at University Lab High, which is allowed in Louisiana.
At LSU, he spent his first three seasons as a backup to future NFL stars Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice before finally becoming the full-time starter in 2018, one year before the Tigers went undefeated and won a national title.
9. Terrance Wilkes — 960 Points
High school: Wadley High School (Wadley, Alabama)
Years: 2003-06
Position: Running back
Bottom line:
Terrance Wilkes was a standout running back in Alabama’s high school football history. During his time at Wadley High, he amassed 9,688 rushing yards and 160 touchdowns, ending his senior season with an impressive 2,022 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns.
Tragically, just weeks after his final high school football game, 18-year-old Wilkes was fatally shot at a park in Wadley.
10. Brett Law — 952 Points
High school: Sheridan High School (Sheridan, Indiana)
Years: 1986-89
Position: Running back
Bottom line: Brett Law, along with Nick Zachery, emerged as a sensation at Sheridan High during the late 1980s. Law set the state record with an impressive 6,863 rushing yards.
Though injuries hindered Law’s time at the University of Indiana, he had at least one unforgettable game against the University of Missouri. On September 26, 1992, Law contributed to a 20-10 victory with 240 yards, two touchdowns, and 42 carries.
11. James Robinson — 948 Points
High school: Rockford Lutheran Academy (Rockford, Illinois)
Years: 2012-15
Position: Running back
Bottom line: James Robinson left a lasting mark on Illinois high school football, setting state records at Rockford Lutheran with 9,045 career rushing yards and 158 touchdowns.
Later, as an FCS All-American and Walter Payton Award finalist at Illinois State, Robinson displayed his prowess by rushing for 1,899 yards and 18 touchdowns during his senior year.
In 2020, Robinson joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted rookie free agent, continuing his football journey.
12. Derrick Henry – 940 points
High school: Yulee High School (Yulee, Florida)
Years: 2009-12
Position: Running back
Bottom line: Every football fan knows who Derrick Henry is now after winning the Heisman Trophy at Alabama and becoming an NFL superstar for the Tennessee Titans, but his career got its footing at tiny Yulee High.
In 2012, Henry broke Sugar Land (Texas) High School running back Ken Hall’s national career rushing record by running for 4,261 yards as a senior and finishing his career with 12,124 yards.
13. Reggie Skinner — 936 Points
High school: White Oak High School (Vinita, Oklahoma)
Years: 1991-94
Position: Running back
Bottom line: Reggie Skinner, a celebrated eight-man running back from White Oak High, amassed over 8,800 rushing yards and set a national eight-man record with 156 touchdowns.
Skinner went on to play for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and later the University of Oklahoma. Unfortunately, a series of off-field issues, including multiple arrests, prevented him from reaching his full potential.
15. Kevin Grady Jr. — 924 Points
High school: East Grand Rapids High School (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Years: 2001-04
Position: Running back
Bottom line: Kevin Grady Jr. made a name for himself at East Grand Rapids High by setting Michigan state records for career rushing yards, touchdowns, points, rushing attempts, and consecutive games with at least 100 rushing yards. This exceptional performance helped lead his team to consecutive state championships.
Though Grady’s career at the University of Michigan began promisingly, it was eventually derailed by injuries and a DUI arrest where his blood-alcohol content measured .281—nearly four times the legal limit.
15. Nick Zachery — 904 Points
High school: Sheridan High School (Sheridan, Indiana)
Years: 2005-08
Position: Quarterback/return specialist/kicker
Bottom line: Nick Zachery showcased a unique blend of skills while scoring over 900 points at Sheridan High. As a quarterback, punt and kick returner, interception returner for touchdowns, and the team’s kicker, he displayed exceptional versatility.
During his career, Zachery guided Sheridan to four consecutive state championship games, winning three of them in a row. Named Indiana’s Mr. Football in 2008, he played wide receiver and safety for two seasons at the University of Indiana before transferring to Marian, an NAIA institution.
My Last Words
As we reflect on the remarkable achievements of these high school football legends, we honor their dedication and skill that led them to score the most points in history. From hometown heroes to Heisman Trophy winners, their incredible on-field feats have left an indelible mark on the sport. Record-Breaking Point Scorers in High School Football History.
As new talents emerge, we eagerly anticipate the future of high school football, knowing that these record-setters have set the bar high for generations to come. Here’s to celebrating the exceptional players who have etched their names in the annals of high school football greatness!
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