Kentwood High School senior athlete Ahmade Bickham Jr. has been named the Gridiron Football Player of the Week following an explosive performance in the Kangaroos’ season-opening victory over Westminster Christian Academy.
Bickham was nearly unstoppable with the football in his hands, rushing for 171 yards and four touchdowns on only six carries. His dominant performance helped Kentwood defeat a Westminster Christian team that entered the season after reaching the state semifinals as the No. 1 seed a year ago.
The Kentwood standout received 115,345 votes to win the national poll, which originally featured 60 nominations submitted by coaches from across the country. After the field was narrowed to 20 finalists, Bickham received tremendous support from his teammates, teachers and the entire Kentwood community.
“It means a lot to me. Everybody was dedicated. Everybody had my back—even the teachers.”
Kentwood ATH Ahmade Bickham Jr.
Kentwood head coach Cornelius Blount was not surprised to see his senior playmaker deliver when his team needed him.
“It was what I expected. Most of the time, you want to put the ball in your best player’s hands, but we have a lot of weapons. He only got the ball six times. He did what he was supposed to do.”
Kentwood Head Coach Cornelius Blount
Although Bickham produced the eye-catching statistics, Blount made sure to credit the players around him. Kentwood’s blockers created running lanes throughout the game before the entire team rallied around Bickham during the Player of the Week voting.
“When I say they blocked their tails off for him, they love him. They’re crazy about him. I’m more proud of my players and the way they all went to bat for Ahmade to make sure he won. That’s what it’s about. That’s team football.”
Kentwood Head Coach Cornelius Blount
Bickham also credited his teammates for helping him turn nearly every opportunity into a game-changing play.
“Every time I touch the ball, it’s Ahmade’s house call. My teammates and the boys block, and they’re going to make sure I get there every time.”
Kentwood ATH Ahmade Bickham Jr.
The senior’s versatility makes him one of Louisiana’s most intriguing small-school prospects. During his career, Bickham has played quarterback, running back, outside linebacker and defensive back. His athleticism allows Kentwood to move him around the formation and create mismatches against opposing defenses.
Blount has coached several outstanding players during his 13 years at Kentwood, but he believes Bickham belongs among the best.
“I’ve been here for 13 years, and I’ve seen a lot of talent. He’s up there with Trey Palmer and Shyheim Carter. He’s a straight baller. With the ball in his hands, he’s spectacular. He’s one of the top players I’ve coached, hands down.”
Kentwood Head Coach Cornelius Blount
Bickham currently holds an offer from Grambling State, but his recruitment could quickly gain momentum if he continues producing performances like his Week 1 showing. His message to college coaches is simple.
“If you’re in a tight spot and need somebody to come through for you, I’m always there.”
Kentwood ATH Ahmade Bickham Jr.
Along with being recognized as the Gridiron Football Player of the Week, Bickham received an invitation to participate in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game on December 30 at Louisiana Christian University. For Bickham, the opportunity is another blessing and a chance to represent Kentwood against talented players from across the region.
“I just want to thank God that He gave me the chance to be here.”
Kentwood ATH Ahmade Bickham Jr.
With his Player of the Week honor secured, Bickham now turns his attention toward helping Kentwood accomplish its ultimate goal: returning to the Caesars Superdome and competing for a state championship.
Other Finalists:
Jeremy Roy — Kaplan (LA), RB/WR/S, Class of 2029 — 111,582 votes
Four carries for 120 yards and one touchdown; completed his only pass for a 12-yard touchdown; recorded a 40-yard interception return and scored a two-point conversion in Kaplan’s 34–7 win over Ascension Episcopal.
Charcolby Donaldson — Ellender Memorial (LA), WR/CB — 45,779 votes
Three receptions for 72 yards and one touchdown; five tackles, one tackle for loss and one interception; returned a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown in a 34–29 loss to Covenant Christian Academy.
Jabarie Wiggins — West Morgan (AL), RB — 16,816 votes
Rushed 14 times for 256 yards and five touchdowns while playing only the first half of West Morgan’s 63–14 victory over Brooks.
Boogie Levingston — St. Michael (LA), QB, Class of 2028 — 15,306 votes
Completed all nine of his passing attempts for 202 yards and three touchdowns while adding 25 rushing yards in a 49–14 win over Loranger.
Christian Maxie — C.E. Byrd (LA), RB — 7,770 votes
Rushed 40 times for 429 yards and three touchdowns in a 44–37 loss to Ouachita Parish.
Breez Wilson — Chalmette (LA), QB — 7,400 votes
Completed 7-of-9 passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns while rushing 10 times for 108 yards and three scores. He finished with 222 total yards and five touchdowns in a 55–14 win over John Ehret.
Zechariah Guyton — Georgetown (TX), RB/LB, Class of 2028 — 5,594 votes
Rushed nine times for 52 yards and two touchdowns while recording six solo tackles, four assists, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hurry and one blocked field goal in a 28–23 win over Temple.
Kenric “Boogie” Johnson — Riverside Academy (LA), ATH, Class of 2028 — 5,260 votes
Completed 8-of-11 passes for 75 yards and one touchdown; rushed for 130 yards and two scores; caught a 43-yard touchdown pass; intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble in a 40–32 win over John F. Kennedy.
Christian Black — Broadmoor (LA), LB, Class of 2028 — 2,836 votes
Recorded seven tackles, three tackles for loss and one blocked punt while scoring two touchdowns on blocked-punt recoveries in a 34–14 win over Mentorship Academy.
Kaiton Packett — Logansport (LA), WR — 1,670 votes
Finished with 200 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns—two rushing and one receiving—while adding two interceptions, five tackles and one pass breakup in a 44–38 win over Many.
Jaden Celestine — Lafayette (LA), RB — 1,660 votes
Rushed 19 times for 224 yards and four touchdowns in Lafayette’s 39–23 victory over Live Oak.
Jeremy Favorite — North Iberville (LA), RB — 1,164 votes
Rushed 15 times for 193 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 12.9 yards per carry, in a 34–15 win over Fisher.
Jacob Smith — Cutter Morning Star (AR), QB, Class of 2028 — 1,110 votes
Completed 31-of-47 passes for 402 yards and three touchdowns in a 48–31 loss to Fountain Lake.
Cameron Bagwell — River Oaks (LA), RB/LB — 1,104 votes
Rushed 11 times for 375 yards and four touchdowns while recording six tackles, two tackles for loss, one interception and one fumble recovery in a 46–32 victory over Evangel Lightning of Montevallo, Alabama.
Carter Champagne — Erath (LA), WR — 880 votes
Caught four passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns; completed a pass for a 49-yard touchdown and recovered a fumble in a 39–29 win over Loreauville.
Colton Nussmeier — Archbishop Rummel (LA), QB — 562 votes
Completed 19-of-35 passes for 307 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning score with 33 seconds remaining. He added 53 rushing yards and one touchdown for 360 total yards and three scores in a 34–28 win over U-High.
Karson Lacey — Daphne (AL), DB/KR/PR, Class of 2028 — 461 votes
Recorded three solo tackles, one assist, one interception with a 31-yard return, one pass breakup and one quarterback pressure while returning a kickoff for a touchdown in a 42–21 win over Alma Bryant.
Jabari Levingston — Lincoln Prep (LA), QB, Class of 2028 — 220 votes
Completed 4-of-6 passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns while rushing nine times for 146 yards and three scores. He totaled 258 yards and five touchdowns in a 52–12 win over Delhi.
Jaylen Gaines — The Colony (TX), QB — 212 votes
Passed for 294 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 58 yards and two scores, setting a school record with seven total touchdowns in a 63–0 victory over Fossil Ridge.