Godby's star receiver Jamarin Simmons needed only one play Friday night to remind everyone why he's considered the area's top football prospect. In our first Play of the Week, the Clemson commit delivered a spectacular leaping catch over Rickards' standout cornerback Tyler Walker Jr. on a deep pass from quarterback Landon Dougherty during the third quarter, igniting the crowd and helping propel Godby to a 35-13 season-opening victory over the Raiders.
Jamarin "Waffle House" Simmons (@JamarinSimmons) doing what he do best. 🧇🧇🧇🧇🧇#BigBendPrepspic.twitter.com/wYCrpLbwzj — Peter Holland Jr (@_Da_pistol) August 22, 2026 The acrobatic grab quickly spread across social media, drawing widespread attention and reinforcing Simmons' growing reputation as a reliable playmaker. The highlight has helped earn him the nickname "Waffle House" among teammates and fans, a nod to the restaurant's slogan and his ability to come down with catches even when tightly covered. The play set up one of Simmons' two touchdown receptions on the night and helped shift momentum firmly in Godby's favor. Simmons finished with three catches for 62 yards and two touchdowns as the Cougars opened the 2026 season with a 1-0 record. Dougherty connected with Simmons on several key plays throughout the game as Godby's offense capitalized on scoring opportunities against the Raiders. For Simmons, the viral catch was the highlight of the evening, but the bigger accomplishment was helping Godby start the season with a convincing win and establishing early momentum for the year ahead.
More: Godby ends six-game skid against crosstown rival Rickards in 35-13 win Other Big Bend plays that were nominated
Florida High's Tucker Campbell, 50-yard FG, Florida High's Aaron Johnson Jr 75-yard TD on the first play Taylor County's Joe Jackson's 52-yard TD pass to Harlem Bell Godby's Kamaren McMillan 90-yard TD run Ryheem Moore's one-handed interception
Is there a video you want to nominate for our Play of the Week? Email us @ pholland@gannett.com More: Vote for the Big Bend Preps Athlete of the Week for 8/17-8/22 Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don't hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Big Bend's Play of the Week: Godby's Jamarin Simmons viral catch at Cox
