ESPNHS North Carolina - Stock is rising for Houston, JacksonStock is rising for Houston, Jackson
September, 2, 2011
Sep 212:17PM ETEmailPrintCommentsBy Brandon ParkerIn this week's edition of All-State Stock Watch, we're looking at All-State football players who saw their potential value rise or fall over the past week. A player could have performed well in a game, gotten a big-time scholarship offer, broken his leg or just had an off game. (Hey, it happens to the best of us.)
Here are the movers and shakers from week two:

UP — Steve Houston, Richmond RB/DB
Houston made his mark at the DB spot last season for Richmond, but it's from the tailback position that the senior is busting loose in 2011. The senior needed just seven carries to rack up 238 yards and three touchdowns in the Raiders' 44-7 win against Lee County.

DOWN — Alex McCalister, West Forsyth DL
When McCalister transferred from R.J. Reynolds this past summer, it appeared West Forsyth had gotten the jewel it needed to make its defense go. But the Titans' defensive unit has struggled in its first two games, surrendering 41 points in losses to East Forsyth and Carver. Last week against Carver, the Titans saw a 10-point, second-quarter lead disappear into a 17-13 loss. The good news, though, is that with a stud like McCalister, who has drawn several D-1 offers, West Forsyth has the tools to turn things around.

UP — Desmond Jackson, West Rowan RB
After overcoming the shock of losing its first game in 47 contests during the season opener against Mooresville, Jackson and West Rowan bounced back last week. The junior tailback scored three touchdowns to help the Falcons rally for a 45-32 win against Davie. Production like this is what the Falcons need to start up another lengthy win streak and win its fourth straight 3A title.

Brandon Parker covers North Carolina for ESPNHS magazine and ESPNHIGHSCHOOL.com. Follow him on Twitter @brandoncparker or email him at brandon.c.parker@espn.com.