Lakeville South vs. Mounds View Defensive Players of the Game

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Friday's 6A state quarterfinal matchup between the <em>Lakeville South Cougars </em>and the <em>Mounds View Mustangs</em> was a physical and exciting 38-14 game that featured two of Minnesota's best big school competitors facing off for a chance to go to U.S. Bank Stadium and continue their quest's for a 6A state championship. Within the 38-14 game some defensive standouts on both teams impressed me enough for them to be featured in this state quarterfinal edition of <em>Northstar Football News </em>"Players of the Game." Whether it was rushing the passer and shedding double teams, running the alley, or snagging interceptions, take a look at what these ballers did to distinguish themselves during this banger of a quarterfinal. Hudl game recap: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2CKX5F">http://www.hudl.com/v/2CKX5F</a></span> <span><span style="font-family: times new roman, times, serif;">1) </span><strong style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Riley Mahlman </strong><span style="font-family: times new roman, times, serif;">(6'8, 280 lb.) is the #1 rated recruit in Minnesota for the class of 2021, and it was easy to see why Friday night in Eden Prairie. I couldn't help but feel bad for </span><em style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Mounds View's </em><span style="font-family: times new roman, times, serif;">right tackle, who probably drew the toughest assignment of the day for either team. </span><strong style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Mahlman </strong><span style="font-family: times new roman, times, serif;">would move this lineman 5-yards off the ball in what looked as easy as a 135 pound warmup set on the bench press. Not only did he possess some unique strength, the junior utilized his hands well and worked a couple pass rush moves while trying to get to the QB. He was in the backfield all night, and had a particular affinity for getting to the quarterback at critical points for the </span><i style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Lakeville </i><span style="font-family: times new roman, times, serif;"><i>South</i></span><i style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"> </i><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">defense, especially in the 4th quarter. He came up with two key sacks in the final 12:00 minutes of the game,  and <em>Mounds View </em>didn't have an answer for the behemoth of a DE all night. <em>Mounds View </em>Hudl from two days ago: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9929633/5dc6c4d0664b870f0c424e0d">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9929633/5dc6c4d0664b870f0c424e0d</a></span></span> <span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">2) <strong>AJ "Silverback" Hunt </strong>(6'1, 230 lb.) is a 2020 defensive lineman who captained the defense for <em>Mounds View </em>and one of the most aggressive players on the field for the <em>Mustangs</em>. A strong run-stuffer who filled gaps and fought off <em>Cougar </em>double teams well, it was easy to see why <strong>Hunt </strong>was recently selected to participate in the 2019 Minnesota All-Star Game. Something that particularly stood out to me about <strong>Hunt </strong>however was his attitude every time he stepped on the field for <em>Mounds View</em>. Not only did he never quit on a play on defense, the captain played multiple special teams and was a complete menace on those. Multiple pancake blocks and special teams help were made by #52, and I hope he finds himself on a college football roster next fall. First four games senior year Hudl: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8393862/5d86aba5da5b5b0dacebd1c0">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8393862/5d86aba5da5b5b0dacebd1c0</a></span> <span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">3) <strong>George Brekke </strong>(6'3, 200 lb.) is a senior defensive captain from his safety position for the stingy <em>Cougar </em>defense, and made an impact from the defensive backfield that changed the course of the game. His 1st half interception led to a <em>Lakeville South </em>touchdown that put the <em>Cougars </em>up a couple of scores, and his strong tackling kept the <em>Mustangs </em>from moving the chains all night. He was fun to watch as a safety and no doubt has the size to be a scholarship football player come 2020. <em>Mounds View </em>Hudl from two days ago: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2CKW9b">http://www.hudl.com/v/2CKW9b</a></span>