Friday’s 6A state quarterfinal matchup between the Lakeville South Cougars and the Mounds View Mustangs 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…
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SubscribeFriday’s 6A state quarterfinal matchup between the Lakeville South Cougars and the Mounds View Mustangs 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 Northstar Football News “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: http://www.hudl.com/v/2CKX5F
1) Riley Mahlman (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 Mounds View’s right tackle, who probably drew the toughest assignment of the day for either team. Mahlman 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 Lakeville South defense, especially in the 4th quarter. He came up with two key sacks in the final 12:00 minutes of the game, and Mounds View didn’t have an answer for the behemoth of a DE all night. Mounds View Hudl from two days ago: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9929633/5dc6c4d0664b870f0c424e0d
2) AJ “Silverback” Hunt (6’1, 230 lb.) is a 2020 defensive lineman who captained the defense for Mounds View and one of the most aggressive players on the field for the Mustangs. A strong run-stuffer who filled gaps and fought off Cougar double teams well, it was easy to see why Hunt was recently selected to participate in the 2019 Minnesota All-Star Game. Something that particularly stood out to me about Hunt however was his attitude every time he stepped on the field for Mounds View. 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: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8393862/5d86aba5da5b5b0dacebd1c0
3) George Brekke (6’3, 200 lb.) is a senior defensive captain from his safety position for the stingy Cougar defense, and made an impact from the defensive backfield that changed the course of the game. His 1st half interception led to a Lakeville South touchdown that put the Cougars up a couple of scores, and his strong tackling kept the Mustangs 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. Mounds View Hudl from two days ago: http://www.hudl.com/v/2CKW9b
