The Battle for Hilliard – Darby vs Davidson Defensive Standouts

Thursd<span style="font-size: 1rem;">ay Night Lights couldn’t have been any brighter in Hilliard.  You play option defense if you play in Hilliard and both teams put on a stellar display.  Davidson scored late in the game to take the lead and closed it out on defense to seal it 17 - 13 over Darby.</span> <strong>Standouts (Hilliard Davidson)</strong> #2 DE <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34246" first="Kevin" last="Roberts"] (Sr.)</strong> - Kevin has multiple offers from FCS schools.  His defensive play on Thursday indicated a high football acumen for technique against an option attack.  Was patient at the LOS and played with his eyes.  Was rarely out of position in regard to his assignments.  Two way player who doubles as a TE on offense.  Highly impressed with his performance.  Has good bloodlines and comes from a football family in Central Ohio. #16 Safety<strong> Kyle Pepera (Sr.)</strong> - Kyle was battling for the starting QB position in fall camp.  He stood out all night with his speed, downhill aggression, and tackling ability.  Above average open field tackler as he was the last line of defense from his position.  Kyle deserves a chance to have someone review his tape.  Highly impressive performance. #33 LB <strong style="font-size: 1rem;">Will Rife (Sr.)</strong><span style="font-size: 1rem;"> - High academic player with heavy involvement in school.  Very patient in the box and possesses the ability to slow down and accelerate well.  Tenacious tackler who runs his feet through the ball carrier.  </span> #55 NG <strong>Nikolas Monroe (Jr.)</strong> - Nikolas was always around the ball when the option hit in between the tackles.  Fires his hands into the blocker and gets good extension.  Possesses good bend in the hips to move ahead and laterally well.  Motor was always churning.  Rising junior worth a look. <strong>Standouts (Hilliard Darby)</strong> #99 DL <strong>Brad Weaver (Sr.)</strong> - Outstanding football and wrestling athlete for Darby.  Brad was all over the broadcast around the football.  Very high motor with forward and lateral quickness.  At 6’4 240 he is a can’t miss player at the next level. #8 DL <strong>Kole Kendall (Sr.)</strong> - Kole played the unenviable task of interior DL vs the option.  Had great get off all night long and was around the ball.  Fires his hands well with leverage and runs his feet.  Kole is a player to keep an eye on. #33 LB <strong>Luke Manche (Jr.)</strong> - Luke is very impressive.  Possessed great situational awareness all night and read the plays in front of him well.  Was patient between the tackles to his assignments and runs sideline to sideline.  He is a tenacious tackler and run<span style="font-size: 1rem;">s his feet through the tackle.  Wasn’t challenged in the pass but possesses the speed to hang down the field.  Rising star junior.</span> #2 DL <strong>Blayne Barnes (Sr.)</strong> - 6’3 235.  Blayne has a great first and second step with low pad level.  High motor player with the ability to play at the collegiate level.  Has room to fill out his frame.