The Battle for Hilliard – Darby vs Davidson Offensive Standouts

Thursday Night Lights couldn’t have been any better in Hilliard.  You run the option if you play football in Hilliard and both teams put on a superb display.  Davidson scored late in the game to take the lead and closed it out on defense to seal it 17 - 13 over Darby. <strong>Standouts (Hilliard Davidson)</strong> #10 QB <strong>Blake Pettit (Jr.)</strong> - True option QB.  Showed great discipline reading his keys.  Explosive with the ball in his hands, especially on the 2nd and 3rd level.  Has enough wiggle to make tacklers miss repeatedly.  Strong arm with athletic ability to play multiple positions at the next level. #15 RB <strong>Leo Nixon (Jr.)</strong> - Extremely talented, multi faceted player.  He fits the mold of a true slot back in an option offense.  Electric carrier of the football.  He can shake defenders and run them over when needed.  Caught the ball away from his body and separated past defensive backs.  Will make college coaches happy watching the tape. #2 TE <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34246" first="Kevin" last="Roberts"]</strong> <strong>(Sr.)</strong> - At 6’3 230, Kevin is worthy of his multiple FCS offers.  Competes hard on both sides of the ball and is also a standout Defensive Lineman.  Explosive blocker at the LOS with good hip bend and low pad level.  Motions and becomes lead blocker in midline scheme with tenacity.  Catches the ball out in front of the body and is tough to tackle.  Delivers blows to tacklers.  Kevin is the kind of player who could garner some more offers as the season progresses. #78 OL <strong>William Knapke (Jr.) </strong>- Bigger frame and can put on size needed to excel at next level.  Moves with straight ahead and lateral quickness.  Sufficient scoop blocker with above average technique.  Worth gathering more tape being he is a junior and will continue to fill out. #17 WR <strong>Jack Fantin (Sr.)</strong> - First year player but a sleeper to watch in 2020.  Option offense doesn’t allow him too many opportunities to catch ball but he made the most of them.  Taller wide receiver with explosive get off.  Sufficient blocker for someone who hasn’t blocked before.  Deserves a look. <strong>Standouts (Hilliard Darby)</strong> #11 QB <strong>Blake Horvath (Jr.)</strong> - True option QB.  Commands the offense well and is an above average reader of defenses.  Possesses exceptional speed and wiggle.  Very durable when tackled.  Third level burst was impressive. #35 FB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34254" first="Connor" last="Jones"] (Sr.)</strong> - Two way standout with multiple FBS offers.  His play llast night confirmed what Division 1 coaches already know; he can ball. #74 OL <strong>Hayden Gladden (Jr.)</strong> - Impressive size at 6’4 230 with above average athletic ability.  Explosive first two steps and plays with relatively low pad level.  Bends his knees well and can run to the 2nd level.  Will have to mold his technique to more traditional offenses but worth every look on tape. #54 OL <strong>Jacob Neri (Sr.)</strong> - At 6’1 260, Jacob possesses the size you like in a guard.  He can be a nasty blocker on the LOS but also dips, rips and runs with speed to level 2.  Plays with low pad level and can bend his knees and hips well. #76 OL <strong>Andrew Williams (Sr.)</strong> - As a junior played TE and DL.  TE’s usually make the best OT’s and Andrew fits the mold.  Blocking technique is sufficient for his lack of experience.  At 6’2 220, he has the frame to put on some good weight as he matures.  Uses his hands well and runs his feet through defenders.  Worth taking some extra time studying his tape. &nbsp; &nbsp;