Scouting Report – Thomas

On Friday night Thomas took on Class A #2 Cashion in what many considered a potential playoff matchup. The game did not go the way Thomas hoped for as they fell 28-7. Though they did not win, Thomas showed some encouraging play on both sides of the ball and had some players step up and have big nights. Here are the players from Thomas who impressed us against Cashion. [player_tooltip player_id="38503" first="Aden" last="Kelley"] - <strong>Offensive and Defensive Line - Class of 2021</strong> Although he did not have the greatest night on the defensive side of the ball, [player_tooltip player_id="38503" first="Aden" last="Kelley"] had a good night offensively at tackle, and I would be lying to myself if I said he did not stand out. Especially in Class A football, the Oklahoma State Commit looks like a man amongst boys on the field at times and is more than just a big body. Aden moves quite well for his size and I can’t wait to see him rebound and show what makes him a Division 1 athlete in the weeks to come. [player_tooltip player_id="53314" first="Jaxon" last="Ward"] - <strong>Quarterback - Class of 2021</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="53314" first="Jaxon" last="Ward"] had a little bit of a slow start to this game but rebounded nicely in the second quarter with some big-time throws on a few deep balls as well as an 11-yard touchdown pass to bring Thomas within one score. Overall, Jaxon showed some nice touch and timing on a few deep balls,  but Thomas’ offense was held in check for most of the night so he wasn’t able to do a whole lot. Watch for Ward to break out in weeks to come because not all the defenses they play will be as stout as Cashion’s. [player_tooltip player_id="53316" first="Ethan" last="Hamberlin"] - <strong>Running Back/ Safety - Class of 2021</strong> While Thomas’ offense struggled at times in this game, [player_tooltip player_id="53316" first="Ethan" last="Hamberlin"] was certainly a bright spot for the Terriers on both sides of the ball. On offense, Ethan ran with some nice decisiveness and determination and showed some impressive moves in the open field to make some tacklers miss and gain extra yards. On defense, Ethan was a ball hawk on Friday night. He disrupted countless plays on the night including an interception right before halftime to keep his team in the game. Hamberlin made a name for himself against Cashion and is certainly a player we will keep close tabs on going forward. [player_tooltip player_id="53318" first="Noah" last="Rainwater"] - <strong>Wide Receiver/ Cornerback - Class of 2021</strong> Even though the stats may not show it, <span style="font-size: 1rem;">[player_tooltip player_id="53318" first="Noah" last="Rainwater"] and </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Thomas’ receiving core made some big plays in this game against Cashion. At 6’2", Rainwater has great size and he put it to use with some great jump ball catches. On the night Rainwater didn’t have eye-popping stats but he certainly shined when he got his opportunities including his touchdown catch in the second half. </span> [player_tooltip player_id="53322" first="Jaxen" last="Mannering"] - <strong>Wide Receiver - Class of 2021 </strong> Similar to Rainwater, [player_tooltip player_id="53322" first="Jaxen" last="Mannering"] did not have the biggest night on the stat sheet but he definitely made an impact on this game and showed some impressive traits. Mannering is a little bit taller than Rainwater at 6’3", and he uses his frame to his advantage to box out smaller defenders. I’m excited to see this receiving core develop and improve as the season progresses. [player_tooltip player_id="53324" first="Camden" last="Billy"] - <strong>Offensive and Defensive Line - Class of 2022</strong> To be completely honest, going into the game [player_tooltip player_id="38503" first="Aden" last="Kelley"] was the only lineman from Thomas on my radar, but after this game [player_tooltip player_id="53324" first="Camden" last="Billy"] will certainly be on our watch list. Camden has great size at 6’3" 270 Lbs., and he showed some encouraging technique and athleticism in the run game agaisnt Cashion. Billy is only a Junior so it will be intriguing to watch his development over the next two seasons. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;