PrepRedzoneMN Players of the Game: Roosevelt vs. South

Despite small roster sizes on both the Roosevelt Teddies and South Tigers, there was a lot of grit and talent packed into the rosters of both Minneapolis Public School programs. I was lucky enough to scout the game in-person on Friday afternoon, and it was an exciting game with some great throws, hard running, and loud tackles. What more can you ask for? With the Roosevelt Teddies earning a 34-8 victory over the Tigers, breaking their undefeated start to the 2020 season, some players from both teams caught my eye and impressed me to the point of earning themselves a PrepRedzoneMN Player of the Game award for their outstanding individual performances. All of these kids can make contributions to college football teams at a variety of levels, and I hope any coaches reading reach out and contact the coaches and players at both schools. To find out who stood out, all you have to do is scroll below! Thanks for reading. Player of the Game: August Butler (Roosevelt) QB. 6'2, 200 lbs. Was the undisputed leader and commander of the Teddies offense, Butler was poised in the pocket and had a smooth release and a strong arm who threw a really pretty ball. He was great at his deep ball accuracy, and moved around well in the pocket and got the ball out quickly. Also dangerous with his legs, he was a load to bring down and a tough kid who hung in to finish throws despite some big hits coming right under his chin. He's a great looking DIII or NAIA prospect and could play a ton of positions at the college level. He's just overall a good football player. Offensive Players of the Game Demetrius Seay (South) RB. 6', 195 lbs. Man, what a game for Seay. I thought long and hard about giving Seay the player of the game award despite South only putting up 8 points just because of how exciting and hard he ran as a RB. I knew Seay was good coming in, but his vision and burst were a pleasant surprise and made him a really complete back as a runner. He also ran harder than anyone I've seen this season, and finished every run with contact while trying to put a hurting on the player trying to tackle him. He trucked more than a few Teddies, and would use his determination to power to second and third efforts that got him many extra yards when it seemed he was down. He also showed off his athleticism with a hurdle, and I am all in on him as a RB. He was like a runaway train all afternoon. Great job, kid. Taylor Jackson (Roosevelt) WR. Although he wasn't given a number on the roster, #2 for Roosevelt made himself known early and often Friday afternoon, and was a force in the passing game as he caught multiple deep balls to get himself well over 100 yards receiving on the day. He was long and lean and fast, and was shifty after the catch. He also had great hands and great concentration, and was a weapon for Roosevelt that could play either WR or DB at the college level. He's a good one that I did not have my eye on coming into the ball game, but I'm pumped I know about him now. Defensive Players of the Game Isaiah Hollimon (Roosevelt) FS. 2023. The 2023er played FS and showed great range and instincts to earn himself two interceptions on the afternoon on deep balls attempted by South. Playing primarily in Cover 1, Hollimon was the lone safety on the field but was patient and fundamentally sound to not get himself out of position and at risk of giving up the last line of defense in both the run and pass game. He also had no problem hitting, and was a good tackler who rarely missed. He's a nice looking sophomore prospect who balled out and was fun to watch yesterday. Sergio Altamirano (South) LB. 2022. #59 was well-built at 5'11, 195 lbs. and must have made around 20 tackles on the afternoon. He was always around the ball, and I mean always. At some points it felt like he was the only Tiger defender out there, and he rarely missed and was fast enough to get to the sideline in pursuit if needed. I loved his high-motor as well, and as only a junior he's got some good football still left in front of him. I hope some coaches start reaching out! Taylor Jackson (Roosevelt) DB. Also mentioned as an Offensive POTG, Jackson was a sticky DB who played with good fundamentals when the ball was in the air, and has good ball skills with the speed to hang with fast WRs downfield. Demetrius Seay (South) DE. Also mentioned as an Offensive POTG, Seay had great speed and bend off the edge and made some backbreaking sacks and TFLs behind the LOS. He uses his hands well and plays with the same violence he uses as a RB.