Game Balls: Week 2 Playoffs

<ul> <li>WR [player_tooltip player_id="39005" first="Blake" last="Austin"], New Palestine</li> </ul> Blake is a fantastic combo of size and speed! That was on full display during New Pal’s 31-27 victory over Franklin.  While making big plays all night, he finished with 7 catches for an astonishing 232 yards and a TD. In New Pal’s final 5 drives alone, Austin had 4 catches for 183 yards and a TD. If that night doesn’t say home run threat, I don’t know what does.  With above average size, track speed, and the ability to make the tough catch... It is no wonder why I have had a couple of D1 teams reach out to me about him this week. Any team that is looking for a 2021 WR with grades needs to give this kid a look.  He has some good football in front of him! <ul> <li>QB [player_tooltip player_id="39049" first="Tayven" last="Jackson"], Center Grove</li> </ul> Tayven is one of those players that you could consider for a game ball each week. His performance on Friday was one to write home about.  The dual threat QB made his presence felt with both his arm and feet while leading Center Grove to a 42-7 victory over Columbus North.  We expect big performances from a Jr that already has 10 D1 offers, and the execution he displayed on Friday was close to perfect.  He was 15/16 for 264 yards / 1 TD passing, and added in 4 carries for 56 yards and 2 TD’s on the ground.  The development that Tayven has made from last year to this is truly impressive.  He has refined his passing mechanics, grown, and remains a threat with his feet.  Already a well known prospect, with continued development at this pace... He has a chance to be a national recruit as a senior. <ul> <li>RB/ATH Carson Dunn, Fishers</li> </ul> The sophomore RB started his playoff career with a bang during Fishers 34-29 upset win over Hamilton Southeastern.  Dunn made a major impact as both a receiver and rusher on the night, with 20 carries for 193 yards and 2 TD’s on the ground, and 3 catches for 78 yards and a TD.  The numbers are impressive, but the way in which he did it was even more eye-opening.  With a 78 yard TD run for the first score of the game, and a 76 yard reception for a TD... Carson Dunn was hitting the home run play.  The lights can get bright for many underclassmen during their first playoff appearance, but the way he played on the night made him look like a playoff veteran.  Dunn is only a sophomore, but when you turn on the film, you see a kid that has the size and ability of an upperclassmen.  He is a heck of a running back right now, but as he continues to grow and develop, I see him potentially having a lot of upside as a LB or safety down the road.  Overall, an exciting prospect and this isn’t the last you have heard of his name. <ul> <li>K Spencer Porath, Brownsburg</li> </ul> Those who have read this every week know that I am high on players that come up clutch in critical situations.  I am even higher on clutch performances from young players that you may least expect game winning plays from... That is exactly what we saw from Porath on Friday night.  The freshman kicker had hit 2 FG’s on the year going into this game. On Friday, he finished the game making 2 FG’s, including the game winner with 9 seconds remaining. There are few freshman who even get the opportunity to make a game winner in the playoffs, and even less that would hit a game winner if given the opportunity.  I don’t know a ton about projecting kickers, but if Spencer can continue to make the most of his opportunities like he did on Friday, he will have plenty off suitors come senior year.