Scouting Report – Pine Tree & Whitehouse
District 9 in 5A is no walk in the park, and two heavyweights battled it out at Pirate Stadium in Longview, TX Friday night. Pine Tree coming off their first loss of the season last week to #6 Texas High,…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingDistrict 9 in 5A is no walk in the park, and two heavyweights battled it out at Pirate Stadium in Longview, TX Friday night. Pine Tree coming off their first loss of the season last week to #6 Texas High, played host to the undefeated Whitehouse Wildcats. This game was huge for both teams and the winner would have an inside track to the second playoff seed in the district, which also means hosting the opening-round playoff game. The Pirates overcame some early missed opportunities and hit some huge plays in the second half to knock off the previously undefeated Wildcats 27-14.
A game like this with two quality teams means I had the opportunity to scout some quality players. Including the very intriguing and talented start quarterback for the Pirates, there is no other player I could start my breakdowns with than the three-year starter, D.J. Freeman.
D.J. Freeman, Pine Tree (2021 Athlete/QB) had 235 total yards (163 through the air & 72 on the ground) and threw two touchdowns. Not Freeman’s biggest statistical night, but wow, he was clutch. With touchdown strikes of 64 and 70 yards in the second half to seal the deal and give the Pirates a huge bounce-back win. Freeman is an interesting case study and I cannot wait to see how he is used at the colligate level. He may only stand 5’8 and weigh 155 pounds, but he runs a 4.28 forty (not a typo, a 4.28) and plays fearless football. The kid is a natural leader and has helped change the culture at Pine Tree with his action on and off the field. D.J. is being recruited is an athlete and has offers from Howard Payne University, East Central University, North Florida University, and been invited to play in the Hawaii Tiki Bowl on January 3, 2021. http://www.hudl.com/v/2EZe2y
Keelan Turner, Pine Tree (2021 WR) had one catch on the night, but it just so happened to be an electrifying 70-yard touchdown http://www.hudl.com/v/2EfiYA. The senior WR has a knack for making big plays and scoring touchdowns with a great combination of hands, speed, route running. When a big play is needed, Turner is there on both sides of the ball. On the year Turner has accumulated nearly 600 yards, 4 touchdowns, and a hefty 27.8 yards per catch average in this Covid shortened season. In one game last year vs Kilgore, Keelan scored 5 total touchdowns http://www.hudl.com/v/2BjiRX. This three-sport speedster standout has yet to receive an offer to my knowledge, but that is sure to change soon.
Whitehouse came into this contest undefeated, and for good reason, as they doubt one of the top defenses in East Texas. This game was tied 7-7 at the half and they only gave up 27 total points, that is impressive since Pine Tree averaged 45 points per game in their 5 victories. Two of the defensive leaders that are getting some attention at the next level are Marshall Johnson and Jack Clark.
Jack Clark, Whitehouse (2021 SS) had his usual impressive performance, the senior strong safety racked up 10 tackles and 2 for a loss. Clark has a nose for the ball and the defensive staff love to use him all over the field, as you can see from the clip Jack is a sure tackler and playmaker. A different times throughout the night you would see #15 coming on a safety blitz or dropping back making plays in the passing game. Jack has good size and speed, but his instincts, knowledge, and knack for being around the ball are what sets him apart from other safeties in the area. Jack also is a baseball standout and recently signed with the University of Louisiana. https://www.hudl.com/profile/9916329/Jack-Clark
Marshall Johnson, Whitehouse (2021 DT) had a disruptive night and even though he didn’t account for one tackle on the stat sheet, his unselfish style paved the way for his teammates to pad the stat sheet. I love watching kids like Marshall, who eats up blocks from multiple O-lineman, pressures the QB, and is just a wrecking ball in the middle of the field. Marshall has great explosiveness and strength, helping him rack up four sacks on the year from an interior line position. East Texas Baptist University has offered Johnson to play for them, but I wouldn’t expect that to be his lone offer. The skillset and motor are already in place, as Marshall continues to grow and get stronger, I am not sure how high his ceiling can be. http://www.hudl.com/v/2Efh1w