Shadow Ridge @ Boulder Creek: Defensive Standouts
Boulder Creek was able to secure the 6A Southwest Region on a 49-12 victory over Shadow Ridge. The defensive side of the ball was mostly one sided, as Boulder Creek was able to hold a talented Shadow Ridge offense to…
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Continue ReadingBoulder Creek was able to secure the 6A Southwest Region on a 49-12 victory over Shadow Ridge. The defensive side of the ball was mostly one sided, as Boulder Creek was able to hold a talented Shadow Ridge offense to just 12 points, and Shadow Ridge had major defensive struggles and special teams mistakes. Here’s a look at the top 5 defensive standouts from Friday’s matchup:
Defensive MVP: Carter Cameron, LB, Boulder Creek (C/O 2022)
This was tough to pick only one player, but Cameron had a clutch forced fumble when he stripped Gallardo in Shadow Ridge territory to set up a Boulder Creek score that really got the momentum rolling for Boulder Creek. Cameron displayed good play recognition and instincts and was frequently plugging the middle. He racked up a TFL and was constantly seen in the Shadow Ridge backfield. He had a key role in containing the dual threat Seth Gallardo and did a good job overall. Cameron plays with a high motor, and will continue to be a key player to watch on the Boulder Creek defense.
David Valdez, DB/WR, Boulder Creek (C/O 2021)
After getting burnt on the first series of the game, Valdez bounced back big for Boulder Creek as he locked up the Shadow Ridge receivers. He was able to snag an INT in the 3rd quarter when he jumped a comeback route to pick it off in his own redzone to prevent a score from a driving Shadow Ridge. He also had a clutch PBU on a 2 point conversion in the second quarter. Valdez showed good ball skills and punches through the ball. He showed solid hips and flexibility in the second half was unable to be beat when manned up against some talented Shadow Ridge receivers.
Colby Kitson, LB, Boulder Creek (C/O 2021)
Kitson is a hard nosed guy who involved himself in everything. He was a huge factor in a goal line stand to plug the middle and prevent a Shadow Ridge score before the half as time ran out. Kitson has a very good POA and a good striking ability, and you could hear the “crack” from a good distance. He was able to lay a few clean shots on the Shadow Ridge ball carriers to bruise them up. He showed good instincts overall on Friday, and is a player that brings the hype to the Boulder Creek defense. Kitson will continue to have a big role going forward, and will need to play lights out though playoffs to help Boulder Creek make a run.
Devon Ochoa, DB, Shadow Ridge (C/O 2022)
Ochoa was able to strip a breakaway Boulder Creek receiver in open field that potentially saved a TD. He showed good chase and was able to hawk down Boulder Creek’s Jack McFarland. Ochoa has good quickness and speed, and played well in coverage all night. He went up against a New Mexico commit QB in Bear Milacek Bear Milacek 6'3" | 210 lbs | QB Boulder Creek | 2021 State AZ , and overall locked up the Boulder Creek wideouts to limit the outside air attack. Ochoa was one of the few bright sides on the Shadow Ridge defense on Friday, and will have to be solid next week against Mountain Ridge.
John Ferlmann, DE, Boulder Creek (C/O 2021)
Ferlmann was always in good position last night to make plays. He was apart of a goal line stand with Colby Kitson to stuff the Shadow Ridge ball carriers to prevent a score before half time. He did an excellent job of shedding blocks with good technique. He is a solid edge rusher as he was able to frequently force Gallardo out of the pocket. He can play as a stand up edge rusher or a down lineman, as he showed good position versatility. He has a long, athletic frame at 6’3″ 225 lbs, and is committed to Arizona State.