Top Performers: Scotlandville vs. Zachary

Scotlandville and Zachary made sure the last regular season either would play this season live up to its hype. The District 4-5A rivals’ Saturday showdown was Baton Rouge’s biggest show of the week with LSU on a bye. And the Hornets survived the Broncos, 13-12, to claim their first victory in the series since 2016. The matchup featured a pair of Division-I quarterback prospects — as has been somewhat of a theme in recent years — but also proved arguably the teams’ most defensive battle since a 13-7 final score in 2006. Here were a few of the individual standouts: <strong>2021 Recruiting Class</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="63622" first="Bryce" last="Cage"] — 6-4, 215 — Scotlandville</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="63591" first="Braelon" last="Hobson"] — 6-3, 225 — Scotlandville</strong> For the Hornets’ victorious defensive efforts, much started up front with one of Louisiana’s best defensive-end tandems.  Cage was an underrated athlete on the defensive side as a junior, came back stronger and has been a handful for opposing offenses to block all season. Hobson took some time to get on the field following his offseason transfer from Catholic (Baton Rouge). But once eligible and active, his presence on the other side has lived up to high expectations. And this duo spoiled the Broncos’ plans on several occasions getting into the backfield. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Scotlandville?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Scotlandville</a>’s DE duo of [player_tooltip player_id="63591" first="Braelon" last="Hobson"] (<a href="https://twitter.com/HobsonBraelon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HobsonBraelon</a>) and [player_tooltip player_id="63622" first="Bryce" last="Cage"] (<a href="https://twitter.com/CageBryce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CageBryce</a>) all over this play to start <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zachary?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zachary</a>’s second possession. <a href="https://t.co/DdteoHRC68">pic.twitter.com/DdteoHRC68</a></p> — Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeritRoser/status/1325186302308982784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <strong>Jamie Cleveland — 6-0, 260 DL — Scotlandville</strong> The big tackle isn’t as heralded as a potential Division-I prospect in college, but Cleveland was active in the middle of the defensive front for the Hornets in this big-time matchup, helping plug up and slow down the Zachary rushing attack. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Think that’s big Jamie Cleveland with the stop for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Scotlandville?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Scotlandville</a>. <a href="https://t.co/FdInLhm2Dr">pic.twitter.com/FdInLhm2Dr</a></p> — Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeritRoser/status/1325183966345768961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="63694" first="Ralph" last="Walker III"] — 5-11, 175 DB — Zachary</strong> The Broncos’ senior cornerback finished his regular season on a heck of a run through league play. In three district games, Walker allowed just two completions his direction on short passes on which he kept his receivers in front of him and made quick, sure tackles. He allowed just 9 total yards on the two receptions and no first downs. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zachary?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zachary</a> senior CB [player_tooltip player_id="63694" first="Ralph" last="Walker III"] (<a href="https://twitter.com/ralphwalker31?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ralphwalker31</a>) there in tight coverage for the quick tackle. <a href="https://t.co/yzmuPhyYEb">pic.twitter.com/yzmuPhyYEb</a></p> — Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeritRoser/status/1325185599104552961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <strong>Dylan Matthews — 5-9, 190 LB — Zachary</strong> Among the other standouts in the Broncos’ stingy defensive effort was the senior linebacker, who showed patience and discipline to hit his gaps and make timely plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dylan Matthews with a big third-down TFL for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zachary?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zachary</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Scotlandville?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Scotlandville</a> with an early decision to make just across midfield. <a href="https://t.co/kAYheoPBrJ">pic.twitter.com/kAYheoPBrJ</a></p> — Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeritRoser/status/1325182721912549379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <strong>2022 Recruiting Class</strong> <strong>Marlon Gunn Jr. — 5-11, 195 RB — Scotlandville</strong> New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden shouted support to Gunn as the Scotlandville players walked off the field. The latter has spoken on multiple occasions about the ways he looks up to Bolden and other NFL running backs and hopes to one day follow their footsteps and be a similar role model for the next generation. And the Hornets star continues to look more and more the part. The Hornets’ standout, among the top prospects in Louisiana’s strong 2022 running back class, rushed 20 times for 74 yards against the Broncos, including a big second-quarter gain and some wildcat opportunities on a clock-eating, game-sealing drive late. <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UGV_uyNGges" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong>Chance Williams — 5-10, 180 ATH — Scotlandville</strong> The Hornets’ other running back provided even more of offense’s explosiveness with 98 yards on 10 carries. Williams takes pride in his contributions in all three phases. But, considering the opponent and stage, this performance may have been among his best on offense in particular. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zachary?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zachary</a> hoping to capitalize again on the field position game.</p> And <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Scotlandville?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Scotlandville</a> junior Chance Williams (<a href="https://twitter.com/DueceWilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DueceWilliams</a>) flips that right back in the Hornets’ favor with this big gain. <a href="https://t.co/Ip77uSFn0Z">pic.twitter.com/Ip77uSFn0Z</a> — Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeritRoser/status/1325212141691957249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <strong>Jeremiah Jackson — 6-1, 180 DB — Scotlandville</strong> With the teams battling early in the third quarter in a still-scoreless affair, Zachary took a shot deep to claim the first lead and make a statement in a game with points so difficult to come by. Instead, Scotlandville’s junior cornerback made a leaping grab near the goal line for the interception to slow down the Broncos’ attack. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Defense continues to rule the day.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zachary?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zachary</a> looks deep, and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Scotlandville?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Scotlandville</a> corner Jeremiah Jackson is there for the interception. <a href="https://t.co/XHdxfRXYWa">pic.twitter.com/XHdxfRXYWa</a></p> — Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeritRoser/status/1325201186971144192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <strong>Connor Wisham — 6-0, 180 RB — Zachary</strong> Gunn has started to gain more attention among the aforementioned talented running back crop for 2022. And Wisham may not be far behind. The younger brother of former Episcopal (Baton Rouge) star, Army signee and Louisiana (Lafayette) running back T.J. Wisham rushed for a game-high 102 yards, including 88 and the game’s first touchdown in the second half. He also proved a valuable weapon and safety net for sophomore quarterback Eli Holstein in the screen and short passing game. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">First play.</p> Connor Wisham (<a href="https://twitter.com/cjwish23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cjwish23</a>). First points of the game.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zachary?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zachary</a> takes a 6-0 lead early in the third. <a href="https://t.co/Ax724c2bM9">pic.twitter.com/Ax724c2bM9</a> — Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeritRoser/status/1325202095847464960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <strong>Xavier Robinson — 6-2, 200 LB — Zachary</strong> The Broncos’ junior edge rusher was among the other standouts in the front seven, helping contain the Hornets’ talented backfield from causing far more damage and coming up with a few tackles around the line of scrimmage. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nice containment by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zachary?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zachary</a> LB/DE Xavier Robinson. <a href="https://t.co/DmUhSjH4o3">pic.twitter.com/DmUhSjH4o3</a></p> — Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeritRoser/status/1325187532905205760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <strong>2023 Recruiting Class</strong> <strong>Czavian Teasett — 6-3, 200 QB — Scotlandville</strong> As mentioned, star quarterbacks have headlined this series that has proven the passing of the torch from former Zachary star Lindsey Scott Jr. to Scotlandville star Levi Lewis and back to Keilon Brown of the Broncos — a trio who eventually signed with LSU, Louisiana (Lafayette) and Memphis, respectively. The teams’ star sophomores took the reins this fall, and Teasett got the best of their first meeting. The Ole Miss target completed 11 of 17 passes for 201 yards and a 40-yard go-ahead touchdown to Marlon Thomas in the third quarter and picking up a few timely third downs with his legs. <strong>Eli Holstein — 6-3, 210 QB — Zachary</strong> Even with key weapons such as [player_tooltip player_id="63552" first="Chris" last="Hilton"] Jr. and linemen missing because of COVID-19 quarantines, Holstein managed a respectable afternoon of his own with 10-for-19 passing for 124 yards and a short touchdown run. The LSU target is among the top quarterbacks to watch in Louisiana’s impressive 2023 group. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Eli Holstein (<a href="https://twitter.com/eli_holstein14?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eli_holstein14</a>) finds Kameran Senegal for a big third-down play for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zachary?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zachary</a> to keep its first drive alive. <a href="https://t.co/7iBObEYreW">pic.twitter.com/7iBObEYreW</a></p> — Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeritRoser/status/1325184354121887744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <strong>Kylin Jackson — 6-2, 185 DB — Zachary</strong> The Broncos’ sophomore is already among the best-looking players on the football field. He showed his range all over the field and plenty of the potential that already has colleges taking notice. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kylin Jackson chases Chance Williams down before <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Scotlandville?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Scotlandville</a> can find the sideline and the first.</p> Clock ticking toward one minute. <a href="https://t.co/DEfqEx0WER">pic.twitter.com/DEfqEx0WER</a> — Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeritRoser/status/1325215273952178178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>