3A Semifinal: ALA-Gilbert vs Snowflake: Defensive Standouts
In a 28-27 Snowflake overtime victory, both defenses were able to showcase why their programs have made it this far in the postseason. Snowflake’s defense answered when it mattered most, as they were able to stuff ALA-Gilbert RB Spencer Nielson…
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Continue ReadingIn a 28-27 Snowflake overtime victory, both defenses were able to showcase why their programs have made it this far in the postseason. Snowflake’s defense answered when it mattered most, as they were able to stuff ALA-Gilbert RB Spencer Nielson just inches short of the goal line on a 2-point conversion which would’ve won the game for ALA-Gilbert. Snowflake was able to stop ALA-Gilbert in the redzone twice, which also played a major factor. Take a look at the top 5 defensive players of the game:
Defensive MVP: Bradley Ruiz, DL/OL, Snowflake (C/O 2021)
Ruiz was able to initiate contact first on Nielson to force a stop on a 2-point conversion which would’ve won the game for ALA-Gilbert. Ruiz did an excellent job of plugging up the gaps, as ALA-Gilbert was unable to establish the run game. Even on the 3 ALA-Gilbert TD’s on the goal line, Ruiz was able to get contact on Nieson to get him off balance. He hows a thick, strong base and is a powerful down lineman. Ruiz is a massive kid at 6’6″ 295lbs, which you do not see often in 3A. For his size, he showed a solid get off and did a very good job of shedding blocks to swallow up ball carriers. He even showed solid pursuit as he was able to sprint outside on the edges to provide run support. Ruiz also deflected a pass in the 2nd quarter. He overpowered his opponents all night and was a major run stopper, and will have to have a big week next week as well.
Terren Green, LB/RB, Snowflake (C/O 2021)
Green lands himself a spot on both standout reports, as he racked up double digit tackles and was all around the ball throughout the game. Green possessed excellent play recognition and did a very good job at meeting ball carriers at the LOS. Green showed a solid POA and was able to make a handful of open field tackles. Green impressed me with his range, as he was also able to cover ground to prevent big plays shallower passes on the outsides from a MLB position. He was able to shed and disengage blocks well, as he has continued to do so all year. Green showed to take good pursuit paths and was a major contributor to the tough Snowflake defense, as he continues to rove to be an solid all-around linebacker.
Spencer Nielson, ATH, ALA-Gilbert (C/O 2022)
Nielson showed to be one of the best all-around players on the field. He did an excellent job of filling gaps at LB, which was huge in preventing big runs from the highly productive Snowflake ball carriers. Terren Green is a difficult kid to bring down, but Nielson did a good job of initiating low contact to slow him down so that ALA-Gilbert could assist him. He was able to record an INT on a deflected pass to set up spot in the Snowflake rezone, ultimately setting up his own TD. Nielson hit a different level in the second half, as he was flying around the field involving himself on some legit collisions. He drops well in coverage and is able to identify crossing concepts to put himself in good position. Nielson is a very tough player with big potential, and will be a standout on both sides of the ball next season.
Payson Cardon, DE, Snowflake (C/O 2021)
Cardon did an excellent job as a pass rusher as he was able to force Damante out of the pocket numerous times. He has a quick initial ball get off and is a legit speed rusher as he had no problem getting around the ALA-Gilbert OT’s. I had mentioned he would be a key player to watch earlier this week, and he stepped up big to put pressure Damante and force him to throw out on the move. He has good length at 6’1″ 195lbs, but his athleticism is his upside as he is a mismatch against OT’s and shows solid position versatility, as he could transition to an outside linebacker or strong safety as the next level. Cardon also did a good job on the edges in the run game, as ALA-Gilbert was unable to spring loose around the edges. Cardon recorded a sack and numerous QB pressures, and is a huge factor against any pass heavy offense.
Porter Zuccato, DB, ALA-Gilbert (C/O 2021)
Zuccato was a surprising player, as he flew to the ball and assisted on numerous tackles, in which I believe he hit double digits in the tackle column. He showed good range and was able to cover a good amount of field to prevent any big plays. He had a clutch tackle early, as Snowflake threw a flea flicker and Zuccato showed excellent chase and literally body slammed the Snowflake receiver. His best work of the day was being able to recognize the run and fly up to help stop the Snowflake ball carriers. He did a good job of spying receivers in the pass game and was able to come up with a PBU.