3A Semifinal: ALA-Gilbert vs Snowflake: Offensive Standouts
In this article:
In a 28-27 Snowflake victory in overtime, numerous athletes stepped up and impressed in this 3A semifinal. ALA-Gilbert made crucial adjustments at halftime to come back from a 21-0 deficit to tie it up with under a minute remaining in the 4th quarter. Ultimately it was not enough, as the Snowflake ground and pound offense was able to get it done in overtime to advance to the state championship. Take a look at the top 5 offensive players of the game:
Offensive MVP:
Adam Damante
Adam
Damante
6'1" | 175 lbs | QB
American Leadership Academy (Gilbert North) | 2023
State
AZ
, ATH, ALA-Gilbert (C/O 2023)
Damante stepped into a major role in taking over for standout QB
Jack Ricedorff
Jack
Ricedorff
6'2" | 195 lbs | QB
American Leadership Academy (Gilbert) | 2021
State
AZ
after an injury last week, and was able to account for 1 TD in the air and led all 4 ALA-Gilbert scoring drives, forcing a comeback and taking the game into overtime. Damante displayed good accuracy on the move in both directions. He sat well in the pocket, as he was able to deliver strikes on numerous tight window throws for clutch first downs. In the first half, he dropped a dime on an outside vert for a 60+ yard gain in which he showed solid arm strength and placement. On the ALA-Gilbert drive to tie the game at 21, Damante stepped up in the pocket and slung another dime on a deep post for about 58 yards to set them up at around the Snowflake 2 yard line. He is a quick and slippery ball carrier as well, as he was able to flash a glimpse of playmaking ability on his feet. Despite the loss, Damante matured this week, and will be a legit dual-threat QB to watch for the next two seasons.
Terren Green
Terren
Green
5'11" | 180 lbs | ATH
Snowflake | 2021
State
AZ
, RB/LB, Snowflake (C/O 2021)
Green accounted for 2 TD’s on the ground and was an absolute force to bring down between the tackles. Green has showed all year he will go head on with anyone in 3A, and it was no surprise that he was consistently trucking opponents for solid chunks of yards. He does his best work between the tackles, as he is a hard, downhill runner with excellent physicality. Green displayed good balance, and was regularly driving the pile an extra 4-5 yards. He was able to come up clutch on multiple 3rd and shorts. His two goal line TD’s showcased his ability to keep the legs moving after contact and showed good lower body strength. Green is a two-way standout and one of the biggest sleepers in Northern Arizona, and will look to have a big game next week in attempt to get a state ring.
Spencer Nielson, ATH, ALA-Gilbert (C/O 2022)
Nielson was able to pound the middle for 3 TD’s coming inside the 5 yard line each time. Although ALA-Gilbert wasn’t too effective on the run outside the redzone, Nielson was able to get it going when it mattered. He has a muscular, athletic build at 5’11" 180lbs, and is a hard ball carrier to bring down. He hits the hole hard and shows good balance between the tackles. He was utilized as a slot as well, where he displayed solid short route running on slants and outs. Nielson is a favorable matchup against a manned up OLB, and was able to catch a couple passes for chunks of yards and some first downs. He did his best work on the goal line, as he scored late in the 4th quarter on about a 2 yard run up the gut. In overtime, Nielson scored TD #3, and was then stopped just inches short of the goal line, giving him a heartbreaking end to his Junior season. Expect Nielson to be a big name in 3A next season.
Camden Brimhall, RB/DB, Snowflake (C/O 2022)
Brimhall stepped up big and was able to rack up 2 TD’s on the ground, the second of which gave Snowflake the lead in the first possession of overtime. Brimhall showcased very good short area quickness, as well as solid lateral agility to be a one-cut type back. He didn’t get a chance to get loose into open space, but looks to be a speedy ball carrier based off the eye test who could potentially develop big play ability as he matures. He displayed a solid initial burst, making it difficult for D-lineman and linebackers to get a clean shot on him at the LOS. Snowflake gameplanned Brimhall into this weeks scheme very well, as he was able to contribute effectively with his two scores.
Johnny Bellino
Johnny
Bellino
6'0" | 175 lbs | WR
American Leadership Academy (Gilbert North) | 2022
State
AZ
, WR, ALA-Gilbert (C/O 2022)
Bellino was able to get loose in the Snowflake secondary, racking up numerous catches and approximately over 120 yards receiving. He caught a TD on a late developing slant in the back of the endzone. Bellino also set up the game tying score when he ran a deep post, snagged it and was able to run an extra 20+ yards before getting pushed out of bounds at the Snowflake 2 yard line with under a minute left. Bellino ran precise routes and did a good job of exploding out of his stick at the top of routes. He also did a very good job at identifying and sitting in open windows, making himself a clear number one target. Look for Bellino and Damante next season to be a nasty duo.
Offensive MVP:
Adam Damante
Adam
Damante
6'1" | 175 lbs | QB
American Leadership Academy (Gilbert North) | 2023
State
AZ
, ATH, ALA-Gilbert (C/O 2023)
Damante stepped into a major role in taking over for standout QB
Jack Ricedorff
Jack
Ricedorff
6'2" | 195 lbs | QB
American Leadership Academy (Gilbert) | 2021
State
AZ
after an injury last week, and was able to account for 1 TD in the air and led all 4 ALA-Gilbert scoring drives, forcing a comeback and taking the game into overtime. Damante displayed good accuracy on the move in both directions. He sat well in the pocket, as he was able to deliver strikes on numerous tight window throws for clutch first downs. In the first half, he dropped a dime on an outside vert for a 60+ yard gain in which he showed solid arm strength and placement. On the ALA-Gilbert drive to tie the game at 21, Damante stepped up in the pocket and slung another dime on a deep post for about 58 yards to set them up at around the Snowflake 2 yard line. He is a quick and slippery ball carrier as well, as he was able to flash a glimpse of playmaking ability on his feet. Despite the loss, Damante matured this week, and will be a legit dual-threat QB to watch for the next two seasons.
Terren Green
Terren
Green
5'11" | 180 lbs | ATH
Snowflake | 2021
State
AZ
, RB/LB, Snowflake (C/O 2021)
Green accounted for 2 TD’s on the ground and was an absolute force to bring down between the tackles. Green has showed all year he will go head on with anyone in 3A, and it was no surprise that he was consistently trucking opponents for solid chunks of yards. He does his best work between the tackles, as he is a hard, downhill runner with excellent physicality. Green displayed good balance, and was regularly driving the pile an extra 4-5 yards. He was able to come up clutch on multiple 3rd and shorts. His two goal line TD’s showcased his ability to keep the legs moving after contact and showed good lower body strength. Green is a two-way standout and one of the biggest sleepers in Northern Arizona, and will look to have a big game next week in attempt to get a state ring.
Spencer Nielson, ATH, ALA-Gilbert (C/O 2022)
Nielson was able to pound the middle for 3 TD’s coming inside the 5 yard line each time. Although ALA-Gilbert wasn’t too effective on the run outside the redzone, Nielson was able to get it going when it mattered. He has a muscular, athletic build at 5’11" 180lbs, and is a hard ball carrier to bring down. He hits the hole hard and shows good balance between the tackles. He was utilized as a slot as well, where he displayed solid short route running on slants and outs. Nielson is a favorable matchup against a manned up OLB, and was able to catch a couple passes for chunks of yards and some first downs. He did his best work on the goal line, as he scored late in the 4th quarter on about a 2 yard run up the gut. In overtime, Nielson scored TD #3, and was then stopped just inches short of the goal line, giving him a heartbreaking end to his Junior season. Expect Nielson to be a big name in 3A next season.
Camden Brimhall, RB/DB, Snowflake (C/O 2022)
Brimhall stepped up big and was able to rack up 2 TD’s on the ground, the second of which gave Snowflake the lead in the first possession of overtime. Brimhall showcased very good short area quickness, as well as solid lateral agility to be a one-cut type back. He didn’t get a chance to get loose into open space, but looks to be a speedy ball carrier based off the eye test who could potentially develop big play ability as he matures. He displayed a solid initial burst, making it difficult for D-lineman and linebackers to get a clean shot on him at the LOS. Snowflake gameplanned Brimhall into this weeks scheme very well, as he was able to contribute effectively with his two scores.
Johnny Bellino
Johnny
Bellino
6'0" | 175 lbs | WR
American Leadership Academy (Gilbert North) | 2022
State
AZ
, WR, ALA-Gilbert (C/O 2022)
Bellino was able to get loose in the Snowflake secondary, racking up numerous catches and approximately over 120 yards receiving. He caught a TD on a late developing slant in the back of the endzone. Bellino also set up the game tying score when he ran a deep post, snagged it and was able to run an extra 20+ yards before getting pushed out of bounds at the Snowflake 2 yard line with under a minute left. Bellino ran precise routes and did a good job of exploding out of his stick at the top of routes. He also did a very good job at identifying and sitting in open windows, making himself a clear number one target. Look for Bellino and Damante next season to be a nasty duo. 
