4A Championship: Cactus vs Mesquite (Defensive Standouts)
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In a 39-38 game of the year, Mesquite was able to repeat as back to back 4A state champs. Cactus has a young and talented squad, and they will absolutely be a top contender again next season. In a matchup…
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Continue ReadingIn a 39-38 game of the year, Mesquite was able to repeat as back to back 4A state champs. Cactus has a young and talented squad, and they will absolutely be a top contender again next season. In a matchup full of serious flashes of talent, take a look at the top 5 defensive players of the game:
Defensive MVP: Andrew Morris Andrew Morris 6'2" | 215 lbs | ATH Mesquite | 2022 State AZ , ATH, Mesquite (C/O 2022)
Morris was a monster on defense as he was a fly around player throughout the night involving himself on every play. He was able to strip a Cactus ball carrier, then scoop it and take it to the house for a TD. Morris has an excellent nose for the ball and is a very instinctual LB. He reacts to the ball quick and takes solid pursuit paths to make plays on the outside. Morris displayed a good striking ability as well, as he was going head-up with the bruising Cactus ball carriers and was able to make plays or slow most of them down when he made contact. He holds a couple D1 offers from New Mexico and NAU, and should see his recruitment sky rocket after having a solid performance and repeating as an Arizona state champion.
Aki Pulu, RB/LB, Cactus (C/O 2022)
Pulu is jut an all-around impressive football player. He racked up numerous tackles and snagged a big INT to set up a Cactus TD that swung the momentum to Cactus. He is a very aggressive and physical player, as he strikes through his opponents and can shed blocks very well. He shows excellent pursuit as he was often flying to the opposite side of the field to provide support. Pulu has proven to be a very well rounded LB, as he is very effective in coverage with good route identification and can fly up and use a big striking ability for run support and is very strong at the POA. Pulu is definitely prone for a big 2021 season and is a definite name to gt on your radar.
Justin Holmes, DE, Cactus (C/O 2021)
Holmes racked up a sack safety as he had a very impressive performance. He was able to utilize his quickness and finesse to get around the Mesquite OT, then ran through the RB pass protector to sack Thompson in the endzone. Holmes also laid a big blind side hit on Ty Thompson Ty Thompson 6'4" | 215 lbs | QB Mesquite | 2021 State AZ at the release to force an Aki Pulu INT. He is a lethal pass rusher and doesn’t let OT’s get any leverage on him. He’s listed at 5’10″ 185lbs, but his quickness and athleticism as a pass rusher along with position versatility qualifies him a strong NAIA prospect.
Blake Corner, DE/LB, Mesquite (C/O 2022)
Corner had multiple TFL’s and was a very effective tackler when he was able to meet RB’s at the LOS, although he had some trouble getting off blocks. Corner showed good range and was able to record numerous tackles throughout the night. He had a very impressive play as he was lined up as a DE, then pursued Cactus QB Will Galvan to the opposite sideline to make a tackle before the sticks. The first year varsity player for Mesquite is developing nicely into a versatile DE/LB type, and could serve as a sneaky player to watch next season.
Vincent Burgo, DL, Cactus (C/O 2022)
Burgo was able to rack up multiple sacks and put constant pressure on Thompson. He is listed at 5’7″ 235lbs, and has a very strong lower half. He does a god job of getting solid leverage on his opponents and a good drive back to collapse the pocket. Burgo shows a solid play recognition and is able to plug up gaps fairly well in the run game. He did his best work getting pressure on Thompson, as he was able to utilize strength and lower body drive to bust through through the Mesquite O-line. He is a tough, competitive kid and will get another shot to make a run with a talented Cactus defense next season.