4A Championship: Cactus vs Mesquite (Offensive Standouts)

In a 39-38 comeback, last minute play victory, Mesquite was able to repeat as 4A champs. [player_tooltip player_id="42581" first="Ty" last="Thompson"] and [player_tooltip player_id="42705" first="Eric" last="Lira"] put on a clinic through the air, while the Cactus misdirection run scheme was tough to pick up for Mesquite. Although Mesquite goes home with a ring, Cactus has a very young squad and can definitely be in the conversation as a 4A favorite next year. Here's a look at the 5 offensive players of the game: <em><strong>Offensive MVP:</strong></em> [player_tooltip player_id="42705" first="Eric" last="Lira"], WR/DB, Mesquite (C/O 2021) Lira had double digit catches for over 200 yards receiving, 3 TD's and the game winning TD and 2-point conversion with 17 seconds left to win the state championship. Lira is a very good all-around receiver. He does a tremendous job of getting an ideal release to take the top off a defense with his deep routes. He set his routes up nearly perfect all night, generating solid separation on any route. Lira uses his speed exceptionally well and did a great job getting stacked over DB's for a night full of big plays. Lira had a 46 yard catch to the Cactus 1 yard line on a deep ball in which he had to adjust and come back to snag it in between two defenders. He is your full package receiver. I mentioned him as a D1 level player last week, and he proved to be a legit D1 talent with his clutch big play ability on the biggest stage of the year. He is still looking for his first D1 offer, and is much deserving after a statement performance. [player_tooltip player_id="42581" first="Ty" last="Thompson"], QB, Mesquite (C/O 2021)<img class="alignright wp-image-43103" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/ty-e1597174074716-247x300.jpg" alt="" width="223" height="271" /> Thompson had 5 total TD's on the night and showed his leadership to help Mesquite come back from a 2 score deficit to lead a game winning drive. The Oregon commit showed an excellent pre-snap read and got the ball out quick. He showed very good arm strength downfield to Lira multiple times, 2 of those deep connections resulting in TD's. He then tossed a quick goal line fade to Lira with solid placement with 17 seconds left, then followed with a jump ball 2-point conversion for the win. He did a great job in the second half making plays on his feet when forced out of the pocket by picking up numerous first downs. Thompson had 2 short yardage scores on the ground where he showed a good pad level and the ability to truck opponents. <strong>Damian Jiles, RB, Cactus (C/O 2023)</strong> Jiles was a big threat in the first half with 3 TD's as Mesquite had a very tough time wrapping him up. Jiles showed an excellent initial burst and acceleration through the hole. He does a good job of keeping a low pad level at contact which helped him bounce off non-wrapping tacklers numerous times, breaking those runs to the second level for big gains. He displayed good balance and is a slippery ball carrier. His most impressive play of the night came on a 22 yard TD where he bounced outside, broke and tackle and dove about 3-4 yards to the front pylon for six. He is a very athletic sophomore, and will be a big play name to remember going into next season. <strong>Aki Pulu, RB/LB, Cactus (C/O 2022)</strong> Pulu was able to pick up a 3 yard TD to help Cactus boost their lead in the second half prior to the Mesquite comeback. He is a very physical ball carrier and shows excellent balance. Nobody on the Mesquite defense was able to tackle him one on one, and was tough to bring down in open field as well. His ability to maintain a low pad level and keep momentum driving forward without losing much speed is highly impressive, as it often took five defenders to bring him down. Pulu is an excellent blocker as well, as he can get out and lead for a speedy back, or throw massive blocks in open field. He is a very good all-around football player and should be on many coaches radar. <strong>Joseph Lagafuaina, WR/DB, Cactus (C/O 2022)</strong> Lagafuaina was able to catch a quick outside WR screen and take it 50 yards to the house on the first possession of the game. He did a good job adjusting to the ball as he had to leap for it, then got his shoulders squared to show solid second level speed to burn past the Mesquite secondary. He also set up his own TD with solid field position n the opening kickoff as he was able to take it to around the Cactus 40-45 yard line after breaking a few tackles. He is yet another young prospect on Cactus to keep an eye on next season.