6A Championship: Chaparral vs Highland (Offensive Standouts)

Chaparral was able to secure a state title for the first time since 2011 with a 24-14 victory over Highland. I was surprised to see Chaparral rely on the run pretty heavy, but they game planned well as the run game was highly effective. Highland showed some comeback potential late in the game until a fumble shifted 100% momentum to Chaparral. Here's a look at the top 5 offensive players of the game: <em>Offensive MVP:</em> <strong>Diego Echavarria, LB/RB, Chaparral (C/O 2021)</strong> Echavarria is normally a full-time LB, but had stepped up big as the leading rusher for Chaparral after a [player_tooltip player_id="42625" first="Jared" last="Williams"] injury. H had around 12 carries for about 59 yards and a TD, which was the first score of the game. He showed good short area quickness with a low pad level, and was able to display a very good initial burst of the ball and accelerated well through the hole. Echavarria plays with a high motor and was a fearless ball carrier through the trenches. He is listed at 5’7" 155lbs, but played much bigger than that on the biggest stage of the year. He is a competitive, wiry kid and stepped up big for Chaparral.<img class="alignright wp-image-48119" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/09/AZ-Jared-Williams-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="175" height="263" /> [player_tooltip player_id="42625" first="Jared" last="Williams"], RB, Chaparral (C/O 2021) Despite an injured hamstring, Williams accounted for 2 TD’s and was able to punch it in from the 3 yard line twice. He is a powerful back with good patience and balance, and shows a good burst through the hole when he spots an opening. He only had around 39 yards on the ground on 11 carries, but was able to step up big when it mattered. Along with his two direct snap TD’s from the 3 yard line, Williams was also able to pick up a couple big firs downs to keep drives alive for Chaparral. He proved to be a tough kid to push through pain to be a clutch player in the state championship. [player_tooltip player_id="42748" first="Max" last="Davis"], RB, Highland (C/O 2021) Davis ran for about 73 yards and a TD an showed to be a solid all-purpose back. His TD came on a 7 yard counter where he ran untouched into the endzone. He has all the traits you could want in a RB, as he shows good physicality, balance, vision, and good speed. He also shows to keep a good pad level at contact and keeps his momentum going forward, which helps him bounce off non-wrapping tacklers. He has an impressive run for 20+ yards as he broke a tackle, then reversed field for a big gain. Davis had a very productive senior season, and should be a legit D2 target to get on your radar. <strong>Cooper Nemeth, WR, Chaparral (C/O 2021)<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-76787" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/11/IMG_5037-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></strong> Nemeth had one of the biggest plays of the day as he hauled in a 61 yard stop-and-go from Silbor to set up Chaparral TD, which then made it a two score game late in the 4th quarter. Nemeth has stepped up big for Chaparral throughout the post season. He has strong hands and ran solid routes throughout the day. Although Chaparral didn't air it out much, Nemeth was able to contribute some clutch plays to help Chaparral move the ball. He ended the day with 3 receptions for 78 yards. [player_tooltip player_id="42621" first="Ammon" last="Allen"], ATH, Highland (C/O 2021) Allen is one of the best all-around athletes in the state. He was able to throw a TD on a 4 yard pop-pass to TE Jace Patton to cut the Chaparral lead to 3 in the 3rd quarter. As a receiver, Allen gets a solid release and bursts out of his routes. He did a good job of getting upfield quickly after the catch. He has a couple D1 offers from New Mexico State, Eastern Michigan and a few others, but his exceptional athleticism and high football IQ make him a power 5 kid and is definitely deserving of more attention.