Open Division Title: Hamilton/Chandler (Offensive Standouts)
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Chandler was able to hold off Hamilton in a last minute 23-21 thriller as Chandler wins their 5th straight state championship. In a penalty filled, rivalry game state championship matchup, both teams showcased serious power 5 talent as there were…
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Continue ReadingChandler was able to hold off Hamilton in a last minute 23-21 thriller as Chandler wins their 5th straight state championship. In a penalty filled, rivalry game state championship matchup, both teams showcased serious power 5 talent as there were numerous playmakers on the field. Here’s a look at the top 5 offensive players of the game:
Offensive MVP: Eli Sanders Eli Sanders 6'1" | 190 lbs | RB Chandler | 2021 State AZ , RB, Chandler (C/O 2021)
Sanders got loose for over 130 yards rushing and 2 TD’s. On the first play from scrimmage, Sanders took a carry up the middle, bounced outside and ran 80 yards down the sideline untouched for six, as WR Kyion Grayes Kyion Grayes 6'1" | 175 lbs | WR Chandler | 2022 State AZ threw a huge block driving his opponent into the ground to clear the field for Sanders. He showed excellent top end speed and was able to hit top speed very quick. Sanders consistently accelerated through the hole and showed solid physicality to truck opponents for extra yards. Everyone knows Sanders as an elusive play maker, but he showed a very good pass protection ability when he stayed home to block, making him a complete back. He is committed to Boise State yet hold numerous power 5 offers as well.
Nicco Marchiol Nicco Marchiol 6'2" | 220 lbs | QB Hamilton | 2022 State AZ , QB, Hamilton (C/O 2022)
Marchiol showed why he is a top 2022 QB prospect in the second half. He accounted for 2 total TD’s and showed a competitor, dog mentality. He dropped a dime for a 20 yard TD in the first half on an outside vert with perfect placement and touch. He did a great job of getting the ball out quick with velocity on tight window throws to convert on numerous 3rd and 4th downs. Most people know Marchiol as a gunslinger, but I was highly impressed with his ability to make plays on the ground in the second half. He had a QB sneak for a TD, and that drive was led by him running designed QB carries down the field. Marchiol has an exceptional football IQ and is your ideal pro-style QB.
Mikey Keene Mikey Keene 5'11" | 175 lbs | QB Chandler | 2021 State AZ , QB, Chandler (C/O 2021)
Although the Chandler air attack was limited, Keene made excellent decisions and delivered accurate and precise throws when he needed to. He was able to find TE Eli Swope Eli Swope 6'3" | 225 lbs | TE Chandler | 2021 State AZ on a shallow cross in the endzone for a 7 yard TD. Keene does a great job of controlling the tempo of the offense and shows a high football IQ. He did a good job of avoiding a few sacks as he showed solid mobility to get out of the pocket. Keene delivers passes with great ball location and knows when to use touch or put it on a rope. Multiple completions came on tight window throws, and Keene ends his high school career as a state champion once again.
Christian Anaya Christian Anaya 6'0" | 175 lbs | ATH Hamilton | 2022 State AZ , WR, Hamilton (C/O 2022)
Anaya hauled in a 20 yard vert for a TD and was able to serve as the main target all night. Anaya shows a good stick at the top of routes, as he was able to generate enough separation to catch tight window throws for first downs. Anaya did a very good job of securing the catch as he had DB’s trying to punch it out numerous times. He had a 2-point conversion late in the game on an out to cut the Chandler lead down to 8. He was also able to convert a big 4th and 12 late in the game. Anaya runs crisp routes and showed a good understand of sitting or continuing into open windows, and the Marchiol-Anaya combo next year will be lethal.
Noah Schmidt Noah Schmidt 5'11" | 195 lbs | RB Hamilton | 2021 State AZ , RB, Hamilton (C/O 2021)
Schmidt approached the 100 yard mark and was able to break off some clutch runs to pick up a handful of first downs. Schmidt has impressive vision and balance, as he turned 2-3 yard losses into 3-4 yard gains, and has continued to do so throughout the year. He has decent speed when he gets his shoulders squared upfield, but excells at bursting out of his cuts as he has excellent lateral bounce. He did a solid job in the second half to help Hamilton move the ball, and is definitely worthy of D1 attention, as he received a PWO from Fresno State just hours before the game.