4A West Preview: Rockets, Jaguars, and Cougars battle it out!

Overview: The Richard Montgomery Rockets, Northwest Jaguars, and Quince Orchard Cougars are returning this spring to battle for the 4A West crown! Here are a few players from these squads to keep an eye on in the conference's return to play! Linemen: [player_tooltip player_id="90367" first="Diu" last="Dau"], 6’4", 285, Richard Montgomery Rockets Diu is a force on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. As a defensive tackle, he's a wrecking ball that does a great job of using his strength and size to win the line of scrimmage. He has demonstrated the ability to use proper hand placement to control the offensive lineman and create knockback with his extension. After he has spotted the ball carrier, he uses his strength to through the offensive lineman to the side and makes the tackle resulting in a short gain that puts the offense behind schedule. As a pass rusher, Diu uses his strength to push the opposing offensive lineman into the backfield to force the QB off his spot. Even if Diu is unable to affect the quarterback he's demonstrated the ability to use his long arms to disrupt the quarterbacks passing lanes, creating pass breakups. As an offensive lineman, Diu has played every position on the line showing his diversity. He's demonstrated his ability to win the line of scrimmage using his explosiveness and hand placement to take control of the interior lineman quickly. I really enjoyed his tape at the center position, where he was able to show off his power by taking nose guards backward or even to the ground, creating a huge gap in the defense. Diu's dominance on both sides of the line of scrimmage allows him to make a constant impact on the game, and I feel like he will continue to dominate this upcoming season. ATH: [player_tooltip player_id="90409" first="BJ" last="Howard"], 5’10", 168, 2021, Northwest Jaguars BJ is an excellent athlete that shows off his speed in every facet of the game. As a defensive back, he uses his speed to fly around the field and make plays. Once he recognizes run he does an excellent job of quickly getting downhill to provide run support, where he often finishes with the tackle or forces the ball carrier back inside to the rest of his team. He's even demonstrated the ability to be used on the line of scrimmage as a blitzer where he's able to use his speed to quickly get into the backfield to generate a TFL or a QB hit. As a pass defender, he does an excellent job of keeping everything in front of him so he can use his speed to react to the throw allowing him to quickly make contact with the receiver for a short gain or pass break-up. His coaching staff also puts him in other great positions to use his speed. On offense, where he also plays running back, he's a terror in the open field. Once he makes his way into the second level of the defense, he can create huge gains using his speed to separate himself from defenders. Lastly, he's also a key contributor on special teams for the cougars. He uses his speed as a gunner to quickly get downfield and deny the returner any opportunity for a big return. The old quote "speed kills" continues to reign true with BJ, and I believe it will be the reason he has an explosive season with Cougars this spring! OLB: [player_tooltip player_id="90495" first="Frank" last="Yagaka"], 5’10", 185, 2021, Quince Orchard Cougars Frank is the definition of a ferocious sideline to sideline linebacker that shows up around the ball seemingly every play on film. His speed from the outside linebacker position allows him to cover a ton of ground quickly, making it difficult to get the edge on the defense. He is a very sure tackler that does an excellent job of physically delivering blows on ball carriers to make them think twice about where he is on the field. His speed also makes him a very effective blitzer as well. Since he's able to shoot his designated gap so fast, it's hard for an opposing offensive lineman to react and make a block, leading to TFL's. Frank has displayed the speed to keep up with opposing running backs and slots in his zone in pass coverage, putting him in good positions to make plays on the ball when thrown in his direction. When in coverage, he also does a good job of keeping his eye on the quarterback. Once he recognizes the quarterback run he quickly corrals him, limiting any extra yards. Frank is also a key contributor on special teams where he can be seen running down the field and delivering huge blows for the cougar's kick-off unit. Frank is the prototype sideline-to-sideline linebacker that is often the centerpiece of most great defenses today. I believe he will continue to display that style of play, leading to a lot of tackles for Frank this upcoming spring season for the cougars.