Four Impactful Playmakers on Opening Weekend

It was such an exciting time throughout Illinois this past Friday and Saturday with the Spring 2020 football season getting underway. Some particular action in Southern Illinois was remarkable, with record-setting days for a couple of area quarterbacks. Big wins throughout the entire state poured in, and unfortunately, many schools were not able to field teams, with more still going into week 2 in the same position. <hr /> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="65707" first="Keegan" last="Glover"], QB, 6’0 170, Benton HS, C/O 2022, @GloverKeegan</h5> I made it down to Benton, Illinois, for their home opener this past Saturday afternoon with their brand new facility and turf field, which looks top-notch. As for the game, I was able to interview Keegan before I asked him how it feels to be in in-game situations; finally, " It is a long time coming for the entire team, coaching staff, and parents who have put in so much hard work. Also, I spoke on the pregame jitters, " I am loose ready to play." You could see it in his eyes; he was without a doubt. He didn’t disappoint either, with a 1st play 69yd TD pass to a talented WR, Aiden Newcomb, who boasted 5-186-2 on the day. https://twitter.com/Ryan_Bennett77/status/1373336215169216518?s=20 Keegan stole the show for a record-breaking 398 passing yards, 6 TDs.  I caught up with Keegan after his stellar performance, " I have been to so many seven-on-seven showcases, and combines throwing at the best in the midwest has to offer. It has all paid off with how everything slowed down out there for me." https://twitter.com/Ryan_Bennett77/status/1373353627159498752?s=20 Keegan played an exceptional game in front of a great supportive crowd. Glover stepped up in the pocket, making frozen rope throws with finessed deep balls. Footwork was making all the difference, and he doesn’t look like the same player from his sophomore tape in any way. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="65117" first="Preston" last="Sumner"], RB, 6’2 215, Carterville HS, C/O 2021, @PrestonDSumner</h5> I have been following Preston throughout the past year, was able to see him during the offseason a few times during workouts. I wondered how well he would do being the size of back he is, proving more than capable with 11 carries, 138 yards 3 TDS. He showed his ability to be patient and let the lanes open up. Another excellent quality was his blocking as he leads the way for significant gains and keeping his QB, [player_tooltip player_id="65080" first="Eli" last="Downen"], upright from the blitzing linebackers. Adding catches from the backfield, Preston is a running back with all the tools which will play on the next level; exciting to see how the rest of the season plays out for him. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="20927" first="Ty" last="Hopp"], RB/LB, 6’0 225, Auora Central Cathlioc HS, C/O 2022, @hopp_ty</h5> Ty " The Russian" Hopp I have been following for some time, and I have been anxiously awaiting his Junior season film. Registering five solo tackles, six assisted, 3 TFL, 1 INT, 1 FR, one pass break up at linebacker. Also, starting at running back, he ran for 135 yards for an 8.4 avg yard per attempt, 45 receiving yards 1 TD. Ty put on a clinic with his aggressive style of play and nose for the ball. Never brought down by a single tackler, multiple needed for him when fighting for extra yards. Showed patience all day playing both positions letting plays develop in front of him, and reacting athletically. I can see Ty topping these numbers again this year and has a bright future on the college level. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="20225" first="Hunter" last="Simmons"], QB, 6’4 215, Marion HS, C/O 2021, @hunt_simm</h5> Hunter has been waiting a long time for this, and I have spoken to him numerous times in the offseason. Proving he can win, be a true pocket passing QB with the ability to make the intelligent read and run it when necessary. He has tightened up little details when stepping up to make the plays in the pocket and taking the critical hits or deciding to throw them away. Hunter just had fun using his naturally gifted arm strength to an exceptional WR Venson Newsom (@NewsomVenson), who hauled in 200 of Hunters’ 407 passing yards, which were fitting for a new school record for single-game passing yards beating the old record by 45 yards. He is not an easy QB to gameplan since he is a duel-threat when needed while also having a cannon that can accurately hurl it 60+ yards downfield. He has high-speed weapons that can get behind any defense, which gives him a significant advantage. Hunter will create some buzz over the coming weeks over his performances when putting his talents on display. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;