Highlighting The East St. Louis Flyers Saturday Game
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I want to give an enormous thank you to the entire East St. Louis Senior High School Coaching and Event Staff. They graciously accepted me into their home today to watch the #1 ranked 6A Defending State Champ take on…
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Continue ReadingI want to give an enormous thank you to the entire East St. Louis Senior High School Coaching and Event Staff. They graciously accepted me into their home today to watch the #1 ranked 6A Defending State Champ take on the #11 ranked Peoria Lions. You were exceptional hosts, and I look forward to my next visit with you and your family.
The Flyers seem to be powered by a massive front line of four sophomores and one junior. Miles McVay (6’7 345, OT, 23’, @McVayMiles), a 1st team All-American leads this front; Melvin Priestly slotted in next to him (6’4 315, OG, 22’, @melvinpriestly1); this right side is an elite blocking duo when running the ball. They have a mean streak on a whole other level than 99% of the offensive lines you will see. Center Timothy Pitts Jr. (6’2 260, C, 23’, @timpitt19) had lighting quick snaps all afternoon with good discipline to climb to the second level making effective blocks. Paris Patterson Paris Patterson 6'4" | 325 lbs | OL East St. Louis | 2023 State IL Jr. (6’5 330, OG, 23’, @p_pattersonjr) had punishing downfield pancakes throughout the entire afternoon; he can play OT as well, no question after seeing him in the game today. Brandon Henderson (6’5 330, OT, 23’, @lameBee2x_ ) is quick enough out on edge to play the blindside tackle and has the power to play the right side if called upon when he reaches the college level. These five exceptionally gifted offensive linemen are going to be the best group in the country next fall.
Marquise Palmer had a solid day on the ground with 11-80-3. The first two of his touchdowns came in the 1st quarter with 3:50 left; they marched down the field stuffed it in with force on the one-yard line both times. Palmer then added one more on a 30yd scamper down the sideline to leave just under a minute in half to put the Flyers up 47-12.
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Luther Burden Luther Burden 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR East St Louis | 2022 State IL III had himself quite a day as well, going 5-150-2 with his significant gains coming on the TD catches both in the 2nd quarter, the first for 35 yards the other for 62 yards.
His release is superb when coming out of the starting blocks, even better at the top of the route downfield to create separation.
Throwing the ball is young freshmen Robert “Pops” Battle, who had a good day 219 yards, 3 TDs, 0 interceptions. After establishing a comfortable lead, they opened it up more for Battle to get him familiar with his teammates in different game-time situations. More throws downfield, checking down his reads and moving around the protected pocket and even a broken one to get the future experience to lead this team.
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Defensively there were excellent plays made all over the field. Starting with Lamar Box Lamar Box 6'1" | 180 lbs | DB East St. Louis | 2022 State IL (@LamarrBox) with seven solo tackles two interceptions, Box is a unique player in the secondary, reading the QB and reacting decisively to what they were giving him all afternoon. Jamol Molton Jamol Molton 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB East St. Louis | 2022 State IL added eight solo tackles with a fumble recovery and looked explosive running through ball carriers.
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Jireh Mays Jireh Mays 6'2" | 320 lbs | DL East St. Louis | 2022 State IL (@Jirehmays99) had a good day plugging the gaps while compiling a modest five solo and five assisted tackles. Senior Scott Presson Scott Presson 6'3" | 235 lbs | TE East St. Louis | 2021 IL had ten solo tackles, three assists, and one sack, a leader on the defense throughout the afternoon, making big plays filling the gaps with sheer power. Strong Safety Jalen Byrd Jalen Byrd 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB East St. Louis | 2022 State IL is a machine all over the field in the box or out he made plays. Led the team with 12 tackles, two assists, and one sack; he certainly demonstrates he is better than he was in 2019 and showed it.
The defense stepped up today, tightening up some early coverage mistakes with a strong finish in the 2nd half and creating turnovers, often giving the offense excellent field position to continue to play their game.
A remarkably young team with 36 underclassmen playing significant roles at every level gets those essential reps. They need them for the Fall’s impressive schedule ahead. That features St. Johns Bosco and IMG Academy, which they will play on the road at a neutral site the final game of the regular season. The East St. Louis Flyers have the makings of a top nationally ranked team going into the 2021 season. If they happen to run the table, their schedule will prove they will be the country’s best team.