Cardinal Gibbons HS v. Richmond Co. HS (Top Performers- Offense)

I was on the sidelines for the Second Round State Playoff game between Cardinal Gibbons HS and Richmond Co. HS.  The anticipation was high for this game between two talented teams. The players listed performed at a high level throughout the game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="117098" first="Connor" last="Clark"], QB, Cardinal Gibbons HS</strong> displayed his skills and left no doubt why is he is one of the top Class of 2023 quarterbacks in NC.  He displayed laser-accuracy on his passes, long and short throws..  Connor did a good job of mixing up passes along with running plays throughout the game.  Connor displayed the ability to fake out the defense and ran twice for considerable yardage.  <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="117098" first="Connor" last="Clark"]</strong> displayed leadership and poise in the pocket (completing 17 of 22 passes for 223 yards and 3 TDS, one interception, rushed for 40 yards on two runs).  <strong>Nick Samson, OT</strong> and <strong>James Caramanico, OT</strong> displayed good footwork and strength as the offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage.  The offensive line did a good job of protecting [player_tooltip player_id="117098" first="Connor" last="Clark"] and did not allowed a sack. <strong>Brock Biestek, WR</strong>, displayed good speed and ability to separate from the defender to make the catch.  Brock ran good pass patterns and displayed good hands on the short pass routes.  <strong>Brock Biestek</strong> was difficult to defend in man-coverage and is one of the scoring threats on offense.  Brock finished with 9 catches for 94 yards and 1 TD. <strong>Donnovan Shepard, RB</strong> is a quick, shifty runner who accelerates from the defender quickly.  He displayed good hands in making catches on the short passing routes coming out of the backfield.  <strong>Donnovan Shepard</strong> displayed good balance and strong inside running.  Donovan is a tough, durable running back who can take the physical hits. <strong>Jake Taylor, TE</strong> showed good speed and ran good pass routes.  Jake displayed the ability to separate from the defender to make the catch and gain yardage after the catch.  <strong>Jake Taylor</strong> uses his body to shield off the defender and is a solid tight end with good hands. <strong>Kellan Hood, QB, Richmond Co.</strong> displayed the ability to make some accurate throws in traffic.  Kellan displayed quickness and the ability to make the initial defender miss when he decided to run.  Kellan Hood is a talented player that will continue to improve (completing 8 of 16 passes for 64 yards, 3 interceptions, rushed for 43 yards on 11 carries and 1 TD). <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="28481" first="Dalton" last="Stroman"], WR</strong> displayed good separation from the defender to make catches in traffic.  Dalton ran good pass routes and has good hands (4 catches for 35 yards).  <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="28481" first="Dalton" last="Stroman"]</strong> displayed the desire to block on the running plays. <strong>Juron Coleman, RB</strong> displayed good balance and durability while taking several physical hits throughout the game.  Juron displayed strong inside running and is a workhorse running back (17 carries for 67 yards). <strong>Juron Coleman</strong> is a solid running back who expects a high number of carries to get the job done.