Defensive Standouts of the Week

Although Friday night saw a ton of high scores across the state, there were a handful of players who made a statement on defense. Some new names around AZ stepped up huge on Friday night and filled some big roles, so take a look at the top defensive players of the week: &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="100707" first="Justin" last="Regehr"], <em>LB, Valley Christian ’22<img class="size-medium wp-image-136931 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/04/PRZ-Generic-Helmets-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /></em> Regehr was a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball for Valley Christian as he recorded 19 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and even had an INT. Regehr was very effective on numerous blitz schemes to shoot through gaps with good physicality to force his way into the Mohave backfield. Excellent physicality in coverage as well as he was able to bump and knock receivers completely off their route. Expect Regehr to continue to have a strong season for Valley Christian. &nbsp; <strong>Jaylen Huckaby</strong>, <em>ATH, South Mountain ’22</em> Huckaby was a sure ball hawk on Friday night as he picked off 3 passes which included one pick six. On that pick six, he picked up a deep cross from the FS spot and used his closing speed to undercut the ball and take it 70+ yards to the house. He possesses excellent top end speed with good flexibility and is a very talented all-around athlete and a standout on both sides of the ball for South. &nbsp; <strong>Caden Tom,</strong> <em>DL, Holbrook ’22</em> A 2A ball dominant defensive lineman in Caden Tom had a huge night as he recorded 3 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and 10 total tackles. Tom showed strength at the point of contact and was too physical and strong for Camp Verde's offensive line. Two-way player for Holbrook with a chip on his shoulder. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="42832" first="Porter" last="Sweet"], <em>DL, Desert Mountain ’22</em> Sweet was a bully against Gilbert as he had a 3 sack night with 5 TFL’s and 10 tackles total. Sweet shows a quick initial ball get off and flashed violent hands along the edges, which was a tough combo to account for given his size at 6'3" 225lbs. He flashed strength at the POA and possesses good athleticism as he is trending in the direction of a solid edge prospect for the next level. &nbsp; <img class="size-medium wp-image-44645 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/9E126264-1CBE-4EB9-9BCF-7FC6BE8980B7-300x246.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="246" /> <strong>Jeremiah Vessel</strong>, <em>DB, Basha ’23</em> The Louisiana transplant is a huge asset to the Basha secondary, as he recorded and INT and a forced fumble to help secure the W over O’Connor. He eats up ground and closes well as a tackler with a low POC, as he was able to put his helmet right on the ball are drive through his opponent to force a fumble. Good range and speed overall and should continue to be a major contributor for Basha. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="42956" first="Colin" last="Tibbs"], <em>DB, Verrado ’23</em> Tibbs picked off 2 passes which included a clutch pick six to pull off an upset and beat Notre Dame Prep 21-14. Tibbs flashed a good transition and break on the ball on a slant to fly up and pick it off, then take it 50 yards untouched to the house. He stepped up big Friday night as Verrado will need him to be consistent all season.