Game balls for University in Week 3

The University Bulldogs faced Class 3A Eagle Valley in a battle of unbeaten teams Friday night for Week 3, and the game resulted in a classic that needed double-overtime to settle it. Though University fell short 38-30, the team proved they will be a tough out every night and will look to take some lessons from the game with Patriot League play right around the corner. Despite the loss, a number of players still played well and were good enough to earn a game ball for their efforts. Here’s a look at the players who played well in the game for University. <h3><strong>Kanon Padilla, 2022, 5’11, 175, WR/DB</strong></h3> There was perhaps no player better than Padilla in the third and fourth quarters of the game. His big second half helped University come back from 15 points down and force overtime. As a wide receiver, he excelled in getting yards after the catch and making guys miss in the open field, and he became the go-to receiver for his quarterback down the stretch. Padilla will work the flats, the middle of the field and even down the field, so he is a factor all over the field. Then from his defensive spot, he came crashing downhill and blew up some plays for a tackle for loss or for a short game with his speed and range. He also had a key interception that sparked the second-half rally for the team. Padilla showed he will be a force on both sides of the ball and a key player for University in the second half of the season. <h3><strong>Carson Looschen, 2022, 6’4, 215, OL/DL</strong></h3> You talk about playing a high motor. Looschen is all out and giving 110 percent on every play. He is an aggressive offensive tackle who showed he can come off the ball and deliver hard contact, which was especially true against a NASCAR package that Eagle Valley uses on defense. When a big run was happening, he was flying down the field to get an extra block, including one 30 or 40 yards downfield on a huge touchdown run in the third quarter that tied the game. His relentlessness also comes through on defense to make him difficult to block and he can free up his linebackers behind him to make some plays. The energy and effort on display stood out big time for Looschen. <h3><strong>Kian Baxley, 2022, 6’4, 175, WR/LB</strong></h3> Another player all over the field and roaming for multiple tackles on defense was Baxley. With his speed, he helped stop some of the sweeps and tosses that Eagle Valley tried to hit on the outside as he ran down the ball carrier to get a tackle for loss. The hustle was there as well with a touchdown-saving stop in the third quarter and then getting a fourth-down stop in the red zone to keep University in the ball game. He shows great athleticism, speed and a high IQ to find his way at the ball. Some timely tackling on defense from Baxley allowed University to hang around and stay in the game, and he will be a key player to watch on defense this season. <h3><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="22725" first="Tayt" last="Chacon"], 2022, 6’5, 195, WR/DB</strong></h3> Just looking at Chacon, he looks like an NCAA-level prospect with his size and frame. Then you see him on the field, and he shows the skills match his impressive frame. For a big guy, he runs well and was sharp on his breaks in his routes, so he was able to create separation from the defensive back. His hands were solid and he did a good job snatching the ball and bringing it into his body rather than letting the ball get into his body and then try to corral it. Chacon shows to be a promising wide receiver in the spread offense. His size will also let him contribute from his defensive back spot for the team this season.