Defensive Game Balls from Around the State: Week 5

Several defensive prospects stepped up in a big way to kickoff the second half of the ’21 season. It’s that point in the year when defense can really determine the outcome of a game. Scores will get closer and the stakes will be higher as we’re just three weeks away from the start of playoffs. Here are seven players that put together standout defensive performances during Week 5. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91412" first="Memo" last="Flores"] &amp; Rodrigo Sanchez</strong> – Southwestern Heights, <em>Class of ’22 &amp; ‘24</em> The Mustangs lost during Week 5, but this duo helped their defense hold a 3-1 Lakin squad to just 12 points. Flores led them in tackles as a junior, and he’s well on his way to being their lead tackler once again. He piled up 23 total on the night and chipped in 186 yards on the on the ground as well. Sanchez followed right behind Flores with 20 total tackles and two forced fumbles. The sophomore is having a breakout year, as he is second on the team in tackles. <strong>Blake Mertes</strong> – Maize South, LB, <em>Class of ’22</em> The Mavericks have been a nice surprise coming out of the 5A ranks this season, and a portion of their success this year stems from their stout defense. Mertes has been a key piece for this unit as they’re holding opposing offenses to 17 points per game. He played well in their game against Newton; going on to rack up nine total tackles with two sacks. The Mavericks will be tested in a huge Week 6 matchup with cross town rival Maize High School. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="81145" first="Tate" last="Deever"]</strong> – Wabaunsee, LB, <em>Class of ’24</em> Deever is following up his breakout freshmen season with an even better sophomore campaign. The rising sophomore put together his highest tackle total of the season in the Chargers’ win over Valley Heights. He led Wabaunsee with 17 total and had one forced fumble. Deever has been the anchor to a defense that has only allowed 36 points through five weeks. <strong>Carson Wood</strong> – Central Heights, LB, <em>Class of ’23</em> This junior came up with some key plays to help the Vikings’ defense hold Horton to only six points in the second half of their Week 5 matchup. Wood went on to be their leading tackler during the contest; putting together a 12-tackle night with three sacks. He is now one of the top sackers in Class 1A with 6.5 on the season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="127767" first="Wade" last="Spencer"]</strong> – St. James Academy, DL, <em>Class of ’23</em> The first half of the ’21 campaign was tough for St. James, but the Thunder started the second half of the season the right way. They crossed state lines in Week 5 and picked up their first win of the season, beating undefeated St. Pius 33-13. Spencer is a player that stood out from their defense, as he went on to accumulate five total tackles with three sacks and one forced fumble. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="166979" first="Samuel" last="Becker"]</strong> – McPherson, ATH, <em>Class of ’23</em> Becker appeared in our Class of ’23 Watch List Series during the summer, and he’s been having a breakout junior year on the defensive line. The Bullpups faced a run heavy El Dorado offense in Week 5 and Becker stepped up to finish second on the team in tackles, ending the night with 18 total. He’s been an intricate piece for McPherson’s defense, as he is their leading tackler so far this season.