Defensive Stand Out Players of Spring v Westfield Game
Defense. Wins. Championships! I wholehearted believe this and I will die on this hill! Sure, maybe I’m slightly bias because I used to play on the defensive side of the ball, but you can’t tell me you don’t like seeing big…
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Continue ReadingDefense. Wins. Championships! I wholehearted believe this and I will die on this hill! Sure, maybe I’m slightly bias because I used to play on the defensive side of the ball, but you can’t tell me you don’t like seeing big hits, interceptions, sacks! Westfield’s defense did all of these things, and more! I enjoyed watching the team fly around and play great football. Here are the Stand Out Players on Defense.
DeQuarius Calhoun (2022) I 5’9″ I #3 I S
ENERGY! Calhoun will hit you, let you know he hit you, and line up and hit you again on the very next play! 3 was all over the field and arrived to the ball carrier fast and aggressive. I loved his passion for his teammates and the game of football. I noticed on one drive, Spring’s quarterback was picking on a specific Westfield cornerback. On that drive alone, the CB gave up 2 or 3 catches to different receivers. When Spring got close to the red zone, Westfield’s Defensive Coordinator switched the corner and Calhoun, moving 3 to corner. I made sure to watched what 3 would do on that play! On the lone play Calhoun was a corner, he jammed the receiver really well, moving his feet and staying hip to hip. My only critique was that Calhoun gave up inside leverage to the receiver, but he was still stuck to his man like glue. The ball did not to his way, but I was really impressed with the way he preformed on an island. I thought he did a decent job and that play alone really showed who Calhoun was as a football player: versatile, athletic, and physical! The senior ended the night 10 total tackles, 8 solo, and a forced fumble.
BJ Eashmond (2022) I 6’1″, 205 lbs I #8 I LB
Eashmond’s sideline to sideline speed was very apparent and impressive! This defense used his athleticism really well. Eashmond lined up on the edge and rushed the passer, dropped back in coverage, and spied the QB on roll outs. On one play in particular, Spring’s QB rolled out to his right, looking downfield to throw. To his credit, he was trying to expend the play and allow his receivers to get open. They could not, so the QB decided to run, and instantly regretted that decision! Eashmond was right there. As soon as the QB took a step upfield, 8 gave him a nice shot and brought him down for a sack! Eashmond lined up on the right side of the defensive formation. He traveled farther than many D lineman on that play, yet he still arrived at the QB first! He was/is a genuine chest piece. Some guys drop back in coverage just to occupy space, but Eashmond was fairly fluid, got into passing lanes, and pursed to the ball once the pass was in the air. Depending on the scheme fit in the future, I think Eashmond can gain more speed and quickness and be a safety, or add on more weight and be an every down linebacker. Eashmond concluded the night with 4 total tackles, 3 solo, and a sack.
Anthony Holmes Anthony Holmes 6'2" | 240 lbs | DL Westfield | 2022 State TX Jr. (2022) I 6’2″, 275 lbs I #10 I DL
You guys know I only put a player’s weight to emphasize his stature, and even this does not do him justice. Holmes is gigantic! He was a man amongst boys Friday night. And what was scarier, Holmes could move for his size! He moved out to DE a couple of times, but he made his money on the inside. He was powerful! One blocker could not stop him. He used his hands extremely effectively and consistently pushed the pocket into the QB’s lap. Every play required 2 linemen to block him, freeing up single blocks for his teammates (Westfield’s defense had a total of 10 sacks on the night). His biggest knock in his game was his discipline. He got called for offsides 3 times in the game. It baffled me because he was literally over the ball most of the game. His get off was excellent, so I see it as a gift and a curse honestly. Holmes’s run defense was great too. He got off the ball quickly and shed blocks well. Oh, I almost forget, he alone accounted for 5 of the 10 total sacks! The dude was a beast.
Sy Johnson (2022) I 5’9″ I #23 I S
Calhoun’s running mate was just as impressive as he was! Johnson was all over the field. His pursuit was good and he cleaned up any of his teammates spills. There was not a tackle attempt that I saw him miss. It makes sense, he did finished the game with 11 total tackles, with 9 of them being solo. Ideally, I would say the safety tandem was like lighting and thunder, with Calhoun being thunder, but Johnson was equally physical and fluid in pass coverage. His back pedal was quick and he did not allow a receiver to get over the top of him if he was instructed to stay high. Johnson was a really solid player and did everything exceptionally well. I love watching players that seem to do everything right. Johnson was quietly one of the best players on the field.
This defense was fast and physical! They flew around all over the field and played great team football. As I stated above, Defense Wins Championships! There were other players that made plays as well, but these guys stood out to me in a big way!