Midseason School Spotlight: Archbishop McNicholas

In 2021, the Rockets of Archbishop McNicholas have played incredibly well to say the least.  They are currently undefeated at 7-0 and have been dominant on both sides of the ball.  They have averaged 30.72 points per game on offense while giving up just 10.72 points per game on defense.  They have put together the best team the school has had in a long time.  In week 7, they will play Carroll who are currently 1-6.  Here are five of the Rockets who have had a great season so far. QB, <strong>Pierce Taylor</strong>, 5'11, 160 The Senior QB has played very well this season.  He quickly finds the open man and gets the ball quickly out of his hands showing very good accuracy as he puts the ball on the correct shoulder of the WR maximizing yards after the catch.  He shows very good poise in the pocket as he keeps his eyes downfield with several defenders in his face and is able to deliver an accurate ball.  He is a dual threat as a QB as he uses his very good quickness and agility to turn the corner on zone reads and uses his very good play speed and athletic ability in the secondary while eluding LB and DB for a big gain. RB, <strong>Tyler Snyder</strong>, 5'11, 220 The Junior RB has had a very successful season in 2020.  He shows very good vision as he quickly finds the open hole.  He shows great burst through the hole in combination with excellent power and contact balance as he runs over LB at the goal line for a TD.  When he is called upon to be a lead blocker, he uses his very good quickness and agility to get to the perimeter and displays very good physical toughness as he pancakes a DB opening up a big lane for his teammate. WR/CB, <strong>Tyler Haynes</strong>, 5'10, 145 The Junior WR/CB has been a reliable target for QB Pierce Taylor while also playing excellent defense as a CB.  On offense, he lines up on the outside as an X WR.  He shows good hip fluidity as he breaks off his stem at a 90 degree angle on a dig route, adjusts his body to the ball and is able to make the catch with his hands with ease as he moves the chains on 3rd down.  As a CB, he shows good ability in press coverage as he jams the larger X WR, uses his good play speed to stay in phase while he tracks the ball in the air and times his hands well for the pass breakup. DE/OLB, <strong>Colin Fix</strong>, 6'1, 211 The Senior EDGE rusher has been a big reason why the defense has played so well this year.  He lines up predominantly in a Wide 9.  Against the run, he shows very good burst off the ball and displays very good football intelligence as he quickly keys and diagnoses the play.  He uses his very good instincts as he takes the correct angle in pursuit and displays excellent play strength as he delivers a powerful hit to the RB.  Against the pass, he uses his quickness and agility to patrol his zone, uses his good closing speed to get to the TE who caught a pass in the flat and delivers a punishing hit preventing a significant gain. DB, <strong>Isaiah Helphinstine</strong>, 5'10, 165 The Senior DB has played well in 2021.  He plays as a FS.  Against the pass, he quickly backpedals while reading the QB, uses his good play speed to get to the ball, shows excellent ball skills as he times his jump perfectly and makes the interception with his arms fully extended.  Against the run, he displays very good range and closing speed as he quickly gets to the ball carrier.  He squares his shoulders while playing at a good pad level and delivers an excellent form tackle bringing down the RB with ease.