Playoff Report: Papillion-LaVista v Bellevue West Standouts

This past Friday was a perfect example of why the term Friday Night Lights exists. It was a big stage for teams across the metro and the top-seeded Thunderbirds showed why they are one of the favorites to win it all. The Thunderbirds have weapons all over the field and they attacked the Monarchs with a full-on offensive assault scoring 63 points. The Monarchs made it interesting but this one was pretty much out of reach by halftime. Here are my standouts from Friday night:   L.J. Richardson | Bellevue West | RB | 6’1" 215 LBS | Class of 2022 The Wyoming commit had 21 CAR, 278 YDS, and 3 TDS (1 passing). L.J. is a strong downhill runner with excellent breakaway speed. L.J. has been clocked at 4.46 seconds on his 40 YD dash times. For his career, he has averaged over 9.5 YDS a carry and has a total of 49 total TDS. When Bellevue West is playing its best, it is usually riding the L Train! There is a reason Wyoming looked to lock him up early in his senior season. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GB4qX">http://www.hudl.com/v/2GB4qX</a>   [player_tooltip player_id="147833" first="Luke" last="Johannsen"] | Bellevue West | QB | 6’2" 190 LBS | Class of 2022 Luke has faced a lot of adversity in the last couple of years. He followed a state title-winning quarterback in Nate Glantz and has potential home run threats at each skill position on offense. I have been to a few Bellevue West games this year and have seen some amazing plays by him, but also some not-so-amazing plays. This past Friday night may have been the best version of him I have seen. He was 16/22 (72.7%) for 210 YDS with 4 TDS (1 rushing). He got the entire team involved with 6 different receivers catching balls and three of them catching TDS. He used his legs when the pocket broke down, rushing for 35 YDS and a score. Luke has shown a lot of maturity and poise on the year with a super sophomore with multiple D-1 offers breathing down his neck. He has received an offer from the University of Mary back in August but could have others knocking if he continues to play well in the playoffs. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GEbzf">http://www.hudl.com/v/2GEbzf</a>   Will Keiser | Bellevue West | CB | 6’0" 170 LBS | Class of 2022 Will played physical and made some great plays. He had 3 tackles on the night with 1 tackle for a loss and 1 INT. He did a great job breaking to the ball and making receivers pay a price for having the ball near him. Will currently doesn’t have any offers but could get some looks if he keeps performing like he did Friday. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GEaDq">http://www.hudl.com/v/2GEaDq</a>   [player_tooltip player_id="180286" first="Kyrell" last="Jordan"] | Bellevue West | WR, CB | 5’8" 160 LBS | Class of 2023 Kyrell has speed to burn. He had 4 catches for 103 YDS and a TD. He had another long touchdown in his hands but just could not haul it in. He averaged over 26 YDS a return on kickoffs and is a shifty runner in the open field. Kyrell is one of the deep threats this Thunderbird team has averaging over 17 YDS a catch on the year. He has garnered interest from Wayne St., Wyoming, and Nebraska. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GEuTU">http://www.hudl.com/v/2GEuTU</a>   [player_tooltip player_id="167999" first="Jayden" last="Roberts"] | Bellevue West | MLB | 5’9" 200 LBS | Class of 2022 Jayden is a fast linebacker who does a great job in coverage and against the run. He led the team in tackles with 7, with 2 of those being for a loss. He also had a sack in the game. Jayden plays bigger than his size and seems to always be involved in the play. For the year, he is averaging over 8 tackles a game with at least one of those being for a loss. Jayden has received some interest from Central Missouri, Dakota Wesleyan, and Nebraska Wesleyan. http://www.hudl.com/v/2GEsAD   Payton Prestito | Papillion-LaVista | RB, OLB | 5’9" 175 LBS | Class of 2024 Payton ran hard and showed good speed with some shiftiness. He had 14 CAR, 86 YDS, and 1 TD, he also assisted on 3 tackles. On the year, he averaged just under 6 YDS a carry and a TD a game. He is good at making himself small behind the line and then bursting through holes. Only a sophomore, we may some big years ahead for this Monarch!   [player_tooltip player_id="151094" first="Luke" last="Lindenmeyer"] | Papillion-LaVista | TE, DE | 6’4" 250 LBS | Class of 2024 I know I have shouted out Luke before but he does impress me with his size and his hands. Luke had 3 catches for 43 YDS and 1 TD. His touchdown catch was a beauty attacking the ball at the high point as a receiver should. Luke gives me Heath Miller/ Vance McDonald vibes and could be a very effective tight end at the next level, on the right team. He is big and tough with soft hands, all good tight end characteristics! He has recently visited both Iowa and Nebraska. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/11264625/60379f29a676a8099067da0b">http://www.hudl.com/video/3/11264625/60379f29a676a8099067da0b</a>   Bonus: [player_tooltip player_id="147505" first="Kaden" last="Helms"] | [player_tooltip player_id="147504" first="Micah" last="Riley-Ducker"] | TK Barnett | |Bellevue West| These 3 are not on the list for normal reasons. Sure, Micah and Kaden both caught TDS and TK showed his versatility and speed with a rush, receptions, and averaging over 28 YDS per kickoff return but having them on the defensive side of the ball stood out to me. These players are amazing athletes and while they are slowly being acclimated back in, you could see flashes on the field that could make a difference in the playoffs. Kaden’s pass anticipation and physicalness. Micah did not register a sack or a tackle but you could see his speed on the edge and if he focuses on it, he could cause serious problems to offenses. TK’s speed and hands to cover receivers. Their commitment to performing on the defensive side of the ball as much as the offensive, might pay huge dividends in these state playoffs!