Rogers vs. Elk River – Defensive standouts

Brian Jerzak October 4, 2021 @ 10:42 PM

The front seven, or most times front eight of the Rogers Royals defense, did what few defenses have been able to do to the Elk River Elks Friday night. They held the potent running attack of the Elks to one touchdown and only a handful of long runs during a 30-7 victory. Every defensive lineman and linebacker that played in the game deserves to be highlighted here, but I know I missed some guys I shouldn’t have. Combining the mosh pit of bodies that occur when the Elks’ inside trap game gets stuffed and that Rogers’ defensive line coach John Daiker told me they never had two plays in a row with the same front and the same personnel grouping – I know I missed guys that should have been highlighted in this story. Branden Willingbring, Tyler Johnson, Dylan Sobiech, Mitch Jerierski, [player_tooltip player_id="138248" first="Wyatt" last="Gilmore"], Kyle Jackson, [player_tooltip player_id="105408" first="Adrian" last="Onyiego"], Max Hansen, Adam Cowles, Caleb Climaco Rogers DL/LB Johnson made a tackle in the backfield and then beat his blocker to make a tackle for a short gain. He would repeat do it again for a short gain later in the game. Powell made a tackle in the backfield and then beat his man to put pressure on the quarterback. He hit the quarterback, popping the ball out for a strip-sack – leading to a touchdown. Jerierski scooped up the fumble caused by Powell and returned it for a touchdown. Later, he made a solid tackle on the outside. Jackson made a highlight reel tackle. He buried his shoulder into the midsection of the runner with so much force that the first thing that hit the ground was the runner’s shoulders. Then, he made another tackle for a short gain. Later, Jackson and Gilmore combined on a tackle for no gain. Early in his signature play of the game, Gilmore somehow ended up on the ground. It didn’t matter – he still made an open-field tackle from his knees. Later, he made a less spectacular but more significant play in the grand scheme of things; he made a tackle in the open field for a short gain on a third down. Onyiego got off a blocker and made a tackle for a short gain. Quick hits Myles Gordon Elk River LB - beat his blocker, getting penetration off the end, forcing a runner into teammates for a short gain. Lucas Daleiden Elk River LB - made a pair of solid tackles on the inside for short gains. Brandon Ramert Elk River DB - defended a slant and deflected the ball Eric Pearson Rogers DB - made an open-field tackle on the outside Eric Andersen Elk River DL - made life tough on the inside. He slowed down or outright stopped several inside runs.