Top Performers: Ponchatoula vs. Northshore

Even in battle of undefeated teams, one of Ponchatoula’s top district challengers couldn’t keep from becoming another speed-bump for one of Louisiana’s top teams. Northshore was able to strike on its first possession, but the rest of the evening was all Green Wave in a 49-7 rout. Legendary coach Hank Tierney’s squad had outscored its first few opponents 113 to 16 by that point and has now continued that dominance to a 269 to 51 mark. The senior trio of [player_tooltip player_id="136477" first="Jacoby" last="Mathews"], [player_tooltip player_id="136481" first="Amorion" last="Walker"] and [player_tooltip player_id="128246" first="Kody" last="Finley"] are the headline recruits — all three playing wide receiver, but Mathews also safety, Walker also cornerback and the big-bodied Finley open to potential development as a hybrid tight end. And junior defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id="138385" first="Tyler" last="Bailey"], who was out injured against the Panthers, has generated some notable early buzz, including an LSU offer. But here’s a look at some of the more under-rated members of Ponchatoula’s impressive team, as well as a few Northshore players who stood out head-to-head. &nbsp; <strong>PONCHATOULA</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="136657" first="Braydon" last="Johnson"] (2022)</strong> <strong>6-0, 210 RB</strong> He doesn’t have the same level of recruiting attention as his aforementioned trio of classmates, but [player_tooltip player_id="136657" first="Braydon" last="Johnson"] is flat-out a "dude" for Ponchatoula and will be for a college program to recognize his talent and add him to the roster. The big running back provides the Green Wave offense — or, really, either side of the ball when he plays linebacker — a high-level physical component that opponents have to respect on top of all the perimeter talent. And, beyond that toughness, Johnson is legitimate 4.5-second 40-yard dash fast that can be gone for big gains in the blink of an eye when he gets space, as he did on a pair of touchdown runs against the Panthers. <strong>Nolan Tribble (2023)</strong> <strong>6-0, 170 QB</strong> The junior, also an infielder for the Green Wave’s baseball team, has been a major storyline this season in taking the reins of the offense for a program hoping to make a run at its first state championship since 1940. Tribble has been effective in his role of limiting mistakes and getting the ball into the hands of the many weapons at his disposal. He did so to the tune of four touchdowns to four different receivers against Northshore. And his success in that role also frees up Mathews to play more at his natural safety and wide receiver positions, where he caught one of Tribble’s scoring throws. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128660" first="Damontrell" last="Osby"] (2022)</strong> <strong>5-10, 175 ATH</strong> "Scrappy" doesn’t have the height and length of Finley, Mathews and Walker, but, like Johnson, is an underrated weapon and constant playmaker for the Green Wave. Osby can lineup all over the offensive formation, including the backfield, and be a threat from anywhere catching the ball well downfield or taking quick passes, making defenders miss and getting upfield for big gains after the catch. He joined the aforementioned trio with Tribble’s touchdown receptions. <strong>Darrien Brider (2022)</strong> <strong>6-0, 215 LB</strong> The senior linebacker has been one of Ponchatoula’s top defensive playmakers with his activity in the box, but also a knack for getting into passing lanes and even swiping interceptions in coverage. Against Northshore, he jumped in the way to deflect a quick screen on a play referees ultimately ruled as a forced fumble for a big loss. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="138280" first="Aviyon" last="Butler"] (2023)</strong> <strong>6-3, 205 ATH</strong> Another defensive standout is making the most of his junior season after sitting out last year following a transfer. Butler is a big, versatile safety or outside linebacker able to brings good rush from the edge or well-timed shoots through gaps and into the backfield. He had a sack and another tackle for loss among his highlights against Northshore. <strong>Bishop Davis (2024)</strong> <strong>5-10, 150 RB</strong> Mathews smiled as much when asked about the sophomore running back as any other aspect of the game. The speedy younger teammate broke outside and dashed 82 yards up his team’s sideline for its final touchdown of the game. Davis is a big part of the Green Wave’s future, but also provides a nice complement to Johnson and the veterans in the present. <strong>JaQuan Livers (2022)</strong> <strong>5-10, 240</strong> Even in Bailey's absence, another of Ponchatoula's stout defensive tackles stepped up and was disruptive in the middle of the line. The senior was able to shed Northshore's center and guard to stuff the Panthers' attempts to establish a ground game. <strong>Brant Monistere (2023)</strong> <strong>5-10, 215 LB</strong> The junior linebacker is another playmaker for the Green Wave defense who seems to show up time and time again at the biggest moments. Monistere quickly jumped on a second-quarter fumble against Northshore just as the Panthers' offense appeared to start putting something together again and then nearly made a diving interception just a few minutes later. <strong>NORTHSHORE</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="136518" first="Austin" last="Jackson"] (2022)</strong> <strong>5-10, 180 WR</strong> The transfer wide receiver from Brother Martin caught the deep ball for the 60-yard strike on Northshore's first drive. He was an explosive and underrated pass-catcher for the Crusaders and has brought that same threat to the Panthers' offense. He also showed strength and tenacity to fight for extra yards when given the ball on screens and other shorter passes. <strong>Chandler Chapman (2023)</strong> <strong>6-0, 190 RB</strong> The junior running back showed a couple flashes on an overall tough night for his team. On one screen with a little space, Chapman turned up field and showed quick feet to cut around and through defenders for a 15-yard gain. A few plays later, he came darting downfield on punt coverage and laid a big hit on the returner before he could gain any momentum. <strong>James Bridges (2023)</strong> <strong>6-2, 195 WR</strong> Bridges' biggest play came on special teams after making a couple cuts on a kickoff and then breaking into stride for a long return all the way to the far 10-yard line.