5 Stock Risers from Undefeated St. Johns’ Playoff Win

The St. John’s Cadets remain perfect after their dominant win over Gonzaga in the semifinals of the WCAC playoffs. Their defense posted yet another shutout, bringing their total to five on the season, and their offense played at an elite level as well. [player_tooltip player_id="121525" first="Jamar" last="Curtis"] returned to the field in this contest, and he scored a touchdown that put the Cadets up early. His presence made all of the difference for St. John’s in this post season game, and they are truly a different team with him on the field. St. John’s has the opportunity to complete the perfect season this upcoming weekend against Good Counsel, and there’s no question that this WCAC championship will go down in the history books as one of the most epic games since the conference’s conception. &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong><u>ST. JOHN’S </u></strong> <strong>2022 5’6 170 RB – [player_tooltip player_id="121525" first="Jamar" last="Curtis"] </strong> If [player_tooltip player_id="121525" first="Jamar" last="Curtis"] is not 1^st Team All-WCAC this season then he should be. [player_tooltip player_id="121525" first="Jamar" last="Curtis"] rushed 18 times for 125 yards and a touchdown in St. Johns’ win over Gonzaga, bringing his average yards per carry total this season to 7.1. Curtis missed the Cadets’ previous game against the Purple Eagles which was a much more competitive one. It’s not a coincidence that this happened, and that’s because Curtis is one of the best pound for pound running backs in the nation. Scouts must ignore his size and focus on his abilities. [player_tooltip player_id="121525" first="Jamar" last="Curtis"] can do it all, and he will continue to prove it at the next level. <strong> </strong> <strong>2022 6’4 180 WR – [player_tooltip player_id="136028" first="DJ" last="Linkins"] </strong> The 1^st Team All-WCAC is going to look a lot like St. Johns’ starting lineup this season. [player_tooltip player_id="136028" first="DJ" last="Linkins"] will most certainly be named to the team as a wideout, and his achievements this season speak for themselves. Linkins hauled in another touchdown reception against Gonzaga which brings his total to 8 touchdowns on the season. [player_tooltip player_id="136028" first="DJ" last="Linkins"] is a mismatch against any defensive back at this level, and he’s going to do great things for any division one program he chooses to join. <strong> </strong> <strong>2022 6’1 215 LB – Kendel Sims </strong> Kendel Sims recorded another interception on the season in this game, and he did so by trusting his high level football instincts. Sims dropped back into coverage and used his elite athleticism to secure the interception deep in Gonzaga territory. Sims’ size and speed at linebacker really stand out when you watch him play, and he certainly showed that in this game. Kendel Sims has had a fantastic season, and he will be an integral part of St. Johns’ defensive game plan against Good Counsel in the championship game this weekend. <strong> </strong> <strong>2023 6’0 185 DB – Trent Brown </strong> Trent Brown made the play of the game in this contest, and it pretty much sealed the win for St. John’s. Brown made a crucial interception in the third quarter, and he took it all the way back to the end zone for a pick six, making the score 21-0. Brown showcased his incredible elusiveness on the touchdown return, dodging defenders and barreling his way past the pilons. It’s crazy to think that Brown has another year of high school football left, because he seems to be ready for the college game right now. Trent Brown can make a huge impact on the championship game this weekend, and he just might be the difference maker for the Cadets. <strong> </strong> <strong>2022 6’0 195 WR – [player_tooltip player_id="90627" first="Josh" last="Gary"]</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="90627" first="Josh" last="Gary"] has been excellent for St. John’s all season long, and he seems to be their go to guy on third down. He caught five balls for 69 yards and a fourth quarter touchdown to extend the lead for the Cadets. Gary has a knack for getting open downfield and converting on big plays, and that ability goes hand and hand with his premier route running. As a receiver, [player_tooltip player_id="90627" first="Josh" last="Gary"] has some of the best footwork in the WCAC, and as he continues to grow then his incredible mobility will only prove more and more effective. He is going to do big things at the next level, and he certainly has the ability to do big things in the championship game this weekend.