Game balls for Chaparral in Class 5A First Round playoffs

The season came to an end for the Chaparral Wolverines in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs after a 34-20 loss to Fort Collins. It was a still a good season for the team, and they had a number of players who had a big performance in the final game of the year. Here is a look at the players who stood out in the playoff game this week. <h3><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="52220" first="Brayden" last="Munroe"], 2023, 6’2, 190, WR/DB</strong></h3> Munroe has been the go-to receiver all season long, and even though opposing defenses know that, he still finds a way to make teams pay. He did so again versus Fort Collins, hauling in 10 receptions for 163 yards and tying a season-high with three touchdowns. He ran good routes and found separation in his cuts, and he showed excellent hands when targeted. While he did hit some plays down the field, he also had a huge play on a push pass caught behind the line of scrimmage, got to the edge and turned on the jets for a long touchdown run. The reliable target he is can lead to big plays at any given time makes him an intriguing prospect for his class, and he showed that he was able to take in a game at Air Force a few weeks ago, so he should be on some college radars after a big junior season. <h3><strong>Kyle Valdez, 2022, 5’8, 230, OL</strong></h3> The right side of the offensive line came out ready to play early and helped Chaparral drive down the field and score a touchdown on its first possession. Valdez, the right guard, made a number of big blocks on that drive and became someone that the team wanted to run the ball behind. He was able to deliver a pancake on the first series, he sealed the edge when running the opposite direction, and he got up to the second level that helped open some run lanes. He also did a good job pulling to the opposite side and leading the way, as well as down-blocking when the left side of the line pulled behind him. <h3><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="58961" first="Geoff" last="Freeman"], 2022, 6’1, 220, DE</strong></h3> Freeman may have started quietly in terms of the stat sheet, but his play in the second half was hard to ignore. He seemed to be all over the field, applying pressure and getting some stops. He showed a good quick rush to get up the field and into the backfield versus the pass, but he also did a good job getting in on some run stops on plays coming his way. There were times in the second half he looked to have his way repeatedly. Freeman would also chase down a ball carrier from behind for a few stops, showing he will not give up on the play. With good technique, his play up front created some problems for Fort Collins and provided a bit of spark for his defense. <h3><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="43678" first="Kylan" last="Wilson"], 2022, 5’11, 200, QB/DB/P</strong></h3> Wilson was effective in all three phases of the game for Chaparral. On offense, the quarterback showed a good ability to extend the play with his legs, had a decent arm throwing both short and long, and he also picked up some yards running the ball for his team. He finished with 188 passing yards and three touchdowns while also running for 117 yards. On defense, he was willing to come in and make stops from his secondary spot and found his way to the football, finishing with seven tackles. Then there was his punting on special teams, another key trait he brings. The ability to contribute in all three phases made Wilson one of the best players on the football field in the game.