Gonzaga Dominates in Away Win
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Gonzaga snapped a two game losing skid with a much needed victory over Bishop McNamara this past weekend. The Purple Eagles defense earned their third shutout of the season as well, with Seniors Gavin Bryson and Jordan Shuler Jordan Shuler…
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Continue ReadingGonzaga snapped a two game losing skid with a much needed victory over Bishop McNamara this past weekend. The Purple Eagles defense earned their third shutout of the season as well, with Seniors Gavin Bryson and Jordan Shuler Jordan Shuler 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Gonzaga | 2022 State MD leading the charge. Gonzaga Senior running back Joseph Hammond Jr also added close to one hundred yards and a touchdown, earning himself MVP honors for the game. Let’s take a closer look at the standout Purple Eagles from this victory.
GONZAGA
2022 5’11 185 DB – Gavin Bryson
Gavin Bryson was lockdown in this game, and he got a jump on every single play because he could read the McNamara offense so easily. Bryson clearly has incredible instincts at cornerback as well as rock solid fundamentals. He has an extremely high football IQ, and he also has a knack for creating turnovers. Gavin Bryson will most certainly face the likes of St. John’s wide receivers Sean Williams and DJ Linkins DJ Linkins 6'4" | 195 lbs | WR St. John's | 2022 State MD this weekend, which are both collegiate level matchups that should have scouts chomping at the bit to recruit. Gavin Bryson will be an elite division one cornerback.
2022 6’1 215 LB – Jordan Shuler Jordan Shuler 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Gonzaga | 2022 State MD
As he always is, Jordan Shuler Jordan Shuler 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Gonzaga | 2022 State MD was absolutely all over the place against McNamara. He recorded multiple sacks for big time losses, and he also helped thwart the Mustang running game. The special thing about Shuler is how he, as a linebacker, so seamlessly drops back into coverage to make big time stops in the secondary. He has the special ability of covering the pass when he’s needed, but also pressuring the backfield, at least seemingly, at all times. Jordan Shuler Jordan Shuler 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Gonzaga | 2022 State MD will need to play at least as efficiently as he always does so that Gonzaga even has a chance. Shuler is the key to the Purple Eagles’ defense.
2023 5’11 180 WR – Jalen McDonald
It’s now clear that, regardless of who is at quarterback, Jalen McDonald is an overall elite wide receiver. McDonald was the go to option on third down in this game, and he proved that decision to be a wise one because he converted almost every time. He is such a downfield threat that it’s extra difficult for defensive backs to cover his short and middle routes, as we saw in this game, so for that reason he’s able to exploit defenses in the open space. Jalen McDonald also showcased great chemistry with Sophomore quarterback Aidan Conrath, which is a tandem that will certainly win a lot of football games for Gonzaga in the long term, and potentially near term, future of this program. McDonald will need to have a big game this weekend for the Purple Eagles to defeat the Cadets.
2022 6’3 225 TE – Nate Kurisky Nate Kurisky 6'3" | 225 lbs | TE Gonzaga | 2022 State MD
Nate Kurisky Nate Kurisky 6'3" | 225 lbs | TE Gonzaga | 2022 State MD made the game very easy on his Sophomore quarterback, by finding the open space and getting open consistently. The two connected on a number of big time plays that set-up the Purple Eagles for points, and most of those big time yards for Kurisky were yards after contact- something Kurisky has steadily improved on over the years. He also never seems to drop a pass or fumble the ball. Win or lose for Gonzaga, there’s no question that Nate Kurisky Nate Kurisky 6'3" | 225 lbs | TE Gonzaga | 2022 State MD will have a massive impact on the St. John’s game this weekend.
2022 5’7 195 RB – Joseph Hammond Jr.
The player of the game in this one was absolutely Joseph Hammond Jr. He flat out dominated the Bishop McNamara defensive line, averaging about six yards per carry in the contest. Hammond also added a bunch of receptions with one wheel route in particular going for about a forty yard gain. He tallied the final touchdown score for Gonzaga, making it 14-0, and it truly was an all-around special day for the star Senior running back. If Joseph Hammond Jr can get going against St. Johns’ elite defensive line then Gonzaga might actually have a chance at the upset this weekend.
2024 5’11 175 QB – Aidan Conrath
The Gonzaga Purple Eagles might’ve just found their future starting quarterback in Aidan Conrath. Conrath was very impressive against McNamara, and the reasons are his strong pocket presence and quick release. He went through his progressions fast, but he also did not make rash decisions or turn the ball over. Aidan Conrath is a very mature quarterback for his age, and he gained valuable experience in this game while also displaying his elite status at the position. It looks like Conrath will be the starter for Gonzaga this weekend against the #1 team in the WCAC- St. John’s.