Hoover vs. Hewitt Trussville: Scout Watch

This game lived up to its billing of NFHS’s National game of the week. With D1 talent, blue-chip recruits, and the intensity level at an all-time high, the Hoover Bucs took a 24-23 victory that came down to the last play. Here are the standouts in the game of the year (so far). <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125939" first="Bennett" last="Meredith"] QB Hoover</strong></span> Despite some early miscommunications and point-blank drops, Meredith showed poise and consistency throughout the night. He attacked from the pocket with precision, timing, and touch. Demonstrated an ability to find the open spaces in the zone and pass with anticipation. Made plays with his legs that saved drives and made good decisions with the ball in this defensive slugfest. His best moment came during the 2-minute drill where he worked the offense to perfection, distributing the ball to his playmakers and knowing time and score. This same clutch gene would be evident when he led the game-winning drive overtime finishing the game with a perfect over-the-shoulder pass to advance in the playoffs. https://twitter.com/jonandersonnews/status/1459366927915261959?s=20 <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Braylon Chatman LB Hewitt</strong></span> Chatman was all over the place in this playoff matchup. He has a nose for the ball and is a certified playmaker. He showed great instinct and pursuit to the ball no matter where it went. Chatman also showed versatility by being able to cover RBS, TES in space while also helping limit the offenses’ run game. He’s a downhill linebacker who isn’t afraid to engage with blocks to get to the ball/ Chatman showed an ability to tackle in the open field at a high level and flows sideline to sideline with a purpose. Chatman possesses the size, skill, and speed to be a solid player at the next level. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125496" first="Corey" last="Warren"] DE Hoover</strong></span> Warren was the dominant rusher for Hoover and made crucial plays to help Hoover overcome their deficit. Warren is pretty nuanced with his pass-rushing skills and showed the ability to dip and win with leverage when getting after the quarterback. He also showed active hands and the ability to win hand-to-hand combat with an opposing lineman. His first step allowed him to penetrate the backfield and presented an excellent ability to break down and make tackles in space. His motor was evident throughout the game as he ran down plays and got the sack that forced overtime. https://twitter.com/CoachRNiblett/status/1320884757702598656?s=20 <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tyrell Averhart DT Hewitt </strong></span> Averhart proved to be a force in the middle and continued his dominance throughout the night. His size and strength allow him to plug the gaps and make plays on the ball carrier when blocked. Displayed his agility and explosion on a big sack where he ran down Meredith after an impressive push at the line. Showed an ability to collapse the pocket and got a key pressure that resulted in an arrogant pass in the 3rd, keeping the Bucs off the board. With Averhart standing out in a game full of seniors and D1 prospects, there’s no doubt he’s going to be a top-tier talent in the 2024 class. https://twitter.com/Tyrellaverhart_/status/1440343843539329027?s=20 <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Ahamari Williams RB Hoover</strong></span> Williams was contained relatively during the first half while being held to under 30 yards of rushing, but his ability to stay the course helped seal the game for the Bucs. Williams’s low center of gravity allows him to bounce off of tackles and run with solid pad level. He is also patient and allows for blocks to develop before hitting the gap. His ability to run through arm tackles and fall forward seized momentum and time of possession for Hoover as they looked to close Trussville out during the 4th quarter. His endurance is unquestionable. He continued to attack one of the better defensive lines in the state without a sign of fatigue. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125536" first="Hunter" last="Osborne"] DT Hewitt</strong></span> Osborne seemed to be the thorn in Bessemer’s side. He was constantly creating pressure off the edge with speed and persistence. Showed strength when he contributed to a crucial goal-line step that prevented a score. He knows how to use his long arm span to keep himself clean when engaging in rush moves. Creates consistent pressure with a great first step and long stride. Osborne has a few D1 offers but it will be interesting to see how develops by 2023. If he continues to cause this much chaos on a consistent basis he will be a power-5 prospect. https://twitter.com/RTRnews/status/1457370129122070531?s=20 &nbsp;