New Jersey Second- Round: Defensive MVP’s

The second- round of the playoffs in the Garden State is here. These athletes deserve some much needed spotlight as their teams advance to the final round in their group. That being said, take a look at the defensive most valuable players from this week. You will not be disappointed. <span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Sr., LB Emeril Mitchell , Winslow Township </strong></span> Mr. Mitchell played a huge role in their win over Colts Neck. Mitchell was all over the field, coming away with 19 tackles, 1 sack, 1 FF, and 3 TFLs. He is the leader of this stout defense who have been limiting top offenses all season long. Mitchell is a great athlete with good instincts and awareness. He is a student of the game and continues to make big plays. Winslow will need Mitchell to play at a high level this Friday in the Group 4 final matchup against Shawnee. <span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Jr., LB Robert McDevitt , Holy Spirit </strong></span> Mr. McDevitt had a great performance against Hudson Catholic to lead his team to a scoreless victory 28-0. McDevitt had 1 INT, 3 sacks, 1 FF, 1 TFL and 5 tackles this game. McDevitt did a great job defeating blockers to get to the quarterback. He barely allows blockers to get into the framework of his body. McDevitt is making a very good impression for his first time on varsity. He should expect to have more college interests moving forward. Holy Spirit will advance to the Non-Public B semi-finals to take on DePaul Friday night. <span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Sr., CB Trey Thorpe, Winslow Township</strong></span> Mr. Thorpe made his best impression of NFL star Jalen Ramsey last Friday against Colts Neck. Thorpe had 3 INTs and 7 tackles in a win over Colts Neck. So far this year, Thorpe has a total of 5 INTs. Winslow Township will advance to the Group 4 final matchup against Shawnee. Thorpe should expect to get targeted against Shawnee who thrives in their passing attack. Thorpe will have his fair share to make plays against this high powered offense. This will be Winslow Township’s first ever final appearance. <span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>So., CB Charlie Klaus , Haddonfield </strong></span> Mr. Klaus performance was part of a dominant effort to help his team seal the victory over Bernards 24-15. Klaus had a key fumble recovery on the opening drive to set his team up for excellent field position. Also, had a 2 INTs that dramatically turned the game around. Despite only being a sophomore, Klaus showed great maturity performing under the bright lights. Klaus is just scratching the surface of his true potential. Haddonfield will advance to the Group 2 final to face Raritan and Klaus will need to come up big once again. <span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Sr., LB [player_tooltip player_id="28037" first="Jayden" last="Wright"], Salem </strong></span> Mr. Wright led his team with 11 tackles and a sack to help seal a victory over Audubon 42-7. Wright is the heart of soul of this defense and without him Salem would not be where they are today. Mr. Wright is the type of player that does not shy away from contact. He is always up for the challenge. Better yet, his toughest challenge yet will be against Paulsboro in the Group 1 final round. Wright will have his work cut for him against Paulsboro that loves to the run the ball. This should be a very interesting matchup. &nbsp;