Saguaro @ Cactus: Defensive Standouts

Saguaro took the quarterfinals matchup over Cactus 42-21, but it was a hard fought game with a ton of talent on both sides of the ball. Here's a look at the top defensive players of the game: &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="42790" first="Tristan" last="Monday"], <em>LB, Saguaro ’22<img class=" wp-image-64682 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/10/IMG_4639-118x300.jpg" alt="" width="136" height="346" /></em> Monday was frequently disruptive in the Cactus backfield, forcing Cactus QB [player_tooltip player_id="110106" first="Will" last="Galvan"] out of the pocket on what seemed like every play. He’s very explosive off the ball and possesses tremendous functional strength and strength at the POA to utilize a nasty bull rush and manhandle opponents. The Wisconsin commit totaled 6 tackles, 3 TFL’s, and a sack, as he was a clear difference maker on Friday night. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="100654" first="Justin" last="Holmes"], <em>DL, Cactus ’22</em> Holmes flashed good quickness along the edges, and was able to maneuver his way into the Saguaro backfield a few times. He flashed the ability to deliver a pop at the POC as both a tackler and while going head up against blocks (linemen and H-backs) with a good center of gravity. He sizes up at 5'10" 185lbs with a muscular frame and build and was a lethal edge rusher at the 4A level, but projects more along the lines of an OLB at the next level. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="162038" first="Thomas" last="DeChesaro"], <em>DB, Saguaro ’22</em> DeChesaro is one of the best fly around players in the state, and the most slept on DB in Arizona in my opinion. He sizes up at 5'10" 180lbs but plays fast and big, as he showed the ability to eat up ground quick and come downhill with a purpose to fill alleys and finish ball carriers with a pop. Fluid hips to change direction or break on the ball, and he also did a great job covering the deep third to takeaway the deep ball. High motor DB that plays with a chip on his shoulder and will be a steal for whichever program lands him. &nbsp; <strong>Aki Pulu</strong>, <em>LB, Cactus ’22<img class="size-medium wp-image-24526 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-3-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /></em> Pulu had a solid night on both sides of the ball for Cactus. He totaled 6 tackles and a forced fumble where he stripped a Saguaro ball carrier to set up a Cactus score early in the 3rd quarter. However, this stat line doesn't do him justice. Pulu sizes up with a thick frame and build at 5'10" 215lbs and is strong at the POA. He plays with aggression and loves contact and possesses a big striking ability if he can get squared up. Deceptive speed to cover ground well, and is a very underrated player both ways for Cactus. &nbsp; <strong>Phillip Preston</strong>, <em>LB, Saguaro ’23</em> Preston was sticking his nose in every play on Friday night, stepping up big in the in the playoffs for that Saguaro D. Preston racked up 13 tackles with a TFL, a PBU, and a hurry.  Overall he did a solid job with his pursuit track, as he seemed to have a solid understanding of angles. He sizes up with a nice frame and build at 6'2" 190lbs, and will have to carry that momentum from Cactus into Hamilton this week. &nbsp; <strong>Zach Macchiaroli</strong>, <em>LB, Saguaro ’22</em> Macchiaroli was able to have a significant impact, accumulating 4 tackles, a sack, a TFL, and forced a fumble on that lone sack to set up a Saguaro score in the first half. This is another kid that is deserving of more attention on that Saguaro defense, as Macchiaroli continues to step up in big games and make a play that can be a difference maker. &nbsp;