Week 11 – Offensive Players of the Week

With the conclusion of the regular season of Colorado high school football, we’ve now moved into the first week of the state playoffs and it certainly didn’t disappoint. While there were a number of stellar performances, these were the three offensive players that shined the brightest in week 11 action. <strong>Players of the Game</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="149331" first="Zachary" last="Haber"], Durango Demons (RB)(Jr.)(10) - Haber was truly a one-man wrecking crew in the Demons’ 62-0 annihilation of the Sand Creek Scorpions. For the night, Haber rushed for an eye-popping 264 yards on 11 carries (24.0 YPC) and 5 touchdowns. When you watch tape of Haber’s performance, you can see he is a deceptively explosive runner. Tall RB with an upright running style that allows him to hit another gear when breaking into the 2nd and 3rd levels. Elusive runner in the open field, consistently making defenders miss if given enough space. Physical runner that can run through arm tackles and smaller defenders with relative ease. Willing blocker that can block blitzing LBs and DL well enough to buy the QB enough time to find a receiver downfield. Lined up as more of a traditional Wing-T fullback but projects more as a typical tailback if he can add weight to his frame. Haber is currently rated the number 6 athlete in the state for the class of 2023 and will look to continue growing his potential through the playoffs this year, next season, and into college. Logan Brooke, Cherokee Trail Cougars (QB)(Sr.)(4) - Brooke might’ve had the most impressive night offensively of any player last week. In the Cougars’ 41-29 win over the Fossil Ridge Sabercats, Brooke went 28 of 40 (70%) for a remarkable 410 yards, 6 touchdowns, and a QBR of 142.7. When you watch Brooke’s world-beating performance, you can see that Brooke is a tall, long armed passer with enough arm strength to hit every level of the field. Highly efficient passer that makes good decisions with the ball, rarely trying to do too much or force throws. Savvy, smart QB that takes what the defense gives him and displays a good understanding of coverages and what route combinations work off of those coverages. Deceptive athleticism allows him to be a threat running the ball when scrambling or on designed runs. Good pocket presence that allows him to buy enough time for receivers to create separation downfield. While Brooke isn’t on many recruiting boards, he is a very gifted player that will look to extend his high school career for at least one more week. [player_tooltip player_id="43835" first="Jack" last="Pierce"], Cherokee Trail Cougars (WR)(Sr.)(11) - With Brooke being the state’s top performing passer from the first week of the playoffs, it’s only appropriate his WR and teammate [player_tooltip player_id="43835" first="Jack" last="Pierce"] was the week’s top receiver. Against the Sabercats, Pierce accounted for an incredible 223 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns on 13 receptions (17.2 YPR). When you watch Pierce’s night against Fossil Ridge, you can see that he is a highly explosive athlete with enough foot speed and acceleration to take the top off of a defense. Prototypical slot receiver that is a highly elusive, lethal runner in the open field after the catch. Excellent route runner that is a matchup nightmare against LBs and Safeties when working short, intermediate, and deep routes. Strong, tough hands that consistently allow him to hold onto the ball when working through traffic. Pierce is currently rated the number 10 WR in Colorado for the class of 2022 and his ranking is certainly warranted. He’ll look to finish out the playoffs strong and continue his career at the collegiate level.