Week 12 – Offensive Players of the Week

As the second week of the state playoffs in Colorado have come and gone and we enter the quarterfinals, there were a number of outstanding offensive performances. These were the three best from the second round of the 2021 state playoffs. <strong>Players of the Week</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="150210" first="Noah" last="Triplett"], Dakota Ridge Eagles (RB)(Jr.)(4) - Triplett was easily the biggest reason for the Eagles’ 56-35 victory over the Longmont Trojans. Against the Trojans’ defense, Triplett accounted for 297 yards on 28 carries (10.6 YPC) and 2 rushing touchdowns, with the 297 yards leading the state that week by almost 100 more yards than the next ball carrier. When you watch tape on Triplett, you can see that he is a highly explosive athlete with elite top end foot speed that allows him to quickly out run most 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Elite lateral agility makes him a highly elusive runner in the open field that can quickly move to space. Displays good physicality on runs between the tackles and when working through arm tackles in traffic. Great vision when setting up defenders to be blocked and working to daylight from there. Outstanding ability to anchor and stand up a blitzing defender when being asked to stay in the pocket for pass protection. Triplett is currently rated the number 5 RB and number 46 player overall for the class of 2023, but will see that ranking increase if he continues to perform at a high level. [player_tooltip player_id="22726" first="Keegan" last="Patterson"], Longmont Trojans (QB)(Sr.)(15) - Despite the 56-35 loss to the Dakota Ridge Eagles, Patterson left in all on the field in his last game as a Trojan. Against the Eagles’ defense, Patterson went 25 of 49 (51%) for 362 yards, and a QBR of 66.9. While this alone might not be a dominant performance, where Patterson really made his presence felt was on the ground, as he accounted for 152 yards and 3 touchdowns on 23 carries (6.6 YPC) routinely gashing the Eagles’ defense. When you watch Patterson’s performance, you can see he displays outstanding touch on deep ball and boundary throws, routinely dropping it on the outside shoulder of the receiver just passed the defender’s reach. Overall ball placement is good, as he consistently gives his receivers the best chance possible to make a play on the ball on contested catches, while also consistently hitting receivers in stride on short and intermediate level throws. Very savvy passer that can quickly identify the shell of the defense (middle of the field open/middle of the field closed) and understands where to go based off that look. Good athleticism that allows him to escape the pocket and buy time to throw, while also presenting another threat for the opposing defense in the running game. While this was Patterson’s last game as a prep athlete, he certainly couldn’t have gone out on better terms. [player_tooltip player_id="153681" first="Jacob" last="Lawver"], Holy Family Tigers (RB)(Sr.)(10) - Lawver had himself quite a night in the Tigers’ 34-18 win over the Pueblo South Colts and had one of the best nights of any player in the state. In last week’s win over the Colts, Lawver accounted for 218 yards and 3 touchdowns on 21 carries (10.4 YPC), while also adding 21 yards receiving on top of his rushing performance. When you look at Lawver on tape, you can see he displays a balanced running style that displays both his power and speed in just about any scenario or down and distance. Good power and drive when in short yardage situations or when finishing through contact with the opposing defender. Deceptive top end foot speed allows him to pull away from some 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Elusive runner in the open field if given enough space in 1-on-1 situations. Versatile athlete that can play multiple positions, whether lining up out wide or as a matchup problem when being covered by LBs out of the backfield. Lawver is currently rated the number 128 player overall in the state, but will look to finish out his prep career strong in this week’s quarterfinals.