Week 13 – Offensive Players of the Week

As we enter the semifinal round of the state playoffs in Colorado and we get one step closer to the end of the season, this is wear stellar performances separate the championship teams from those who come up just short. While the list of exciting performances is getting tighter and tighter, here's a look at the three best offensive players from the quarterfinal round of the 2021 state playoffs. <strong>Players of the Week</strong> Jake Marschall, Chatfield Chargers (RB)(Sr.)(2) - Marschall was easily the state's top rushing performer from last week's 42-31 quarterfinal win over the Dakota Ridge Eagles. The Eagles defense had no answers for Marschall as he accounted for an incredible 182 yards rushing and 3 rushing touchdowns on 11 carries (16.5 YPC). When you watch the tape from Marschall's performance, you can see that Marschall displays outstanding athleticism, which allows him to be plugged into multiple different positions on offense and defense. Elusive runner with outstanding balance and lateral agility thanks to his lower body strength and hip/ankle flexibility. Displays good vision when working to daylight, routinely setting up 2nd and 3rd level defenders to be blocked by his teammates downfield. Explosive runner that can hit top speed quickly if given enough space. Shows good top-end foot speed, consistently being able to pull away from 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Plays with good physicality when running between the tackles, often being asked to carry the ball in short-yardage and goal line situations. Projects as either a RB or a DB/SS at the collegiate level. While Marschall is certainly talented enough to play football collegiately, it looks like his future will be on the hardwood as he hopes to finish his prep football career with a state championship. Greg Garza, University Bulldogs (QB)(Sr.)(3) - Garza had a dominant showing in his final game as a prep football player for the Bulldogs, despite the disappointing 39-24 loss to the Eaton Reds, as he was almost able to single-handedly will the Bulldogs to victory. Against the Reds defense, Garza went 25 of 42 (59%) for 382 yards, 2 touchdowns, and a QBR of 85.6 while also adding 30 yards rushing and 2 rushing touchdowns as well. When you look at Garza's tape, the first thing that stands out about him is his ability to improvise. Displays an excellent ability to elude pass rushers in the pocket and complete short to intermediate passes in the face of pressure. Shows good accuracy while throwing off-platform, on-the-run, and from different arm angles when working the short to intermediate areas of the field. Great ball placement on passes downfield that require touch to drop it in over the defender. Shows good footwork when moving around in the pocket and going through his progressions, keeping his feet flat and ready to throw with no heel-clicks as he steps up in the pocket. Displays adequate enough athleticism to present an extra threat on the ground for the opposing defense and adds a 2nd dimension to his skillset. Garza isn't a high profile name in the recruiting world, but he is absolutely a talented player that ended his career with a bang despite the loss. Kanon Padilla, University Bulldogs (WR/DB)(Sr.)(11) - Much like his QB Garza, Padilla had a truly dominant showing on both sides of the ball and played as well, in his final game as a Bulldog, as he could have despite the loss to the Reds. For the night, Padilla had an eye-popping stat line as he posted 171 yards receiving on 11 receptions (15.5 YPR), a receiving touchdown, a passing touchdown, and 19 yards rushing on offense; while also adding 5 tackles, an interception, and a pass deflection on the defensive side. Just looking at his offensive showing, Padilla displays outstanding versatility as a WR, consistently lining up in the slot as well as the boundary based off the matchup or design of the play. Shows great ability after the catch and when working in the open field. Highly elusive runner that also displays good physicality when trying to fight for more yards after contact. Displays outstanding tracking ability on deeper balls that hang in the air or on passes where he has to fight through the DB to make a play on the ball. Adequate route runner that can create separation against most 2nd level defenders and some 3rd level defenders. Shows strong, physical hands when making tough grabs in between traffic and doesn't shy away from contact over the middle. Padilla might be another player that isn't receiving a ton of recruiting buzz, but he is definitely a gifted athlete that finished his prep career as strong as he could have.