Desert Edge @ Salpointe Catholic: Defensive Standouts

Numerous players had themslves a solid night on the defensive side of the ball for both teams in the 28-17 Salpointe Catholic win &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="210208" first="Antonio" last="Martinez"], <em>CB, Salpointe ’22<img class="size-medium wp-image-24527 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-2-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /></em> Martinez was the clear defensive MVP on the night. He had the game changing pick six which was the play of the game, as he showed an excellent read and break on the ball to jump a hitch route and take it 30 yards untouched to the house. He also broke up numerous passes with hand placement and physicality to initiate immediate contact to jar the ball free. Martinez did a great job tracking the hips of receivers and locking up opponents on an island, and also added 4 tackles on the night. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="210437" first="Joey" last="Sumlin"], <em>LB, Salpointe ’22</em> Sumlin played a huge impact on that Salpointe defense, as he racked up 10 tackles (led the team), a TFL and a sack. Sumlin showed solid instincts and eats up ground well possessing good quickness and lateral agility within his 6'0" 220lb frame. He showed strength at the POA and is a very effective tackler all-around (in space, tight areas, along the edges, 1v1, through alleys). He’ll take blocks head on as he displayed a nice striking ability to deliver a pop and run through opponents and consistently put himself in position to disrupt plays. Overall an impressive night for Sumlin as he looks to continue this momentum into next week and potentially pick up some late offers. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="165925" first="Max" last="Sawyer"],<em> LB/Edge, Desert Edge ’23</em> Sawyer racked up 10 tackles and 2 TFL’s on the night, but was frequently sticking his nose in plays. He did a good job a handful of times attacking the mesh point and disrupting the read option. He flashed the ability to disengage off blocks and quickly pursue ball carriers, and did a solid job of pursuit overall to make plays down the field. Good lateral mobility to make plays down the LOS as he flashed numerous intangibles to develop into a problem as an edge rusher, and should have a big role on that Desert Edge defense next season. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="161940" first="Cruz" last="Rushing"], <em>DB, Salpointe ’22<img class="size-medium wp-image-201305 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/09/central-300x229.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="229" /></em> Rushing did a solid job in both coverage and run support for Salpointe. Fly-around night for rushing as he totaled 9 tackles and a PBU. He had a potential big play saving 1v1 tackle in space, and a 1st down saving PBU when he recognized and closed on a slant to deliver a big hit. I really like his length and frame and he still has room to add mass, and will be a player to monitor this off-season as he could be a gem to whichever school lands him fairly soon. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="169424" first="Jaylen" last="Dawson"], <em>LB, Desert Edge ’24</em> The sophomore had a big night as he totaled 15 tackles, constantly involving himself on what seemed like every play. Dawson displayed solid play rec and did a good job identifying and filling alleys to meet ball carriers in the lane and win at the POC with a nice striking ability when he gets squared up. Deceptive speed as he eats up ground well and also flashed some nice range to make plays from sideline to sideline. He sizes up with a good frame and build at 6'2" 210lbs and looks to be maturing into a division 1 talent.