Division III State Championship Preview

In the Division III State Championship game, the Badin Rams will play the Chardon Hilltoppers.  The Rams are currently undefeated at 15-0 and last week, they defeated Granville 14-0 for their 7th shutout of the year.  This season, the Rams have averaged 31.13 points per game on offense while giving up 7.27 points per game on defense.  The Hilltoppers are also undefeated at 15-0 and last week, they defeated West Holmes 41-7.  This season, the Hilltoppers have averaged 39.33 points per game on offense and have given up 7.06 points per game on defense. With two very evenly matched teams, it should be an awesome game.  There are several talented players in this game and here are five of those players to keep an eye on. TE, [player_tooltip player_id="160207" first="Alexander" last="McDonald"], 6’4, 225, Chardon [player_tooltip player_id="160207" first="Alexander" last="McDonald"] is the 12th ranked TE and the 84th ranked player in the class of 2022 overall.  He is a good route runner who works his way back to the QB when needed.  He displays good hands and uses his good play speed and athletic ability to gain significant yardage after the catch.  He is a very good run blocker who plays with good leverage, displays good use of hands and uses his very good play strength to drive the OLB off the ball while showing good physical toughness as he finishes the block to the ground. DB, [player_tooltip player_id="186792" first="Nathan" last="Sulka"], 6’4, 205, Chardon [player_tooltip player_id="186792" first="Nathan" last="Sulka"] is the 14th ranked LB and the 90th ranked player in the class of 2022 overall.  He plays as a Safety.  Against the run, he quickly keys and diagnoses the play, shows great instincts in pursuit and displays an excellent motor with very good play speed to catch the RB from behind preventing a touchdown.  Against the pass, he reads the QB, tracks the ball in the air and makes an impressive one-handed catch for the interception.  Once he has the ball in his hands, he is able to outrun everyone for a touchdown. QB, <strong>Zoran Vujaklija</strong>, 6’0, 195, Chardon The Senior signal caller has had a great year leading his team to an undefeated record and a spot in the state championship game.  He is effective at running the ball as he uses his good athletic ability and play speed to outrun DB and LB for a touchdown while in the redzone.  As a passer, he quickly finds the open man and delivers a deep ball with very good accuracy and touch as he places the ball where only the receiver can catch it. DL, <strong>Jackson Martin</strong>, 6’3, 215, Badin Jackson Martin has been a very important part of the defense that has barely given up a TD per game in 2021.  He plays as a DE where he lines up in a 5T.  Against the pass, he shows excellent burst off the ball, displays a very good motor with great play speed as he hurries the QB into throwing an incomplete pass.  He also shows great ability to get his hands in the way for a pass deflection.  Against the run, he reads the play as it is developing while keeping his eyes on the ball carrier.  He shows good form tackling ability to deliver a powerful hit on the RB behind the LOS for a TFL. LB, <strong>Todd Hayes</strong>, 6’1, 220, Badin The Senior MLB has played great this season.  Against the run, he shows very good play strength and hand use to defeat the zone block by the OL, squares his shoulders and delivers a great hit on the RB preventing a gain of significant yardage.  Against the pass, he shows good ability to rush the QB as he quickly penetrates the LOS with his great explosiveness and uses his good closing speed and motor to finish up with a sack.