Semifinal Round – Defensive Players of the Week

With the semifinal round behind us and the teams remaining preparing for their state championship matchups this Saturday, there were several standout defensive performances from this past weekend. With that being said, here’s a look at the three best defensive performances from the semifinal round of the 2021 state playoffs and the traits that made them possible. <strong>Players of the Week</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="22719" first="Mason" last="Claunch"], Centauri Falcons (DB/RB)(Sr.)(21) - Claunch had himself a dominant night in the Falcons’ 24-21 win over the Limon Badgers. Against the Badgers offense, Claunch accounted for an incredible 22 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, and a sack while also adding 118 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown on the offensive side of the ball. When you look at Claunch’s defensive tape, you can see the first thing that stands out about him is his extremely explosive first step out of his stance that allows him to quickly fill his run fits and take down the ball carrier for a minimal gain. Highly physical DB that is often asked to play in the box to help with run support. Extremely physical tackler that consistently brings plenty of pop/force behind his pads at the point-of-contact with the ball carrier. Displays more than enough athleticism and lateral agility to fill the role of an ideal sideline-to-sideline defender. Currently projects as a RB at the collegiate level. Claunch is currently rated the number 19 RB in the state for the class of 2022 and will look to finish his career with a state championship this weekend. [player_tooltip player_id="153750" first="Ryan" last="Dirksen"], Eaton Reds (DE/LB/RB)(Sr.)(45) – Dirksen was an absolute force on defense and a solid contributor on offense in the Reds 26-14 win over the Brush Beetdiggers, as he accounted for 11 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, and 2 sacks, as well as 103 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown on the offensive side. When you look at the film, you can see he shows outstanding hand technique when attacking the opposing tackle, consistently neutralizing the blockers hands with counter-moves, placement, and overall strength. Long arms add to his already impressive hand technique by allowing him to make first-contact with the opposing blocker. Good first step explosiveness will consistently put the opposing blocker on his heels, leaving him vulnerable to bull rushes and speed-to-power rushes. High motor displayed when pursuing the ball carrier as Dirksen rarely gives up on a play, even when working back-side. Deceptive foot speed and lateral agility allow him close the distance between blockers/ball carriers quicker than most defenders. Versatile athlete that can play both a traditional 4-3, hand in the dirt DE role as well as a stand-up, 3-4 LB role. Dirksen isn’t garnering much interest from bigger collegiate programs, but is more than talented enough to play at a smaller program. Frank Ortega, Fort Morgan Mustangs (DB/RB/WR)(Sr.)(26) - Ortega might’ve had the best night of any player in the state last week in the Mustangs’ 23-21 win over the Lutheran Lions. Against the Lions, Ortega accounted for an exceptional 7 tackles and 3 interceptions while also adding 157 yards receiving, 65 yards rushing, and a rushing touchdown on the offensive side of the ball. When you watch the defensive film on Ortega, you can see that he is a very physical DB that doesn’t shy away from contact. Deceptively explosive athlete that fills his run fits hard and brings plenty of pop/force behind his pads at the point-of-contact with the ball carrier. Smart defender when dropping into zone coverage and understands how to clog throwing lanes between the opposing QB and WRs. Enough athleticism to play the role of a deep defender in the defensive backfield as he always seems to be near the ball whether the offense is throwing in his direction or trying to gain yards on the ground. Displays good closing speed when coming in to make the tackle on the ball carrier or when closing in on a receiver running through his zone in pass coverage. While Ortega isn’t a well-known name in recruiting circles, he certainly is a very gifted athlete that will look to finish his career as a Mustang with a state championship.