Semifinal Round – Offensive Players of the Week

As we move past the semifinals and enter the championship round of the 2021 state playoffs, there were several players that separated themselves with championship level performances. With that being said, here were the three best offensive performances from the semifinal round of the playoffs. <strong>Players of the Week</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="241224" first="Zion" last="Hill"], Pine Creek Eagles (RB)(Sr.)(8) – Hill arguably had the best rushing performance from any RB playing in the semifinal round. Despite the 28-21 loss to the Chatfield Chargers, Hill accounted for 196 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns on 31 carries (6.3 YPC) while also adding 47 yards receiving on 3 catches (15.7 YPR). When you watch Hill’s performance, you can see the first thing that jumps out about him is how physical he is as a runner. Big, powerful RB that often takes multiple defenders to bring him down. Strong lower body, core, upper body, and an ability to drive his legs through the run allow him to maintain force/momentum through the point-of-contact. Tough runner with a good, low pad level that gets the gotta-have-it plays in short yardage and goal line situations where he always seems to be falling forward after contact. Shows good ability as a receiver out of the backfield, often being a tough matchup for LBs because of his deceptive athleticism. Displays deceptive top end foot speed that allows him to outrun most 2nd level defenders and some 3rd level defenders. While Hill isn’t currently ranked on any recruiting services, he has more than enough size, talent, and production to play at the collegiate level. [player_tooltip player_id="58957" first="Briggs" last="Wheatley"], Fort Morgan Mustangs (QB)(Sr.)(8) - Wheatley was the heartbeat of the Mustangs offense in their 23-21 win over the Lutheran Lions to advance to the 3A state championship game. Against the Lions, Wheatley went 16 of 27 (59%) for 235 yards passing, and a QBR of 87.7 while also adding 74 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown. When you look at Wheatley’s tape, you can see that he’s an extremely athletic QB that looks more like a RB in the open field than a QB. Explosive runner with good vision to find space against 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Deceptively physical runner that can gain the tough yards in between the tackles while consistently driving his legs through contact. Strong armed southpaw that generates more than enough velocity behind his throws, with a ball that leaps out of his hand. Displays great arm strength on deep throws showing the ability to stretch the back end of any defense. Shows as an accurate passer on short and intermediate throws while also being accurate on most deep throws. Wheatley is currently rated the number 30 QB in the state for the class of 2022 and will look to end his prep career with a state championship this Saturday. [player_tooltip player_id="22667" first="Gavin" last="Sawchuk"], Valor Christian Eagles (RB)(Sr.)(27) - The 4-star prospect had himself another great post-season showing in the Eagles’ 37-6 win over the Grandview Wolves. Against the Eagles defense Sawchuk had one of the best nights of any offensive player last week, as he accounted for 176 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns on 23 carries carries (7.7 YPC). When you watch the film from Sawchuk’s performance, you can see Sawchuk displays an explosive, one-cut running style that allows him to accelerate laterally and gain space from defenders with relative ease. Elite level foot speed allows him to hit an extra gear and pull away from just about any second and third level defender, even if a good angle is taken by the defender. Exceptionally thick and strong lower body allows him to maintain outstanding pad level while running through contact, giving him the ability to maintain his balance/low center of gravity at the point of contact. Brings great physicality behind his runs in between the tackles, not shying away from contact to finish runs falling forward. The University of Oklahoma commit had himself a dominant night and will look to finish his prep career with a state title before becoming a Sooner in 2022.