Program Profiles: Watch out for Rock Creek

<p style="font-weight: 400;">With the midway point of July quickly approaching, it is the perfect time to bring back the Program Profiles series to preview some talented teams ahead of the ’22 season. In this first Program Profiles of July we’re taking a look at a Class 3A program that has the potential to make a legitimate run at the 3A State Championship.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Folks throughout the state who follow Class 3A football more than likely are aware of the success Andale High School has had in the division over the last three years. They are sure to be favorites once again this year, but it’d be wise not to sleep on Rock Creek. The Mustangs fell just short of advancing to the Sub-State round last season, but finished the year with a strong 7-4 record. This year’s Mustang squad is looking to go further in the playoffs, as they return several starters that could help them dethrone Andale. Here are six ranked prospects that should lead the way for Rock Creek this season.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="123069" first="Yanci" last="Spiller"], 5’10”, 180, DB, <i>Class of ’23</i></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Spiller is arguably the best all-around athlete on Rock Creek’s roster, which is why he’s hovered around the Top 50 since making his debut in the rankings. He’ll be looking to become not only one of the top two-way players in Class 3A, but one of the best in the entire state. Spiller got his first taste of being a two-way star as a junior and ended up having a breakout year at receiver. He’d end the ’21 campaign with over 500 yards receiving and nine total touchdowns. Spiller has landed on the radar of a few D-II programs and should have the opportunity to earn more offers with another deep playoff run.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="246085" first="Dalton" last="Whitworth"], 5’11”, 170, QB, <i>Class of ’23</i></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">While Spiller is sure to shine on both sides of the ball this season, Whitworth could be the difference maker for the Mustangs. Having experience under center can separate a good team from a great team, and Whitworth has plenty now after the Mustangs’ run last year. Whitworth has the opportunity to put up some monster numbers during his senior year, as Rock Creek returns a majority of their firepower offensively. This offensive unit is sure to have great chemistry and leadership with Whitworth under center. They’ll be a group poised to be one of the top offenses in the state this season.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="316979" first="Jaydon" last="Winans"], 5’10”, 185, RB,<i> Class of ’23</i></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Based on the Mustangs’ play style last year, it’s fair to say they favor a pass heavy approach. However, opposing defenses need to respect their run game as well, especially when Winans totes the rock. Next to Spiller, Winans is probably Rock Creek’s second most explosive player on offense. He’s a back with a very strong base and possesses a mean stiff arm. Winans squats nearly 500 pounds, so bringing him down is no easy task for defenders. In addition to Winans’ bruising style, he is also a threat out of the backfield in the Mustangs’ aerial attack. He’s a player the Mustangs can use to dictate the pace of a game.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="246087" first="Ethan" last="Burgess"], 5’8”, 150, WR, <i>Class of ’23</i></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">When you tune in for a Rock Creek game this year you’ll be sure to hear the connection of Whitworth to Burgess multiple times. Burgess was Whitworth’s favorite target throughout the ’21 season, as the duo connected 61 times for 1,030 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s a very reliable target in the intermediate area, but can also stretch the field deep if left in single coverage. Burgess does a great job of getting open when faced with zone coverage, and can still make plays when double teams are thrown at him. He’ll have the chance to put up big numbers once again, as he is sure to receive a hefty workload during his senior year.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="246086" first="Maddox" last="Ibarra"], 5’10”, 155, DB, <i>Class of ’23</i></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">While Rock Creek’s offense is impressive, they’ll also be returning key defenders like Ibarra this season. He and Spiller were a talented duo in the backend of the Mustangs’ defense during the 2021 season. Ibarra’s fearless play style helped him lead Rock Creek in total tackles last season, and he is primed to do so again as a senior. Having his experience, sure tackling, and instincts will be huge for their defense. Although he wasn’t involved much on offense last season, he is a capable receiver and could see an expanded role this fall. Look for him to be an All-State candidate in the secondary.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="145571" first="Daegen" last="Vinduska"], 6’2”, 165, WR, <i>Class of ’24</i></p> <span style="font-weight: 400;">This article has mainly highlighted some notable seniors on Rock Creek’s roster, but this standout receiver is another prospect to keep an eye on. Vinduska burst onto the scene as a sophomore last season, putting together a breakout year with 30 receptions for 673 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is without a doubt their top vertical threat, as he averaged a whopping 22 yards per catch. Those are ridiculous numbers for a first-year varsity receiver regardless of classification level. Vinduska is also a playmaker at corner, and can make things tough on opposing receivers because of his length. One of the most encouraging things about Vinduska is that he’s had early success, and he still has two more seasons to develop. </span>