Team Preview: Strong Offense Propelling Millbrook

Ed Brooks

July 5, 2022 @ 06:00 AM

I have begun team previews of some of the top teams in the Raleigh/Durham region.  There are a lot of talented players throughout the region.  The previews will highlight the recruits on the teams featured.  A high level of competition is expected as the high school season starts in late August. [player_tooltip player_id="203888" first="Mason" last="Fortune"] (6'1" 170) set school records (40 passing TDs) and led the state with 3,137 passing yards for the Class of 2024 Quarterbacks.  He is expected to continue his high level of play as he leads another high-powered offense.  Mason's primary targets will be wide receivers, [player_tooltip player_id="154602" first="Nathan" last="Leacock"] (6'3" 200), [player_tooltip player_id="335470" first="Ty" last="Broughton"] (6'2" 175), and [player_tooltip player_id="357777" first="Chase" last="McClary"] (6'2" 180).  Speedster Leacock will be difficult to defend in man-coverage and will often be double-teamed.  Ty and Chase are solid route runners with good hands.  [player_tooltip player_id="201569" first="David" last="Santiago"] (6'4" 230, TE) uses his body to shield defenders to make catches in traffic.  Mason will hand off the ball to [player_tooltip player_id="345338" first="Xavier" last="Pugh"] (5'10" 185, RB) and [player_tooltip player_id="345500" first="John" last="Alarcon"] Gomez (5'7" 175) to establish the ground game.  Xavier will mix it up with inside running and the speed to get outside and accelerate past defenders in the open field.  John is a shifty runner who looks for an opening to gain yards.  Tyler Heggins-Hill (6'3" 250, OL), [player_tooltip player_id="357780" first="Jaylon" last="Johnson"] (6'3" 275, OL), and [player_tooltip player_id="357783" first="Micah" last="Sumpter"] (6'4" 270, OL) will anchor the offensive line opening lanes for the running backs and protecting their quarterback. Tyler Heggins-Hill (6'3" 250, DL) and [player_tooltip player_id="357780" first="Jaylon" last="Johnson"] (6'3" 275, DL) both play on both sides of the ball.  They are technique-sound defensive linemen who are "run-stoppers".  [player_tooltip player_id="201569" first="David" last="Santiago"] (6'4" 230, ATH) is a standout performer who lines up at both the defensive end and linebacker positions.  He changes direction quickly and makes a high number of stops.  [player_tooltip player_id="357809" first="Daunte" last="Stokes"] (6'1" 195, DB) and [player_tooltip player_id="345338" first="Xavier" last="Pugh"] (5'10" 185) are expected to anchor the defensive secondary.  They are both technique-sound with good reaction and defend receivers well.  Millbrook is expected to contend for the conference crown and advance into the state playoffs.