After-Action Report: Smoky Hill vs Denver East

Now that the first week is in the books, it is time to look back at the games of the week and the performances of the players who stood out during the matches.   These after-action reports will correlate with the games that I attended during the game days. This article will look at Saturday's game between <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/08/in-attendance-saturdays-season-opener/">Smoky Hill and Denver East</a>.   Smoky Hill at Denver East | Friday, August 27, 2022   Final Score 40-21 Smoky Hill   This game was anticipated to be exciting because of the talented players on both teams. At the beginning of the game, both offenses struggled to get something going against the high-powered defenses, each going three-and-out in their opening drives. Smoky Hill was able to block Denver East's punt and enable their offense to start with the ball in plus territory. Third-ranked 2025 RB [player_tooltip player_id='404998' first='John' last='Bass Jr'] scored the first game points with a touchdown run that gave Smoky Hill the lead close to the midway point of the first quarter.    Following the change of possession, Smoky Hill's defense stood tall again and forced a punt after a Denver South three-and-out. However, the Angels contained the Buffaloes and forced a punt of their own, giving senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='62248' first='Ben' last='Wigglesworth'] another shot at scoring. On a third and long, Wigglesworth hit senior receiver [player_tooltip player_id='247230' first='Deveron' last='Toppin'] Jr in the end zone for a 38-yard touchdown pass, which would tie the game at seven after a successful point after attempt.   Smoky Hill would reach the end zone four more times before their opponent would see another score. [player_tooltip player_id='247098' first='Tyliq' last='Bowers'] (2023 QB/FS) broke a 66-yard touchdown run with just under a minute left in the first quarter, giving the Buffaloes a 13-7 lead. Their defense was able to overwhelm Denver East and force an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Jaziah Hargrove (2024 CB), bringing the score to 19-7 for the Buffaloes. After a few punt exchanges by both teams, Smoky Hill's Roscoe Taylor (2023 CB/FS) was able to secure an interception and return it for a score, extending Smoky Hill's lead to 27-7 after a successful two-point conversion.   Shortly after, Smoky Hill's defense forced another takeaway that allowed their offense to drive down the field and score on a 16-yard run by [player_tooltip player_id='246893' first='Troydell' last='Dixon Jr'] (2023 WR), putting the score at 34-7. The Angles responded with a touchdown when Wigglesworth connected with Toppin Jr in the end zone again, cutting the Buffaloes' lead down to 20 points as the game went into halftime with the score 34-14 in favor of Smoky Hil.   The halftime adjustments looked to pay off for both defenses, each forcing punts for the majority of the game. Smoky Hill came away with another interception but could not capitalize on the takeaway.    Denver East was the first to put up points in the second half, scoring on another Wigglesworth touchdown and bringing the score to 34-21 with a little over a minute and a half left to play in the game. Just when it looked like the Angels might have been able to mount a nail-biting comeback, the Buffaloes score again on another QB scamper by Bowers, putting the game out of reach and ending with a final score of 40-21 in favor of Smoky Hill.   Smoky Hill moves to 1-0, while Denver East falls to 0-2 early into the season.   Four significant Standouts   [player_tooltip player_id='376561' first='Calem' last='Grimble'] | Smoky Hill | 2023 DE/OT   Grimble was perhaps the most standout player in the game, which is saying a lot. His size and power made him an immovable force on the defensive line and a mover of men on the offensive line. Even when double-teamed, Grimble stood his ground and made plays as a defensive end, making him a true sleeper with Division I talent.   [player_tooltip player_id='150173' first='Jaxon' last='Thompson'] | Smoky Hill | 2023 SS/OLB   Thompson is a prime example of the hybrid safety/outside backer who can cover against the pass and play in the box to defend the run. He was in the backfield regularly during the match and came away with the third interception which he caught off his shoe strings. Thompson is another talented player with excellent potential as a prospect.   Uziel Martinez | Denver East | 2023 WR   Martinez had an impressive game as a do-all ball carrier for the Angels. His speed, explosive acceleration, and shifty cuts gave him an edge as a runner and a returner on special teams. Martinez is a prospect who can line up in multiple roles for a team, making him one to watch this fall.   Sean Campbell | Denver East | 2025 RB   Campbell is a powerful runner with great size and explosive speed. He has the ability to hit the hole with force while using his vision to make a cut and get into open space. Campbell is a young running back with a bright future, making him one to invest in early.   Other names to know   Amir Copeland | Smoky Hill | 2023 DE Isaac Withers | Smoky Hill | 2023 LB Ayomide Cooper | Smoky Hill | 2024 OLB [player_tooltip player_id='218868' first='Bailey' last='Bujanda'] | Smoky Hill | 2025 OL Damarian Ramsey | Smoky Hill | 2025 CB   Landen Halloway | Denver East | 2024 LB Hank Usalavage | Denver East | 2024 WR [player_tooltip player_id='251255' first='Elijah' last='Goss'] | Denver East | 2024 DL/OL DJ Crowe | Denver East | 2025 DE

Now that the first week is in the books, it is time to look back at the games of the week and the performances of the players who stood out during the matches.