Game Recap - Bellevue West vs Creighton Prep

Recap: The highly anticipated Week 0 game between #4 Bellevue West and #3 Creighton Prep certainly lived up to all the build-up. Both teams come into the season with state championship aspirations and have the rosters to get there, but before they could start thinking about that they had to go through each other. Bellevue West has a talent-rich roster but was looking to overcome having a lot of youth and new players at key positions. Creighton Prep came in with an edge in varsity experience but needed to establish a solid passing game to compliment their powerful rushing attack. The game started as most first games of the season do, shaky with early miscues and jitters from both teams. Creighton Prep was able to establish their run game and began to move the ball on the T-Bird defense but wasn't able to break through for the big play. An early injury to RB [player_tooltip player_id='250681' first='Charlie' last='Gewinner'] and early pressure from the Prep defensive line hindered the Thunderbird's ability to get the ground game going and open up the passing game. Both defenses bent a little but didn't surrender any points until Jr. Jay's back [player_tooltip player_id='227009' first='CharMar' last='Brown'] rushed one in from a yard out for the first points of the game midway through the second quarter. Bellevue West responded right away with a touchdown connection from their Power 5 prospects, QB [player_tooltip player_id='169899' first='Daniel' last='Kaelin'] and WR [player_tooltip player_id='169896' first='Dae'Vonn' last='Hall']. This play, followed by a special team's fumble and recovery from DB [player_tooltip player_id='330252' first='Donnovan' last='Whitfield'], gave the Thunderbirds the ball and the momentum. They would add two more touchdowns before halftime with 'Danny Dimes' connecting with wideouts [player_tooltip player_id='250689' first='Isaiah' last='McMorris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='180286' first='Kyrell' last='Jordan']. The second half started with a long drive from Creighton Prep that resulted in a rushing touchdown from surprise breakout, QB Ezra Vedral. A long touchdown run from Ezra Vedral pulled Prep even with Bell West. An interception from Creighton Prep senior DB Christian Lanphier returned the ball back to Creighton with the chance to go ahead. The Bellevue West defense held up to get the ball back to the offense. Both teams exchanged drives before the Thunderbirds received the ball back to start their final drive. [player_tooltip player_id='250689' first='Isaiah' last='McMorris'] went crazy on the final drive with two big connections to set up the offense within striking distance. Kaelin finished the drive by connecting with RB [player_tooltip player_id='330253' first='Gio' last='Contreras'] for his fourth touchdown of the night to his fourth different receiver. With the chance to tie the game, Creighton Prep began to drive upfield with a nice play from WR [player_tooltip player_id='250696' first='Zac' last='McLeay']. However, a forced fumble and recovery from Bellevue West stopped any chances of tying and ended the game. Overall, a great effort from both teams with the game eventually coming down to who was going to make the last play. Creighton Prep's ability to run the ball on offense and stop it on defense was a huge strength for the Jays. Bellevue West quieted concerns about their youth with a gutsy game-winning drive against a tough defense followed by a great defensive stand to close out the game. Creighton Prep will battle rival, #1 Omaha Westside, in what will be another Top 5 game. Bellevue West will not have it any easier as they will take on the #6 Omaha North Vikings in Week 1.   Final Score: Bellevue West 28 - Creighton Prep 21   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>   Player Spotlights   Player of the Game:   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/IMG_7097.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-423443" width="447" height="298"/></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='169899' first='Daniel' last='Kaelin'] (2024) QB | Bellevue West | 6'2" 195 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14285745/Daniel-Kaelin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/DanielKaelin5" target="_blank">Twitter</a>   In his first varsity start for the Thunderbirds, QB [player_tooltip player_id='169899' first='Daniel' last='Kaelin'] was able to piece together an outstanding performance to win "Player of the Game." Kaelin and the Bell West offense started off shaky with a few overthrows, miscommunication, and pressure from the Creighton Prep defense. Once Daniel was able to get settled, he started to move the Thunderbird offense a lot more consistently. He connected on some really nice deep throws, including a tight window pass to [player_tooltip player_id='250689' first='Isaiah' last='McMorris'] which resulted in a touchdown. His last touchdown was very impressive to me. With the pressure of; first varsity start, starting for a premier NE football team, facing a top 5 team, a stingy defense, trying to lead a game-winning drive, new starters everywhere, etc. Daniel still had the calmness and headspace to progress through his reads before finding Gio for the touchdown. Daniel ended the game going 23/33 for 268 yards and 4 touchdowns (1 int) which is incredibly encouraging for the Thunderbirds moving forward.    Impact Players:   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/IMG_6856.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-423469" width="457" height="304"/></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='250689' first='Isaiah' last='McMorris'] (2024) | WR/DB | Bellevue West | 6'0" 170 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15586038/Isaiah-McMorris" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/IsaiahMcMorris3" target="_blank">Twitter</a>   Isaiah was a very close second in the running for player of the game. In his debut in the purple and gold, Isaiah went OFF with 7 receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown. Isaiah not only showed off his hands, but he also showed what he could do once the ball was in his hands. McMorris is a very twitchy player with explosive change of direction and great field vision. He saw a lot of success on screen plays where he was able to eat up the open field in front of him. His two catches on the game-winning drive were crucial to setting Bellevue West in position to score the go-ahead touchdown. When you go back and watch those plays, you see someone who was not going to be denied a victory. On top of his offensive output, McMorris was also a great addition to the Bellevue West secondary rotation. The question with McMorris is not whether you can cover him, it's whether you'll be able to tackle him after the catch.    <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/IMG_6714.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-423503" width="457" height="305"/></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='227009' first='CharMar' last='Brown'] (2023 - North Dakota State Commit) | RB | Creighton Prep | 6'0" 205 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13206484/Charmar-Brown" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/BrownCharmar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>   Charmar continued to look like the workhorse that made him one of the top breakouts last year. Brown opened up the season to the tune of 177 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. This game provided more of what we saw from last year with his mix of power and finesse running. He is an every-down back that can pound away at the heart of a defense or bounce to the outside and outrace everyone to the endzone. Despite the loss, Prep should feel very confident about their running game and Brown's tough running.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GalindoOsc12/status/1560789521490485251?s=20&t=SSYRpy7OA-OPIUXCGULdoA </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/IMG_6972.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-423470" width="444" height="296"/></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='169896' first='Dae'Vonn' last='Hall'] (2024) | WR | Bellevue West| 6'1" 190 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12139045/Dae-Vonn-Hall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/DaevonnHall" target="_blank">Twitter</a>   With the loaded talent on the roster, Hall didn't get a ton of targets but still recorded 4 catches for 70 yards and a touchdown. His connection with [player_tooltip player_id='169899' first='Daniel' last='Kaelin'] opened up the scoring for the Thunderbird and also drew more attention to him for the rest of the game. One thing about Dae'vonn's game that is overlooked, is his blocking on screens and running plays. When rewatching the game, you can often see Hall being physical with his blocks and playing through the whistle. Overall, Dae'vonn continued to show why he is so highly-touted as a prospect. He is a smooth route-runner, has great hands, can make tough catches through contact, and knows how to create separation. Scary season coming up for Hall!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GalindoOsc12/status/1560789745944645632?s=20&t=SSYRpy7OA-OPIUXCGULdoA </div></figure>   Ezra Vedral (2023) | Dual-Threat QB | Creighton Prep | 6'2" 210 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16834329/Ezra-Vedral" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/EzraVedral" target="_blank">Twitter</a>   The Prep offense was moving the ball pretty well at the start of the game but became somewhat stagnant when the passing game wasn't taking off. Enter senior QB Ezra Vedral who was able to provide a spark for the offense with his legs. Vedral's two rushing touchdowns helped jumpstart a comeback for the Jays and started to take the momentum from Bell West. Overall Ezra rushed for 74 yards on 12 carries and scored two touchdowns in an impressive breakout performance. He possesses great field vision and is an elusive runner that can also drop the shoulder to fight for more yards. I'm looking forward to seeing what Vedral can do as a passer.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GalindoOsc12/status/1560806891458109440?s=20&t=SSYRpy7OA-OPIUXCGULdoA </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/IMG_6978.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-423495" width="474" height="316"/></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='180286' first='Kyrell' last='Jordan'] (2023) | WR/DB/KR | Bellevue West | 5'7" 165 lbs   <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15547584/Kyrell-Jordan" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/kyrellj1" target="_blank">Twitter</a>   Kyrell was huge for the Thunderbirds in all three phases of the game. At receiver, Kyrell hauled in 7 receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown. His speed and twitch proved to be a mismatch as he found ways to get open time and time again. You also have to love his toughness, whether it's holding on through contact on a tough catch or blocking someone off the field, he's all effort. Jordan made a big-time play on special teams when he used his speed to explode at the snap and block a field goal attempt by Prep. Kyrell also showed off his coverage ability on defense as part of the secondary rotation. Kyrell could be one of the best athletes in his class.    <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/IMG_6960.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-423550" width="466" height="310"/></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='226966' first='J'Dyn' last='Bullion'] (2023) | LB | Bellevue West | 6'0" 245 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12782852/Jdyn-Bullion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/BullionJdyn" target="_blank">Twitter</a>   Transfer LB [player_tooltip player_id='226966' first='J'Dyn' last='Bullion'] opened the season with a bang! Bullion was a huge disruptor in the middle of the defense with 13 total tackles. After rewatching some of the clips from Friday, I kept seeing #9 in the middle of the action on nearly every play. He uses his strength and athleticism to shed blocks with ease. At 245 lbs, he is a force when he hits you and made several tackles where he stopped the ball carrier in their tracks. On top of his physicality, Bullion has a great understanding of the game and what position he needs to be in, in order to make a play. J'Dyn's first impression as a Thunderbird caught some attention, as he received an offer from Hastings College the following day. The sky is the limit with this one!    <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/IMG_6974.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-423553" width="462" height="308"/></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='227028' first='Sam' last='Sledge'] (2023 - Nebraska Commit) | OL/DL | Creighton Prep | 6'4" 270 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13095149/Sam-Sledge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/SamSledge1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>   Husker-commit [player_tooltip player_id='227028' first='Sam' last='Sledge'] came firing out the gates with his performance in Friday's game. Sledge started on both offense and defense and made an impact right away. On the offensive line, he was serving up pancakes left and right. He has nice quickness for a big guy and can deliver some brutal blocks when he gets going. He also played on defense as part of a tough defensive line rotation and made some great plays against the run. Sledge is so powerful and explosive, it's no wonder the Huskers are so high on him.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/IMG_6956.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-423505" width="470" height="314"/></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='330252' first='Donnovan' last='Whitfield'] (2023) | DB | Bellevue West | 6'3" 190 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12992576/Donnovan-Whitfield" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Donnovan_Whit16" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>   Friday's game was a great preview of what to expect from [player_tooltip player_id='330252' first='Donnovan' last='Whitfield'] this season. Now in a full-time role, Whitfield shined in the Thunderbird defense and special teams. On defense, Whitfield's range, toughness, and football IQ helped keep the big plays at a minimum. Donnovan was doing it all from stepping up into the box to stop the run, blowing up screens, and was a great communicator. On special teams, Whitfield recovered a botched kickoff fumble and saved a punt that went sailing over his head that could've been disastrous. I have been watching Donnovan's game since the spring and continue to be more and more impressed with his growth every time. Someone needs to offer and lock this guy up!    More Standout Players:   [player_tooltip player_id='330253' first='Gio' last='Contreras'] (2023) | RB/ATH | Bellevue West | 6'0" 190 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12801033/Gio-Contreras" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/giocontrera13" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Yur_View/status/1561018643575701504?s=20&t=U5jNwyQfjiBxJEsZjRQQgQ </div></figure>   Collin Hulbert (2023) | DL | Creighton Prep | 5'10" 200 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13206335/Collin-Hulbert" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/collinhulbert2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='250686' first='Asher' last='Jenkins'] (2024) | DB | Bellevue West | 6'1" 185 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14562175/Asher-Jenkins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/asher_jenkins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='239869' first='Mick' last='Tabor'] (2023) | DL | Creighton Prep | 5'10" 200 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13206327/Mick-Tabor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/TaborMick" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>   Calvin Easterling (2024) | DB | Bellevue West | 5'9' 165 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12873883/Calvin-Easterling" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/calvin_e_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='227047' first='Rocco' last='Marcelino'] (2023 - Princeton Commit) | DL/OL | Creighton Prep | 6'5" 250 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13199949/Rocco-Marcelino" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/roccomarc_11" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='226986' first='Kellen' last='Steuben-Allen'] (2023) | OL | Bellevue West | 6'2" 250 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12683711/Kellen-Steuben" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/SteubenKellen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/IMG_6951.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-423538" width="522" height="348"/></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>   Make sure to follow @PrepRedzoneNE on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all your Nebraska prep recruiting news.

Recap: The highly anticipated Week 0 game between #4 Bellevue West and #3 Creighton Prep certainly lived up to all the build-up. Both teams come into the season with state championship aspirations and have the rosters to get there, but before they could start thinking about that they had to go through each other. Bellevue West has a talent-rich roster but was looking to overcome having a lot of youth and new players at key positions. Creighton Prep came in with an edge in varsity experience but needed to establish a solid passing game to compliment their powerful rushing attack. The game started as most first games of the season do, shaky with early miscues and jitters from both teams. Creighton Prep was able to establish their run game and began to move the ball on the T-Bird defense but wasn't able to break through for the big play. An early injury to RB Charlie Gewinner Charlie Gewinner 5'9" | 170 lbs | RB Bellevue West | 2024 State NE and early pressure from the Prep defensive line hindered the Thunderbird's ability to get the ground game going and open up the passing game. Both defenses bent a little but didn't surrender any points until Jr. Jay's back CharMar Brown CharMar Brown 6'0" | 200 lbs | RB Creighton Prep | 2023 State NE rushed one in from a yard out for the first points of the game midway through the second quarter. Bellevue West responded right away with a touchdown connection from their Power 5 prospects, QB Daniel Kaelin Daniel Kaelin 6'3" | 195 lbs | QB Bellevue West | 2024 State NE and WR Dae’Vonn Hall Dae’Vonn Hall 6'2" | 175 lbs | WR Bellevue West | 2024 State NE . This play, followed by a special team's fumble and recovery from DB Donnovan Whitfield Donnovan Whitfield 6'3" | 185 lbs | DB Bellevue East | 2023 State NE , gave the Thunderbirds the ball and the momentum. They would add two more touchdowns before halftime with 'Danny Dimes' connecting with wideouts Isaiah McMorris Isaiah McMorris 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR Bellevue West | 2024 State NE and Kyrell Jordan Kyrell Jordan 5'8" | 160 lbs | WR Bellevue East | 2023 State NE . The second half started with a long drive from Creighton Prep that resulted in a rushing touchdown from surprise breakout, QB Ezra Vedral. A long touchdown run from Ezra Vedral pulled Prep even with Bell West. An interception from Creighton Prep senior DB Christian Lanphier returned the ball back to Creighton with the chance to go ahead. The Bellevue West defense held up to get the ball back to the offense. Both teams exchanged drives before the Thunderbirds received the ball back to start their final drive. Isaiah McMorris Isaiah McMorris 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR Bellevue West | 2024 State NE went crazy on the final drive with two big connections to set up the offense within striking distance. Kaelin finished the drive by connecting with RB Gio Contreras Gio Contreras 6'0" | 180 lbs | ATH Bellevue East | 2023 State NE for his fourth touchdown of the night to his fourth different receiver. With the chance to tie the game, Creighton Prep began to drive upfield with a nice play from WR Zac McLeay Zac McLeay 6'0" | 185 lbs | DB Creighton Prep | 2024 State NE . However, a forced fumble and recovery from Bellevue West stopped any chances of tying and ended the game. Overall, a great effort from both teams with the game eventually coming down to who was going to make the last play. Creighton Prep's ability to run the ball on offense and stop it on defense was a huge strength for the Jays. Bellevue West quieted concerns about their youth with a gutsy game-winning drive against a tough defense followed by a great defensive stand to close out the game. Creighton Prep will battle rival, #1 Omaha Westside, in what will be another Top 5 game. Bellevue West will not have it any easier as they will take on the #6 Omaha North Vikings in Week 1.