Hayden’s Hotshots: The Menaces from Chaska v Waconia (D)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The wet and rainy conditions created some optimal turnover moments for both teams. Despite both high-powered offenses, the defense still played a crucial role. Both teams had some great standouts I can't wait to share!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Hotshots:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tate McDonald: Waconia 2024 DB 6'2" 170 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McDonald didn't record an insane amount of tackles or show off some crazy hit power. But he made his presence more than felt in the passing game. McDonald was an absolute BALL HAWK on Friday night. He came up big in crucial moments, recording 2 interceptions including a game-winning one. He was able to read and predict the QB's every move and came down hard on the passes. He recorded his 3rd interception of the season on Friday. Put him on your watch list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='313318' first='Anders' last='Rodning']: Waconia 2023 DL 6'1" 200 lbs </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rodning's effect on the outcome of this game cannot be understated. I long debated putting him in the offensive version of this list, but his blocked punt sealed the deal for me. Rodning plays so much bigger than he is and the kid has an incredible motor. His influence went way beyond the stat sheet as he constantly caused trouble for the Hawks backfield, and was always there to apply pressure to the QB. Deceptively quick and very strong, Rodning had an incredible showing against Chaska. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Myles Meiller: Chaska 2023 DB 5'11" 160 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meiller played exactly how a safety is supposed to in the run game. Flying around and making all kinds of crazy tackles. He led the defense in tackles and made a key pass breakup late in the 3rd quarter. Despite him being a little skinny, he carries himself very well and laid the wood at key times. With good speed and the ability to very effectively diagnose a play, Meiller was an absolute stud on the Hawks' defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Risers:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ethan Perkins: Chaska 2023 LB 6' 205 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perkins had a great game against the Wildcats, recording 8 tackles including one massive one for a loss. The senior LB has good size and agility, and he showed that off by filling holes fast. He showed the ability to flow well to the ball, especially when Waconia did some of those dangerous end-arounds. Rarely stalled by blockers, Perkins would be a nice addition to any college defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Russell Gillette: Chaska 2024 LB 5'11" 185 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gillette has been a consistently great part of the Hawk's defense up to this point. He recorded 7 tackles against the Wildcats and even boasts an interception from the previous week. Gillette shares many traits with his senior counterpart, including good speed. Gillette and Perkins were instrumental in trying to slow one of the best Midwest running offenses down. Only a junior, Gillette's tackling form is excellent and definitely shows off some of the great wrestling he is otherwise known for. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brayden Kaczmarek: Waconia 2023 LB 6'2" 205 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kaczmarek is one of the last remnants of a bygone are of linebackers. A brick wall that is impossible to run over, he made his money stopping the run on Friday night. He had one crucial TFL too and utilized some good speed once past the line of scrimmage. Definitely, what I would consider a run-first defender, don't sleep on Kaczmarek the rest of the season. He has the potential to break out big time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Sleepers:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Austan Harmsen: Chaska 2023 DB 5'11" 175 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm going, to be honest, McEnelly gave Harmsen fits in the run game. But Harmsen stuck with it. He showed great grit and toughness tackling opponents much bigger and stronger than him and he also made a few good plays on the ball in the passing game. Someone who I thought was a good tackler and a sturdy DB, I wanted to make sure Harmsen's game didn't go unnoticed as he racked up a season-best 8 tackles on Friday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='112158' first='Peter' last='Schmitz']: Chaska 2023 Edge 6'3" 210 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schmitz got plenty of reps all over the field last Friday, Rewatching some of his tape, he has great speed and is very explosive off the line of scrimmage. He also utilizes a good rip move which he used to cross the face of bigger opposing tackles. He's a very versatile plug-and-play athlete you can stick anywhere in the front 7.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jack Delbac: Waconia 2024 LB 6'1" 205 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Delbac has had a great junior season up to this point, recording 5 tackles in the game against Chaska. Delbac is just another one of the big-body defenders that Waconia cranks out like it's nothing. With good speed and great hit power, Delbac lacked some eye-popping plays, but is consistent in the run game and will be an anchor for the rest of the year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->