Hayden's Hotshots: The standouts from Mankato West v New Prague

I took a trip south to watch the defending 5A state champs Mankato West take on a (1-0) New Prague team. Prior to this game, I had the Scarlets ranked at #5 and the Trojans ranked at #15 in my individual power rankings. The Scarlets were an offensive powerhouse, scoring 3 times in their first 10 offensive plays. Below I've broken down the offensive players into hotshots, risers, and under-the-radar prospects from the week 2 matchup.   Hotshots:   [player_tooltip player_id='246028' first='Bart' last='McAninch']: MW 2024 QB 6'1" 205 lbs   The STAR of the game. A first-year starter for the Scarlets, McAninch looked like a veteran with his poise in the pocket. He is every bit of 6'1" and is an imposing presence behind the offensive line. McAninch has a cannon and was slinging the ball downfield all night long. He has excellent touch on the ball and diced apart the Trojan's secondary. He was also lethal on the ground and although isn't a scramble-first QB, can pick up big chunks of yardage if the pocket collapses. McAninch looked like a 4-year starter last night and should be a must-watch for colleges.   [player_tooltip player_id='368595' first='Gage' last='Schmidt']: MW 2024 OT 6'4" 260 lbs   This dude was a MONSTER all night long. The perfect blindside tackle, he rarely allowed pressure and finished blocks all night. I saw numerous times he'll his hands on a defender and watched him drive them 20 yards downfield and pancake them. He has yet another year to develop and should start raking in offers any day now. Great strength and instincts to kill, watch him evolve into a top prospect in MN.   Jackson Froderman: MW 2023 RB 5'10" 175 lbs   As great as the passing game was for the Scarlets, Froderman made the run game lethal. First offensive play from scrimmage, Froderman took a simple power play 50 yards to the house. He possesses so many incredible traits. He's athletic, quick, explosive, strong, and smart. The whole package as an RB. He breaks tackles, hits holes, and has breakaway speed. Underrated as hell, Froderman is an elite 5A threat.   [player_tooltip player_id='368532' first='Jalen' last='Smith'] MW 2024 WR 6'1" 180 lbs   Probably the best athlete on the field at any given time, Smith racked up yards all game. He is an elite YAC threat and has insane speed. No corner can hang with him and he has a very powerful frame. Easily had over 150 yards and was McAninch's favorite target all night long. He is a little raw as a route runner but his physicals make up for any shortcomings any coach or opponent can perceive.   Risers:   Aiden Jackson: NP 2023 RB 5'10" 175 lbs   The brightest spot for the Trojan's offense was Jackson. He carried the run game and was the main force driving the offense down the field. Jackson is explosive and surprisingly elusive, he was able to shake off tackles behind the line of scrimmage and still gain yardage frequently. He showed some pass-catching ability and could be the biggest offensive threat for the Trojans going forward.   [player_tooltip player_id='348677' first='Elijah' last='Bollman']: MW 2023 Ath 6'1" 195 lbs   This dude is an ATHLETE. Truly the definition of versitle you can line him up anywhere on the field and he'll have a positive impact. He came completely out of nowhere, and started racking up yards. Runningback, wideout, doesn't matter you can line him up anywhere and he'll score. Explosive with a big body, he has all the tools to succeed at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='112186' first='Elijah' last='Green']: MW 2023 Ath 5'10" 185 lbs   A defensive stud as well, Green makes an impact everywhere he goes. He's listed at a wideout but he can be so much more. His vision and play in space is unmatched, it looks like everything moves in slow motion for him. He's a key part of what looks to be Kato West running it back, and will cause fits for defenses past the line of scrimmage.   Under the Radar:   [player_tooltip player_id='234789' first='Will' last='Seymour']: NP 2024 QB 6'2" 160 lbs   Seymour has a lot of potential, he just struggled at times. The Trojans QB spent most of the game scrambling for his life, which at least showed off his ability to extend plays with his legs. Seymour has a good arm and showcased him making some difficult throws on the run during the first half. Extremly effective in a clean pocket, Seymour could be a sneaky breakout this season.   Tyler Geisen: NP 2023 WR 6'2" 170 lbs   Geisen, who held the only touchdown for the Trojans which wasn't in garbage time, had a pretty good game. He has good size and is an above average route runner with a very good vertical. He highpoints the ball, and has good enough speed to maintain the distance between defenders. He's a solid jump-ball threat who is the most dangerous weapon in the Trojans pass game.

I took a trip south to watch the defending 5A state champs Mankato West take on a (1-0) New Prague team. Prior to this game, I had the Scarlets ranked at #5 and the Trojans ranked at #15 in my individual power rankings. The Scarlets were an offensive powerhouse, scoring 3 times in their first 10 offensive plays. Below I've broken down the offensive players into hotshots, risers, and under-the-radar prospects from the week 2 matchup.