Stand Out Players: St. John’s vs Second Baptist

Stand Out Players: St. John&#8217;s vs Second Baptist

Terrell Franklin

September 19, 2022 @ 08:00 PM

<h2>Man is it good to be back! Sorry for the my first article being in week 4 folks, there were some technical issues, but I'm back and I have some players that really caught my eye!</h2>   Second Baptist:   JD Crisp I ATH I Sophomore I #8   Remember the name JD Crisp! That kid could ball. He was very electric with the ball in his hands. His QB did not connect with him deep....or could even found him deep, but Crisp's acceleration to break the DB's cushion and out run him deep was very impressive! I identify 8 as an Athlete, but his primary position moving forward will most likely be receiver. He currently replies on his athleticism rather than technique, but I have full confidence that the next time I write about him, that area of his game will improve. Remember folks, he's only a sophomore! He has good speed and quick cuts once the ball is in his hands, it was just difficult for the offense to get him the ball in space. I like Crisp's game, and he will be a very good player as he gets older!   St. John's:   Logan Donley I WR I Junior I #1   Donley is possession receiver that wins with physicality, route running and field awareness. Not a blazer by any means, Donley was able to find the holes in the defense. His routes were ran well and got him open...a lot. Donley did not drop a pass, even catching a low pass that was defended well. I cornerback broke on the pass well and it should have been incomplete, but 1 managed to stay focus and double clutch the football, while spinning, before hitting the ground. The Junior finished the game with 5 catches for 67 yards and a touchdown!   [player_tooltip player_id='279397' first='STEPHEN' last='GILL'] I QB I Junior I #7   Gill was slinging the rock all around the field Friday night! He was poised in the pocket, moved when he needed to, and delivered accurate passes! So much so, that he finished the game connecting on 14/16 passes! I loved his touch passes, hitting a couple different players beyond 15 yards. Gill was able to throw on the run and still hit his target. Gill still has room to grow, but his mechanics and understanding of the quarterback position put him and his team in a great position, and should keep them competitive going deeper into the playoffs! When the clock hit triple zero, Gill completed almost 90% of his passes, for 328 yards and 6....yes you read that ight...6 touchdown passes!   Cole Allen I ATH I Sophomore I #3   Before I get into the Player of the Game in my opinion, I just want to take a moment to appreciate the continuity the St. John's football team will have next season, barring injuries or transfers! Each player that caught my attention was a non-senior, and each young man was a key contributor, none more than Cole Allen (see how I transitioned? Flawless, I know!)! Allen truly is position less! I wrote about him last year, and with another year in that system and another year in the weight room, he only improved! In fact, the very first offensive play, he scored a 60 yard touchdown run! He knows how to hit the hole and accelerate really well, and has the speed to out run most defenders. What really stood out to me about Allen's game was his hands! I counted 3 tough catches that he made, one being a beautiful jump ball to the back on the far right sideline. Allen went over the defender with both hands, and was able to secure the catch. Credit to the DB as well. It was one of those plays where the coach couldn't even be mad. The defender was in the right position with correct technique, but the pass and catch was just better. It happens to the best. Allen lined up as the running back, wide receiver, slot receiver, wildcat QB, kick and punt return man and (and I cannot make this up) safety when it was 3rd/4th and long and the coach was worried about Crisp making a big play! Oh, and he was on the kick off coverage unit. This kid is a head coach's dream! Allen left the field with 10 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown, and 6 catches for 163 yards and 3 touchdowns. He is a very special player!   That'll do it for this one. Both teams played their guts out, but only one could emerge victorious. The Second Baptist Eagles fall to the St. John's Mavericks 49-21. Good luck next week to both programs and thank you all for reading!