Unsung Heroes – District A1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are at/near the halfway mark of the 2022 season, and I wanted to highlight players that have been "Unsung Heroes" for their teams. These players may not necessarily be the biggest name or highest ranked player on their respective teams but could be a player that has stepped into bigger roles, does the dirty work, are versatile, etc. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p id="block-edf6f1e6-ed92-4961-a786-0cde0abec09e"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Columbus Discoverers </span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p id="block-cb95ffa8-88f5-40e9-958d-9e03b6c7e829"><strong><em>Offense:</em></strong> <strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='169932' first='Dylan' last='Crumley'] | 2024 | WR/ATH | 5'10" 150 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p id="block-178c4106-d21e-4c1d-a746-6ba17dcac993"><strong><em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14839115/Dylan-Crumley" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://mobile.twitter.com/crumley_dylan" target="_blank">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p id="block-23e59284-b056-4366-8852-611a7ca8afcb">Dylan is an up-and-coming 2024 player that is a do-it-all versatile athlete in the Discoverer's offense. Crumley is second on the team in rushing yards with 167 rushing yards, second in receiving with 48 yards, and averages 27 yards on kick returns. The offense is still trying to find its identity, but something tells me when they do, Dylan is going to be a huge contributor to their success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p id="block-eed1dadc-aa2e-4f8a-a811-e025dda63088"><strong><em>Defense:</em></strong> <strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='234296' first='Liam' last='Blaser'] | 2023 | LB/RB | 6'0" 210 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p id="block-9240b69d-de56-41df-8434-769610d9846a"><strong><em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12902942/Liam-Blaser" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://mobile.twitter.com/blaserliam" target="_blank">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p id="block-c0b7e9e8-f110-4b73-8e43-73671f6caed8">Liam could've received the nod on either side of the ball as the team's leading scorer and tackler. Blaser has continued his tackling machine ways this season as he has already hit the 50 tackle mark in 5 games, averaging 10 tackles a game. Blaser is a bruising backer that has been making plays for the Discoverers since his sophomore year. Liam is also the leading rusher for Columbus with 295 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns. Mr. Consistent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_632cae9984610","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12902942/6315505490eefd078c54d6db' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Lincoln East Spartans</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Offense: Jeter Worthley | 2025 | QB | 6'0" 175 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16079111/Jeter-Worthley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/WorthleyJeter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The biggest question for the Spartans this year was, "who will be QB1?" In four games, Jeter has thrown for 744 passing yards and 5 touchdowns and has led Lincoln East to a 2-2 record. What has really stood out about Worthley is his ability to run the ball as well. He has added 183 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground, making defenses stay on their heels. Jeter is only a sophomore but has already looked poised under the bright Friday Night Lights, especially when you rewatch the Lincoln Southeast game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_632cc4dc84612","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16079111/6313965f32e6d00d4c385b00' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Defense: [player_tooltip player_id='250623' first='Dash' last='Bauman'] | 2024 | LB | 6'2" 185 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16138030/Dash-Bauman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DashBauman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dash is only 4 games into his junior year but has already turned into one of the more prolific tacklers in Class A. Bauman led the Spartans in tackles as a sophomore with 99 and is currently at the top of the list again with 34 tackles. Dash really lives up to his name in the way he can dash and fly around the field with his lateral quickness and his 4.65 speed. He is a very smart inside linebacker that puts himself in a position to make plays. On top of his defensive efforts, Dash is also second on the team in rushing yards with 144 yards and 2 touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_632cc24b84611","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16138030/6326528b6e82e30564f7a3d9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Lincoln Links</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Offense: [player_tooltip player_id='226996' first='Julian' last='Babahanov'] | 2023 | RB/ATH | 6'0" 190 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13002829/Julian-Babahanov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/julian14baba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An unfortunate injury to starting QB [player_tooltip player_id='226993' first='Adonis' last='Hutchinson'] in week 1 forced running back Julian into the starting role in the meantime. He has filed in nicely for the Links leading them to 2 wins. Julian wasn't asked to pass much during this span, instead using his legs to wear out defenses. Julian has rushed for 334 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, using his powerful running with a deadly spin move to gash away at defenses. His versatility and team-first mindset have been a huge help for the Links.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_632cd14584613","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13002829/631c9044f31caa02104fe9f4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Defense: [player_tooltip player_id='330323' first='Dane' last='Mentore'] | 2023 | LB | 5'8" 170 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13073730/Dane-Mentore" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DaneMentore" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dane is a player any team would be lucky to have. Dane makes up for his smaller frame by being an excellent communicator, smart, and just overall a tough dude on the field. He leads the team in tackles with 33 and a tackle for loss. As I mentioned before, Mentore is a vocal leader and does a great job communicating pre-snap adjustments to his teammates. He has deceptive field speed and can pack a mean punch when he gets to the ball-carrier. Overall, Dane's contributions on defense have been huge in the Links front seven.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_632cd41984614","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13073730/631cc82dbee1d404d4931d3f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Lincoln North Star Navigators</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Offense: [player_tooltip player_id='330319' first='Dylan' last='Hallett'] | 2023 | WR | 5'10" 165 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12888156/Dylan-Hallett" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DylanHallett" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With questions at QB, having a receiver like [player_tooltip player_id='330319' first='Dylan' last='Hallett'] definitely helps make it easier for whoever is under center. Hallett is the leading receiver for the Gators, with five receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown. Hallett has also been solid at cornerback for North Star, giving them another defensive weapon alongside the defensive unsung hero below.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_632d370c14917","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12888156/5fb341733449400ba0fb5eee' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Defense: Cameron Bretting | 2025 | OLB | 5'9" 159 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15992995/Cameron-Bretting" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/CBretting10" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cameron has been a nice surprise for the North Star defense. The young sophomore has had a strong start to the season and is showing an early penchant for making big plays. Bretting has accumulated 20 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, an interception, and a fumble recovery through 3 games. Cameron is very underrated when it comes to disengaging from blocks and making plays close to the line of scrimmage. He's really good at closing space and making sure the ball-carrier doesn't leave his grasp.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_632d36d714916","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15992995/6329341ada52800b74892b09' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Millard South Patriots</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Offense: [player_tooltip player_id='226974' first='Brock' last='Murtaugh'] | 2023 | DB/ATH | 6'3" 205 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13075152/brock-murtaugh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/brockmurtaugh1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another straight-up ATHLETE stepping up in the absence of the starting QB, is Millard South's [player_tooltip player_id='226974' first='Brock' last='Murtaugh']. Brock went from being one of the top targets for his QB Cam Kozeal to being the man under center. This speaks volumes about Brock's versatility and overall football IQ. We've seen him take on a S/LB hybrid role on the defense so seeing him embrace the new challenge on offense was no surprise. If you watch his play starting at the 45-second mark, you'll even see him go from QB to receiver in the same play. Brock is a D1 talent that is willing to do anything for his team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_632d375214918","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13075152/631dfd9819b00e09f04c1265' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Defense: [player_tooltip player_id='209339' first='Fernando' last='(JR) Lecuona'] | 2024 | DL | 6'3" 240 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14813369/JR-Lecuona" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/JrLecuona" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lecuona is one of the best defensive linemen in the state, yet still somehow goes under the radar. Lecuona is a vicious player with an intense motor and violent hands. He is only a junior but has a ton of varsity experience and has been a reliable player on the Patriot's front seven.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_632d377a14919","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14813369/631e6887a681270888276961' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Make sure to follow @PrepRedzoneNE on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all your Nebraska prep recruiting news.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->