Unsung Heroes - District A2

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.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>   Bellevue East Chieftains   Offense: [player_tooltip player_id='250633' first='Mason' last='Chandler'] | 2024 | QB/RB/WR/LB/ATH | 6'0" 195 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14852774/Mason-Chandler" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MasonChand1er12" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>   Mason has been dealt the tough task of having to take up QB1 duties with the injury to starting QB [player_tooltip player_id='245832' first='Mikey' last='Gow']. Nonetheless, Mason has done very well as a starter, leading the Chieftains to a 2-0 record under his watch. He hasn't been asked to pass a whole lot, only attempting 47 passes, but he has produced 335 passing yards and 4 passing touchdowns. Mason also adds another threat with his legs and his 210 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns. Mason has also been a major contributor on the defense as the leading tackler with 41. Mason has stepped up and stood out so far this season!    Defense: Ethan Roberts | 2023 | DL | 5'11" 230 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13059179/Ethan-Roberts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ethanrobertsne" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>   Ethan has been having a great start to the season down in the trenches. Roberts sits third on the team in total tackles with 24 and has an outstanding 13.5 tackles for loss to go with 2 sacks. He does a great job sniffing out the run and is quick to penetrate through his gap to make a splash play in the backfield. Lots of playmakers on this defense, but Roberts' efforts on the DL have been huge.    Bellevue West Thunderbirds   Offense: [player_tooltip player_id='330253' first='Gio' last='Contreras'] | 2023 | RB | 6'0" 190 lbs   <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12801033/Gio-Contreras" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/giocontrera13" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>   This selection was a tough one to make, considering the number of playmakers on this stacked offense. However, I went with RB [player_tooltip player_id='330253' first='Gio' last='Contreras'], who has seen the majority of carries at back and has really been catching on in recent weeks. In 5 games played, Gio has rushed for 399 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns. Defenses not only have to make sure to contain Contreras the runner but also have to respect his ability as a pass catcher as well. With so many talented receivers, he may not receive the most targets but is liable to sneak a clutch third down or redzone reception at any given moment. Very underrated talent here!    Defense: [player_tooltip player_id='250686' first='Asher' last='Jenkins'] | 2024 | DB | 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>   Like the offense, the defense is loaded with great players at all levels, but in five games, [player_tooltip player_id='250686' first='Asher' last='Jenkins'] has been an unsung hero. His versatility as a LB/S hybrid that can drop into coverage, rush the passer, and stuff the run has been incredible to watch. Asher is a lengthy player with lots of range and speed to cover the whole field. He sits second in tackles with 35, while also racking up 7.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. Asher is a player that has made huge strides this offseason and gets better week in and week out.    Gretna Dragons   Offense: [player_tooltip player_id='340488' first='Isaiah' last='Weber'] | 2024 | RB | 5'7" 170 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14877777/Isaiah-Weber" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/isaiah_weber18" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>   Going into the season, my only question about Gretna was, "who will step up now that Mick Huber has graduated?" Well, 5 games in and junior [player_tooltip player_id='340488' first='Isaiah' last='Weber'] has stepped into the RB1 role with ease. Weber has rushed for 591 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns while averaging a solid 8.8 yards per carry. One thing that makes Isaiah so great is his field vision. He can take handoffs in between the tackles and find small holes to cut through. He also has a nice burst when he gets into the open field that normally leads him to the endzone. Isaiah has also been used slightly in the passing game but already has 8 receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/elliefrenchTV/status/1570630981572521985?s=20&t=K3xyx3ZSTtABzrIe6y25-Q </div></figure>   Defense: [player_tooltip player_id='227550' first='Blayke' last='Moore'] | 2023 | DB | 6'2" 205 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12956291/Blayke-Moore" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/BlaykeMoore5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>   This one could have gone a few different ways, but ultimately I decided on safety [player_tooltip player_id='227550' first='Blayke' last='Moore']. Blayke has been a consistent and reliable defender in the Dragon's secondary since last year and has continued into his senior year. So far, Blayke has accumulated 16 tackles, two interceptions, and recovered a fumble during the Dragon's 5-0 start. Blayke is a very smart player that can play anywhere on the field and compete at a high level. Blayke doesn't shy away from physicality and will contribute to stopping the run. Overall, Blayke has been a tremendous contributor to one of the state's best defenses.    Omaha South Packers   Offense: [player_tooltip player_id='227557' first='Aric' last='Thomas'] | 2023 | WR | 6'3" 195 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14340036/Aric-Thomas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/aricthomas4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='227557' first='Aric' last='Thomas'] continues to have a stellar year for the Packers. At the midway point, Thomas already has 35 receptions for 672 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. He has by far been QB [player_tooltip player_id='396730' first='Daeshawn' last='Tolbert']'s favorite and most reliable target. Oh, and we can't forget to mention Aric is a perfect 3/3 passing for 157 yards and 2 passing touchdowns. Aric's route running and ability to create separation are a big reason Tolbert has been able to find him time after time. He has very underrated speed and can really rack up some yards after the catch. Somebody offer this man!    Defense: [player_tooltip player_id='390190' first='Alex' last='Tapia'] | 2023 | S | 5'10" 185 lbs   <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16121237/Alex-Tapia" target="_blank">Hudl</a>   Alex was a player that I saw during summer practices, and was really impressed by his quickness and snap decision-making. Alex plays safety for the Packers but has been making plays all over the field. He is the team leader in tackles with 37 and in tackles for loss with 3. Alex has been especially impressive with his ability to make plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. One of the more underrated safeties in the Omaha Metro.    Papillion-La Vista South Titans   Offense: [player_tooltip player_id='225758' first='Devyn' last='Jones'] | 2023 | RB | 5'11" 215 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12831418/Devyn-Jones" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/Djones_402" target="_blank">Twitter</a>   Devyn could be considered the overall team MVP for the Titans with how great he has been on offense and defense. He takes home the offensive "unsung hero" because of how much he has elevated the run game. I was expecting the ground attack to be good, but Jones has elevated it to a different level. He's rushed for 593 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns, what's been impressive is his 7.1 yards per carry. Devyn is a bigger back that can bulldoze his way through arm tackles and opponents but can also turn on the jets after he hits a cut. On top of his rushing ability, Devyn has also been a force at linebacker. He has racked up 34 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, a sack, and an interceptions    Defense: [player_tooltip player_id='305156' first='Trace' last='Marco'] | 2023 | LB | 5'10" 200 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12845140/Trace-Marco" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/TraceMarco" target="_blank">Twitter</a>   Lots of players on the Titan's defense that could've gotten the selection here, but inside LB [player_tooltip player_id='305156' first='Trace' last='Marco'] has undoubtedly been a difference maker this season. After five games, Marco is second on the team in tackles with 34 and has added 4 tackles for loss and 2 sacks as well. What gets overlooked about Marco's game is his versatility. On his tape you can see him lined up at inside linebacker, up close to the line, he can play with depth in a safety hybrid role. His field/closing speed helps him cover ground quickly and make plays all over the field. Watch out for the Titans!    <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.

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.