Verona vs Janesville Parker: Recap & Prospects of the Game

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Big 8 Conference battle between the Verona Wildcats and Janesville Parker Vikings lived up to my expectations! It was perfect conditions allowing both teams to put their best efforts on the field, and it led to a great game in all three aspects of the game. Coming into the night, Verona held a 2-0 record in the Big 8 while Parker had a 1-1 record. The decision of this game was going to potentially scramble the conference standings heading into the final four weeks of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The game started with the defenses holding strong, forcing three and outs, and creating turnovers. The opportunistic play by the Wildcats and Vikings created several back to back momentum swings. It started with Janesville Parker creating a turnover on downs. Two plays later, Verona forced a fumble and recovered it. Just a few plays later, Verona picked up a big gain on a deep pass play, but the receiver was stripped. Verona was able to force a punt, and was then able to put together their first good drive. They made it down to the 1 yard line where QB <strong>Kaden Kittleson</strong> ran it in with a QB sneak. Following a Parker turnover on downs, Verona again fumbled the ball away on the first play of the game. That is where the offensive fireworks began. On the very first play of Janesville Parker's next drive WR<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='331226' first='Cayden' last='Brandenburg']</strong> make a great catch down the sideline, and scored from 29 yards out. His ability to go up and get it was very impressive. The fireworks continued on the very next offensive play. Verona QB<strong> Kaden Kittleson</strong> dropped back, and launched a perfectly thrown ball that hit WR <strong>Aidan Haack</strong> right in stride for a 76 yard TD pass to take the 14-6 lead. The half ended with the Parker offense driving down the field on the back of WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='267047' first='JJ' last='Douglas'] </strong>running the wildcat. He picked up tough yards to get inside the redzone. From there, WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331226' first='Cayden' last='Brandenburg']</strong> hauled in his second TD on a slant route to give us a 14-12 halftime score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second half started off the same way the first half ended. With offenses staying in their rhythm. Verona opened the half on offense. Standout sophomore WR/DB<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='382414' first='Tre' last='Poteat']</strong> picked up a huge gain on a screen pass. Not long after that, senior RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='414588' first='Trey' last='Engram'] </strong>weaved his way through the defense, and followed in blocks in for a score. After the opening score the defenses dug their heels back in. We saw three straight drives end in punts as the third quarter came to a close. It was special teams that made the different once the 4th quarter started. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='382414' first='Tre' last='Poteat']</strong> proved to be a dangerous punt returner. He returned a punt inside the Parker 30. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='414588' first='Trey' last='Engram']</strong> was able to move the ball inside the redzone from there, and the drive ended in a 19 yard field goal. After another stretch of three straight punts, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='382414' first='Tre' last='Poteat']</strong> again broke loose for a big punt return inside the Parker 15. The offense couldn't capitalize though, and again kicked a field goal from 28 yards out to push their lead to 26-12.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parker wasn't going down without a fight, though. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='267047' first='JJ' last='Douglas']</strong> caught a deep pass over the middle of the field for 74 yards. With the clock ticking under 2 minutes, Douglas again stepped up and reeled in a 25 yard TD pass to bring it to a one score game. Unfortunately, the Vikings weren't able to stop Verona from picking up a first down allowing the Wildcats to run out the remainder of the clock giving Verona the 26-19 victory, and a 3-0 conference record.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Prospects of the Game</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6325ddacd22c2","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["382410"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The #1 player in the Class of 2025 did not disappoint. He made impactful, game changing plays on offense, defense, and special teams. He was listed at 6'1u0022 165 lbs, and played even bigger. On defense, I'm not sure if he was ever targeted. They may have went to his side, but the only time I saw him close to the ball was when he read it, and closed on it from his deeper zone position.rnrnWhere he made his biggest plays was on offense, and special teams. The sophomore took a screen pass for a big pickup setting up Verona's only second half TD. His big returns on punts set up the two field goals as well.rnrnTre is such a naturally gifted athlete. He makes everything he does look easy. He is explosive laterally and vertically. His acceleration and top speed are elite. His recognition skills and vision are D1 level as well. Tre is a special talent that will have a lot of choices for the next level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6325ddbbd22c3","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["414737"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The athlete I couldn't wait to see in person was [player_tooltip player_id='414737' first='Michael' last='Comber']. As you can see, he is on the Watch List currently. However, when we update after the season he will be debuting highly in the rankings now that he has film out. I hope to see his recruitment go up as well because he can definitely play at the next level.rnrnThe 6'6' 265 lbs left tackle left me impressed. He has the frame to hold FCS/FBS size with all the length you could hope for. Michael uses that length very well also. He initiates contact with a strong punch, and moves his feet well to stay on his man. Comber also is athletic. He runs a sub 5.0 40 at that size, and his lateral movement was solid. Based on his Twitter, Michael doesn't hold any offers. The senior is the definition of a hidden gem. Give him a look.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6325ddc7d22c4","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["414588"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 32 Carries, 156 Yards, 1 TDu003c/emu003ernrnThe workhorse of the Verona offense is the 5'8u0022 166 lbs senior RB. He won't have to fill that role at the next level because he fits better as a change of pace, and third down back. However, at this level he was a key to keeping the offense in rhythm, and not falling behind the down and distance. His TD opened the second half, and it showed off his best traits.rnrnTrey has the vision to be able to read his blocks at the line, and beyond, as well as see and set up defenders downfield. He is a very twitchy athlete who can make defenders miss in a phone booth. He has college level quickness, and the speed to do damage out in space. That is where he thrives. When they have him attack the edge Trey was able to let those traits shine. ON top of it all, he has CB experience in his past. He can help a next level team out in a lot of ways.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6325ddd3d22c5","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["130062"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mason was the top 2023 prospect in the matchup. He is one of the best uncommitted LBs in the state, and at 6'1u0022 220 lbs he has the size to be able to play at a high level.rnrnHe also the play style to e able to hold up at a D2-D1 level. Mason is a physical, downhill defender. He impressed me most with his ability to shed blocks. They were keying on him all night long, and he fought through blocks play after play to get around the ball. I was very impressed with him presnap as well. He completely personified the idea of QB of the defense. Mason made the calls, knew where everyone should line up, and was calling out things to watch for presnap.rnrnArmstrong was also reliable sideline to sideline in pursuit, and when he got there he packed a punch. It was an impressive game for the senior ILB. It was a good representation of his talents.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6325dde1d22c6","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kaden Kittleson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2023","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Verona","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 8/13, 169 Passing Yards, 1 Passing TD, 1 Rushing TDu003c/emu003ernrnThis game was my introduction to Kaden. The 6'1u0022 190 lbs signla caller stepped up when needed. That is what you hope fo rout of your QB at this level. SOmeone who rises to the occassion, adn delivers. That is exactly what Kaden did in the first half on his TD pass.rnrnThat pass was pinpoint accurate. He dropped it right over the shoulder of his receiver. I didn't see any break in strdie from teh recevier before, during, or aftr the catch. Kaden also got his team on the board when he punched in the QB sneak on 4th down. A team with a QB that steps up when called upon will find a lot of success.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6325de2ad22c7","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["267047"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 3 Receptions, 127 Yards, 1 TD, 12 Carries, 48 Yardsu003c/emu003ernrnJJ came into the game a WR1 for the Class of 2025, and he cemented that after watching him live. He is all of 6'4u0022 210 lbs, and he uses it well at receiver, and when used as a Widlcat QB. Douglas was the one Parker turned to when they needed a big play or to get back in rhythm.rnrnI was most impressed with his boy control ,and power. He was a smooth route runner, could change direction or adjust to the ball with ease, and he was able to cut surprisingly well. His power was punishing. JJ made every defender earn their tackle. He had no hesitation lowering his shoulder and attempting to run through a man if there was nowhere for him to go. He very rarely went down from one hit. The big man is definitely an FCS talent, and I won't be surprised if he ends up at the FBS level. Bright future ahead for the playmaker.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6325de38d22c8","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["331226"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats:2 Receptions, 37 Yards, 2 TDsu003c/emu003ernrnThe 5'11u0022 165 lbs junior slot receiver was one I had highlighted as a prospect I wanted to watch closely. He is built for the slot position. Cayden is also a clutch, big play creator. He got the scoring started when he got behind the defense, went up over the defender, and made a twisting catch for the score. He also made the end of half TD catch.rnrnCayden has a strong collection of traits for the slot position. He has a compact frame, but it does have room for some more size. His route running, and change of direction are his best traits. He can cut on a dime, and doesn't have to decelerate to do so. Cayden is very reliable at creating separation for his QB to have an easy target. I haven't seen a better pure slot receiver than Cayden. Look for him to continue to impress from there.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6325de5ed22c9","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["268988"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='268988' first='Paul' last='Kim'] was another standout junior for Janesville Parker. He made his biggest plays in the return game where he was able to flash his pure speed, and vision. Both of which also helped him on offense. Parker used him in the run and pass game last night. His biggest play on offense was a jet sweep where he was able to get outside containment, and use his speed to win the race down the sideline.rnrnThe 6' 180 lbs athlete has track speed. He has posted a 11.02 100 meter dash, and a sub 4.5 40 time. The long lean athlete just needs a glimpse of daylight and he can break loose for bi plays. He is also one of the handful of athletes who consistently play both ways for Janesville Parker. The three headed monster of Douglas- Brandenburg- Kim are going to be hard to stop the next season and a half.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /-->