Week 4 Review: Roosevelt Roughriders vs Highlands Ranch Falcons

A look at the three best players from this interdivisional matchup last week.   Review   The game between the Roosevelt Roughriders (3A) and the Highlands Ranch Falcons (5A) was one of the highlights from a great slate of games last weekend, as the Roughriders were able to squeak out the tight 25-22 victory over the Falcons. This was another matchup with a ton of excitement throughout as there were four lead changes in the first three quarters, almost a half dozen outstanding individual performances from both teams, and a comeback that came up just short in the final minute. It was unbelievably difficult to highlight only three players who played lights-out because there were just so many. With that being said, however, these were the three players who I felt had the biggest presence throughout the game and made the biggest plays for their respective team when they mattered the most.   Players of the Game   [player_tooltip player_id='22743' first='Matt' last='Dean'], Highlands Ranch Falcons (QB)(Sr.)(7) - Dean was arguably the biggest reason on offense that the Falcons were able to stay in the game. Dean lead a drive down the field in the final minutes to close the gap to one score but, unfortunately, the Falcons ran out of time after that touchdown and 2-point conversion. Although I'm sure Dean would rather have the win, he can take pride in playing about as well as he could have, as he went 22 of 35 (63%) for 208 yards passing, 2 passing touchdowns, and a QBR of 98.3 while also adding 17 yards on the ground. The first thing that quickly stands out about Dean's film from Friday, is his next-level arm strength. Elite level arm strength allows Dean to hit every throw you could possibly ask of a QB and forces the defense to cover every blade of grass in pass coverage. Displays good ball placement and accuracy to every level of the field, including on tight window throws in between zones when a defense comes out in a zone look. Highly accurate passer on the run, with more than enough arm strength in combination with that accuracy to threaten every level of the field while throwing on the move. Shows good processing ability as he's able to quickly move through his progressions and deliver an accurate ball even when working his reads across the length of the field. Excellent pocket presence allows him to feel the rush well and move around the pocket accordingly without taking his eyes off his receivers downfield. Displays excellent athleticism and ability as a ball carrier, as he has great top-end foot speed that allows him to consistently pull away from 2nd and 3rd level defenders if given enough space to find daylight. Tall, long-armed, highly athletic passer that fits the mold of the prototypical modern QB. Dean is currently rated the number 11 QB and number 98 player overall in the class of 2023, and he can certainly expect to be ranked higher if he continues to play at a high level. Dean has the frame (6'7, 190 lbs), athleticism, arm talent, and production that easily translates to the highest levels of college football.   [player_tooltip player_id='246923' first='Ryan' last='Doucette'], Roosevelt Roughriders (RB)(Sr.)(3) - It was hard to decide between Doucette and his running mate in the backfield, [player_tooltip player_id='251270' first='Xavier' last='Ramirez'], because Ramirez was equally as impressive but I chose to highlight Doucette's night because he made several key plays at decisive moments in the game that were enough to push the Roughriders past the Falcons, including the touchdown in the 4th quarter that made the score 25-14 in favor of the Roughriders; essentially putting the nail in the Falcons' coffin. Looking at the numbers from Doucette's impressive performance, he ran for an outstanding 122 yards and a rushing touchdown on 12 carries (10.2 YPC). Watching the tape from Doucette's night, you can see he displays a highly explosive, one-cut running style that allows him to hit the running lanes quickly. Displays great top-end foot speed combined with elite explosive acceleration allows him to hit another gear in the open field and outrun most 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Great balance, lower body strength and flexibility makes him a highly elusive runner in the open field, being extremely difficult for defenders to tackle in one-on-one scenarios. Shows great patience in the backfield while waiting for running lanes to open up on counter calls, with these plays routinely resulting in big gains for Doucette, as counters are extremely effective with his style as a runner. Versatile chess piece on offense that can be split out wide, in the slot or serve as a viable receiver out of the backfield, but is at his best when working out of the backfield. Deceptively physical runner that consistently lowers his shoulder and drive his legs through contact with the defender to churn out more yards at the end of the run. Shows a good ability to anchor in pass protection against blitzing defenders as well as a lead blocker on designed runs for his teammates. Doucette is currently ranked the number 15 running back and the number 133 player overall for the class of 2023, but expect to see his name higher if he continues to show-out like he did against the Falcons.   [player_tooltip player_id='256288' first='Isaac' last='Engle'], Highlands Ranch Falcons (LB)(Sr.)(9) – The heartbeat of the Falcons defense showed once again against the Roughriders, why he is such an importance piece, not only to the Falcons defense, but to the team as a whole. Engle made several key plays at various moments in the game that almost completely swung the momentum away from the Roughriders, including a huge sack on 3rd down as well as a blocked field goal that allowed the Falcons to regain the lead on the following possession. Looking at Engle's stat line from his showing against the Roughriders, he accounted for a remarkable 9 tackles, a tackle for a loss, a sack, a pass deflection, and a blocked field goal. When you watch Engle's night against Roosevelt on film, you can see his relentless motor is the first thing that stands out. High energy LB that never gives up his pursuit on a ball carrier, even when working backside and chasing ball carriers that are well down field. Great physicality at the point-of contact with would be blockers, using a combination of a low pad level, good hand placement, and strength to shed blockers and make the tackle or continue his pursuit. Rarely takes bad angles, often chasing down faster ball carriers because of this trait alone. Good understanding of gap responsibilities to fill would-be running lanes and take away space for the ball carrier. The Falcons overall as a program haven't performed well recently, (finishing 1-9 last season at the 5A level and currently sit at 1-3 this season) which could provide some explanation for his under-recruitment. Regardless, a player of his skill level that has the production, tape, and frame (6'1, 205 lbs) to match should definitely see his ranking rise from his current standing as the number 9 LB and number 79 player overall for the class of 2023. Engle absolutely fits the mold of a collegiate LB and being one of this game's top performers despite your team losing a tight game and moving to 1-3 on the season is something that is certainly deserving of attention.

A look at the three best players from this interdivisional matchup last week.