Appleton North vs Fond du Lac: Recap & Prospects of the Game

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Week 8 I made it a priority to get out to see teams that were on the hunt for a playoff berth. I found that with Fond du Lac looking for that coveted 4th conference victory. It wasn't going to be easy as Appleton North is fielding a talented defense, and an offense that can put up the points when needed. To make it an even better game, and higher stakes, it was Appleton North's Homecoming game. The stage was set. Two talented teams. Big crowd. High stakes. I couldn't wait for the ball to be kicked off!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fond du Lac came out ready to take care of business. <strong>RB</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='304567' first='Brayden' last='Eigenbrodt']</strong> got things going with a big gain on a screen pass. <strong>QB [player_tooltip player_id='104564' first='Stephen' last='Schreiter']</strong> finished the opening drive with a QB sneak to take the early 7-0 lead. The drive was big play reliant as it was hard to come by yards consistently. A theme that played out the rest of the night for both teams. Appleton North came outgoing to the air early. They found success, but were eventually forced to punt. SPecial teams was a difference in this game, and Fondy came away with the first big pay there as they blocked the punt. Unfortunately, they couldn't capitalized on the field position, and momentum.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fondy continued to find success on offense thanks to big plays in the second quarter. QB Schreiter dropped back and dropped a well placed ball right into <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='270687' first='Tanner' last='Dalske']</strong>'s hands for the 15 TD pass. This pushed the Cardinals to a 13-0 lead. The special teams continued to create fireworks midway through the second quarter. North Punter<strong> Ben Isom</strong> dropped the punt snap, but didn't panic. He scooped it up, sprinted left, broke a couple tackles, and then raced 79 yards fro the score in the craziest play of the game. The rest of the second quarter featured a lot of strong defense. That was until the final minute of the half. That is when Appleton North<strong> QB Luke Kritzer </strong>went deep, and found <strong>WR Caden Popp</strong> for a 49 yard TD pass to give North the 14-13 halftime lead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Appleton North kept up the offensive success with their first drive of the second half. Kritzer continued to look to <strong>WR</strong> <strong>Caden Popp</strong> in the passing game, and it produced big play after big play. First, Popp reeled in a deep shot that got the offense down to the 5 yard line. Two plays later Popp hauled in a 5 yard TD catch for his seconds core of the game, and the 21-13 lead. After a couple punts both ways, Appleton North was on the receiving end of a short punt. While they couldn't get anything going offensively on the drive, Caden Popp again stepped up with a 22 yard field goal.t</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We entered the 4th with the Lightning of North leading 24-13. Fondy put together a good looking drive to start the final quarter. North's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='289800' first='Brock' last='Salm']</strong> put a stop to the drive when he picked off a pass from Schreiter. After a punt, Fond du Lac again went to the air with some trickery. It wasn't in the cards for them, though, as the Lightning defense picked off the WR pass. After another couple of punts Appleton North's offense was able to run out the clock giving them the 24-13 Homecoming victory. This also left Fond du Lac in a must win situation next week in the final game of the regular season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Prospects of the Game</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63437b3f8c9bb","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":"Caden Popp","_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":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Appleton North","_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: 7 Receptions, 126 Yards, 2 TDs, 22 Yard FGu003c/emu003ernrnCaden was my biggest surprise of the night. I had him on my radar more as a kicker. Friday night he made it very clear that he can do far more than that. The 5'11u0022 senior was the go to option for Appleton North, and he stepped up to the challenge with big play after big play. Caden took the top off the defense in big moments. He scored the 49 yard TD in the final minute of the first half for North's first lead of the game. He also got open in short yardage situations, like his second TD where  he beat his defender with an inside route. Popp is a 4.5 star kicker, talented baseball player, and an under the radar WR prospect. Definitely check out this senior and all his potential.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63437b928c9bc","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["289800"],"_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: 1 INT, 1 Reception, 8 Yardsu003c/emu003ernrnBrock is one of the top safeties in the senior class. He possesses a great frame at 6'2u0022 200 lbs, and the athleticism to handle all the duties of the safety position. All night long, Brock demonstrated his range by making tackles all over the field. He could be counted on to aggressively attack downhill to stop the run. Salm also stepped up in coverage. Appleton North used him deep as well as in the slot. His INT came off a play where he read the QB and was in the right place at the right time. Brock also brings a lot of experience as a punt returner. Brock is big, athletic, and can stay on the field and used in many different ways. He holds an offer from MNSU- Mankato.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63437bcb8c9bd","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405591"],"_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 have most been looking forward to seeing is the junior LB out of Appleton North. I hadn't seen any film coming in, but I had seen that he was getting attention and visiting Wisconsin early this spring. I wasn't disappointed Friday night. Brock has an elite frame at 6'3'' 220+ lbs. He looks the part of a D1 LB. The play matches. Brock was a monster between the tackles. His strength stood out as he ran right through blockers on the way to tackles. The big man was able to get through the trash very well for his size also. He also has the much needed sideline to sideline range. The future looks bright for the standout LB.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63437be18c9be","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["414584"],"_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 man next to Arndt was making his share of plays Friday night as well. Ben is an intriguing 6'3u0022 220 lbs ILB. He was stout against the run all night long. Frantal was able to split double teams, and he could stand up an OL in the hole instead of being blocked out of it. His feel for moving between the tackles and pursuing the ball outside the tackle box looked natural and easy. He has the speed to make those tackles out in space while limiting the yards gained thanks to his pursuit. I don't see any offers for the senior. Ben looks like a steal at the LB position in this senior class. Don't miss out on him.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63437bf18c9bf","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":"Matthew Van Handel","_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":"6'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Appleton North","_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":"An athlete I came away impressed with, and have added to my list of seniors to add to the rankings, is Appleton North RG Matthew Van Handel. Matthew is massive at 6'5u0022 290 lbs. He holds it pretty well throughout his frame. I was impressed when I focused in on him throughout the game. He could develop into quite t he guard prospect. Van Handel's anchor was far superior to his opponents strength. Nobody was able to drive him back off the ball in pass situations. Once he dropped his hips there was no pushing him. His big hands were also heavy. Just with a punch he was able to get defenders off balance. The power was also visible in his run blocking where he is best attacking straight ahead in a power scheme so he can use that strength to the max. Definitely check him out. Solid prospect with upside.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63437c448c9c0","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["300229"],"_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: 6 Receptions, 42 Yards, 1 Carry, 4 Yardsu003c/emu003ernrnWe have Ethan as one of the top targets among the senior WR group, but I may have been sleeping on him still. I was very impressed by Ethan. He has a long, lean frame that allows him to win jump balls and be a redzone threat. Those areas of strength are a given. Where he surprised me and impressed me is with his route running. Fond du Lac used him on short routes, and routes where he had to make sharp cuts and get out of his breaks quickly. The pass catcher was able to do so with relative ease. He also attacks the ball in the air, and has soft hands. Ethan is rising up the rankings for me, and deserves to get more attention over the next few months.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63437cbd8c9c1","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["304567"],"_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: 19 Carries, 73 Yards, 1 Reception, 24 Yards, 14 Tackles, 1 Sacku003c/emu003ernrnBrayden was all over the field. He was the workhorse ball carrier for the offense, and he was apart of or near what seemed to be every tackle. On offense, Brayden doesn't have the size to continue to be a bell cow back. However, he demonstrated good third down traits on Friday. That being his ability to make plays on the edge as well as being a reliable pass catcher. I hadn't seen Brayden at safety until Friday. His nose for the ball shined as hew was aggressively playing downhill all night long. His ability to diagnose plays was the key to him getting in the right spot over and over. I'm confident saying he can play either side of the ball. It was a good night of the senior ATH.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63437d0a8c9c2","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":"Jeremaih McGee Jr.","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_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":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Fond du Lac","_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: 4 Tackles, 2 TFLsu003c/emu003ernrnThe 6'1u0022 215 lbs edge defender is an athlete I can't wait to get in the rankings because I believe he will have a high debut. Jeremiah thrives with his initial quickness and acceleration off the edge. It allows him to get into the backfield clean. From there he has the speed to chase down and close on ball carriers and QBs before plays can develop. It leads to a to of havoc. Despite a more compact frame, Jeremiah does possess the power to get hands off him when battling linemen. I came in with McGee being one of the athletes to watch closely, and I left impressed. Name to know fro 2024.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /-->