Defensive Ball Hawks on the Back End
We have reached the final week of the regular season. Now, it is crunch time. This week, conference championship races will conclude, and next week, the road to Lucas Oil Stadium will officially begin. In tournament play, one moment can…
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Continue ReadingWe have reached the final week of the regular season. Now, it is crunch time. This week, conference championship races will conclude, and next week, the road to Lucas Oil Stadium will officially begin. In tournament play, one moment can make all the difference between winning and losing; advancing to the next round or seeing your season come to an end. Often, those game-changing or game-deciding plays are turnovers. Having ball hawking players on the back end of your defense can provide an extra layer of comfort. These are some of the prospects who can make the difference for their teams in the defensive backfield.
Evan Ponce de Leon, Freshman, Munster
Very rarely can teams turn to freshmen to make big plays in the playoffs. Munster, however, may be in a different situation. Evan Ponce de Leon has appeared in four varsity games this year, making a splash in all of them. Ponce de Leon can force a turnover at any point. He has snatched seven interceptions so far this season. When he is not forcing turnovers through the air, he can take the ball away while on the ground. He has forced three fumbles on the year. Only a freshman, it is fair to say that Evan Ponce de Leon has a bright future ahead of him.
Jaelan Whitt, 5’10, 165 pounds, Senior, Bowman Academy
Jaelan Whitt is a playmaker who will be aiming to make a big impact in his final state tournament. The Senior has recorded five interceptions this campaign. Whitt has defended against three passes. Add in his 18 tackles and it becomes clear that offenses are better off staying away from Whitt. Do not be surprised to see Whitt contribute on the offensive side of the ball as well. Whitt has carried half-a-dozen times for 25 yards, and he has even caught a pass.
Isaiah Hunter, 5’10, 165 pounds, Senior, Perry Meridian
Game planning for how to stop a player who makes a difference in all three phases is no easy task. That is what all of Perry Meridian’s opponents face with Isaiah Hunter. Defensively, Hunter has come up with five interceptions and one forced fumble. He has recorded 34 tackles, two passes defensed and a pair of tackles-for-loss. Offensively, Hunter is a problem any time that he gets the ball in his hands. Hunter has gone for 122 rushing yards and 341 receiving yards with two rushing touchdowns and one receiving. As a returner, Hunter is capable of changing the game by flipping field position. He has accumulated 347 yards on 15 kickoff returns. Hunter has also punted once this year.
Michael Church, 5’7, Senior, Christel House at Martel
Michael Church is looking to turn an outstanding senior year into a deep postseason run. Church is solid defensively and in the return-game. Defensively, Church has registered 32 tackles and five picks. Church has six passes defensed to his name. Church is impactful when returning kickoffs and punts. On kickoff returns, Church has racked up 160 yards on 7 returns. Through five punt returns, Church has picked up 160 yards.
Seth Pirtle, 5’10, 155 pounds, Junior, Sullivan
Seth Pirtle has been reliable all season for Sullivan. Pirtle has notched 25 tackles with one tackle-for-loss. Pirtle has five interceptions entering the final week of regular season play to go along with three fumble recoveries. Pirtle is also a leading wide receiver for the Sullivan offense. On September 16th, Pirtle was named the Player of the Game against Greencastle.