Game Ballers: Bellevue West v Gretna

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highly anticipated as one of the possible matchups of the year, Bellevue West and Gretna lived up to those expectations and more. Next-level talent was on display on both sides of the ball in a game of scoring runs that saw Gretna score 14 points out of the gate, Bellevue West score 37 unanswered points and Gretna finish with 26 unanswered to end the game and pull away with the win 40-37.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Multiple players for both teams made plays to put their teams in a position to win, some of the names were expected, and others that some may not have expected, however, we were aware and are now welcoming them to the hot prospect scene!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Expected Talent:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633e3fe3930df","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["217055"],"_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":"u003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/ZaneFlores12u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/ZaneFlores12u003c/au003ernrnThe Oklahoma State commit was dazzling on Friday night. Flores threw for 382 yards and 3 TDs, while also running for 2 TDs. Flores's accuracy is impressive and his accuracy on the run was even more impressive. Flores has the ability to make any throw on the field along with the confidence to make them. His mobility is an underrated part of his game and when flushed out the pocket, he was able to drop dimes to receivers to keep the chains moving. His leadership qualities were on full display, leading the 26 point fourth quarter comeback over a talented team. Flores left no doubt in any scout's mind about being a top QB talent in the nation last Friday.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["169899"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/DanielKaelin5u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/DanielKaelin5u003c/au003ernrnKaelin showed why Power 5 schools are interested.  He showed poise and confidence facing the defending champs on their home field, throwing for 325 yards and 3TDs. Kaelin, a prototypical pocket passer, showed good mobility rolling out of the pocket, even running for a TD.  He displayed his arm talent launching a few long balls connecting with McMorris on one and another that was catchable but defended well. He didn't force throws and was accurate in getting the ball to the playmakers. On the sideline, Kaelin showed passion trying to pump up the crowd during key moments and wanted the ball in his hands with a chance to win. Kaelin. His talent and leadership qualities were on full display and with another year still to go, Nebraska will have another top QB talent that many schools around the nation will be after.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["250689"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/IsaiahMcMorris3u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/IsaiahMcMorris3u003c/au003ernrnMaybe the most feared receiver in the state right now, McMorris's speed and elusiveness put on a show. Finishing the game with 13 receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown, this included a 70-yard bomb that McMorris just outran the defender. Every time he touches the ball, he feels he could make a house call. McMorris has quick feet and his route running may be an overlooked strength. He took bubble screens and slants, he even had a spectacular sideline toe tap catch before the end of the first half.  McMorris is leading the state in receiving yards and people are starting to take notice as Texas Tech provided him with his first D-1 offer. In a pick your poison offense, McMorris could be the most fatal dose!","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["227532"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/goldman_masonu0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/goldman_masonu003c/au003ernrnA lot that Goldman contributes does not show up on the stat sheets. He is fantastic on the offensive line, sliding in protection and giving Flores the confidence that he has time to make any throw.  I came away from the game impressed on what he brought on the defensive line. The stat sheet shows he had 4 tackles; however, Goldman had multiple QB pressures and batted a couple of balls down. He is an anchor on both sides of the ball and sets the physical tone for his team. Strength, footwork, and an aggressiveness that any school could hope for in an offensive lineman, Goldman showed why he is a top lineman talent in the state.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["227083"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/Korver_Demmau0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/Korver_Demmau003c/au003ernrnDemma is quickly becoming a favorite of a lot of local scouts. His ability is evident as a true defensive end. He finished the game with 10 tackles. He was solid in the run game, fighting off blocks and stretching running backs out off the edge. Bellevue West did a good job of getting rid of the ball quick but there were more than a few plays where Demma looked like he was shot out of a cannon coming off the edge. He was able to get his hands up to challenge passes and put a ton of pressure on the Thunderbirds to account for him on every play. Demma has the skillset to be one of the best defensive ends to come out of the state in recent years.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Unexpected Talent:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633e4a65930e4","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["227560"],"_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":"u003cp style=u0022text-align: center;u0022u003eu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/Caleb_Schnellu0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/Caleb_Schnellu003c/au003ernrnSchnell was fantastic last Friday. He had 7 receptions for 168 yards and a TD. He was instrumental in their comeback taking one long pass down the sideline and consistently running tight routes to create enough space to make a catch. Schnell took some big shots during the game and jumped right back up to continue to make plays. Flores might have himself a favorite new target with his size, speed and willingness to take a hit to make a catch.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["227550"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/BlaykeMoore5u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/BlaykeMoore5u003c/au003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eMoore made play after play for the Dragons. He challenged Bellevue West more vertically than any other receiver on their team. He caught a touchdown however his biggest and most spectacular catch of the night was on the 2-point conversion to tie the game late in the fourth. In the back of the endzone, the toe-tapping catch was special in a big moment. Moore has gained more interest recently and his performance will only add to that interest.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["330253"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/giocontrera13u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/giocontrera13u003c/au003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eContreras continues to grow in his role. There were questions about the Thunderbird's run game this year, but those questions are beginning to fade due to Contreras's emergence.  He ran hard on the ground getting some chunk yardage against a physical team, finishing the day with 110 yards and a TD on the ground. Contreras is special catching passes out of the backfield and Friday was no different with 95 yards receiving, including an 86 yard TD catch. The Thunderbirds have always been at the most dangerous with a solid running attack and Contreras is turning into the high performance gasoline for their hot rod offense.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["250686"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/asher_jenkinsu0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/asher_jenkinsu003c/au003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eJenkins is quickly turning into a menace for Bellevue West. He has terrific speed and is like a heat-seeking missile when he sees his target. He had 11 tackles in the game, 9 solo. He also had a safety, cause a fumble, and a near interception that could have really changed the game. He provides a spark to a defense that has struggled in some capacity as they have some very good players in key spots but collectively has yet to put it together. Jenkins is quickly emerging as a key player.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["330252"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/Donnovan_Whit16u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/Donnovan_Whit16u003c/au003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eLooking like a bionic man on the field, Whitfield was a full-out bully on the field Friday. His arm is in a cast from his injury, but he brought a serious intensity and physicality that I had not seen from the Thunderbirds this year. Already a key piece, as the anchor of the defensive backfield, Whitfield was hitting like Brian Dawkins and was being as disruptive as Ed Reed for two straight quarters. On two straight plays, he leveled the tight end to drop a pass in the end zone, then gave another receiver a good stick to pop a ball in the air that led to an interception. Whitfield quickly became one of my favorite players with his development through summer, but the resilience and effort he showed coming back from his injury shows he can play at a high level and colleges should take notice.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Notables:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633e51fd930e9","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["169896"],"_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":"u003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/DaevonnHallu0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/DaevonnHallu003c/au003ernrnHall gave glimpses of how special he when he got in the open field and with a highlight catch in the endzone.  He finished with 8 receptions for 59 yards and a TD.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["226966"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/BullionJdynu0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/BullionJydnu003c/au003ernrnBullion is a big, quick, and physical linebacker who can run sideline to sideline and hit with impact. He finished with 8 tackles, 2 for a loss.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["239821"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/StuhrEthanu0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/StuhrEthanu003c/au003ernrnStuhr was johnny on the spot with 16 tackles, 11 assisted and 2 for a loss. He is strong and is a strong tackler.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /-->