PRZJordan’s Way to Early 8A-1A MVP Picks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're at the midseason mark and it's time for a fun article showcasing my way to early picks for MVP for 8A to 1A football here in the grand state of Illinois. The end goal for each team is to have fun, win games, and ultimately compete for an IHSA State Championship. As we creep towards the end of the regular season and into playoffs I decided it would be fun to put together an article for my frontrunners for MVP in each classification. These can change over the course of the rest of the fall season but as of right now these are who I'm picking as MVPs. Without further ado, let's dive into it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>____________________</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><strong>Use Code JordanAmaskane30 for 30% OFF your subscription today!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size" id="block-c7d4c208-63fa-41a2-ad6e-abf1808f2822"><strong><em>Be sure to follow&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/PRZJordan" target="_blank">@PRZJordan</a>&nbsp; &amp;&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/prepredzoneIL" target="_blank">@PrepRedzoneIL</a>&nbsp;regarding news &amp; information for IHSA Football</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size" id="block-7a314ae9-8013-45e3-9115-31941adb5b6b"><strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prepredzone.com/illinois/rankings/2023-rankings/" target="_blank">Find our Latest Rankings Update HERE!</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>____________________</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"24px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:24px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">8A</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633ddb621eac3","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["131525"],"_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":"u003cimg class=u0022alignnone size-medium wp-image-435380u0022 src=u0022https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/09/IMG_8397-225x300.jpegu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022225u0022 height=u0022300u0022 /u003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnI got the chance to see Mr. Scianna in action earlier in this fall season and he was even more impressive in person. You need him to make plays in run support? He can do that by triggering downhill quickly to meet the ball carrier at the line of scrimmage and in the backfield. Need him to drop into pass coverage into hook/curl? He can do that too and come away with pass breakups by taking good breaks on the ball. There's no doubt that he's one of the top linebackers in the state of IL and he's showcased just that in the first six weeks of this season. u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/JakeSciannau0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6499fe8124b35"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JakeScianna/status/1576588402971246592?s=20u0026t=F0G0dmlX6aREs6JzWTIwvw","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JakeScianna/status/1576588402971246592?s=20u0026t=F0G0dmlX6aREs6JzWTIwvw </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"24px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:24px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">7A</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633ddb621eac4","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["266292"],"_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":"Mr. Kingsbury picked up where he left off last season being a force to be reckoned with. The impact he makes on the defensive side of the ball is stellar, so much so that opposing offenses try to run away from him and hit a quick screen on the perimeter so he can't make a play on the ball. You might think that would work but this young man's range allows him to cover sideline to sideline and close quickly to make the tackle on the play. This is seen both in run support where he triggers downhill quickly in close space to stuff the run and when he's flowing to the ball in pass coverage to secure tackles on the perimeter for little to no gain on the play. For the remainder of this season, be sure you watch this young man closely as he could win multiple awards once the season is concluded. u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/MattKingsbury3u0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6499fe8124b74"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_633ddb621eac5","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12845607/6321414c4bb30c1844c843f6' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6499fe8124b87"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"24px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:24px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">6A</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633ddb621eac6","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["267703"],"_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":"[caption id=u0022attachment_467419u0022 align=u0022alignnoneu0022 width=u0022300u0022]u003ca href=u0022https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/salomon-pic-crop-544x357-1664973292.pngu0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022size-medium wp-image-467419u0022 src=u0022https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/salomon-pic-crop-544x357-1664973292-300x197.pngu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022300u0022 height=u0022197u0022 /u003eu003c/au003e u003cemu003ePlayer Submittedu003c/emu003e[/caption]rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnMr. Salomon has been a man on a mission putting up impressive numbers so far over these last 6 weeks. Last season, he totaled 1,753 yards for 31 TDs and 1 INT. So far this season, he's gone 80/97 for 1,456 yards for 19 TDs and 0 INTs. This young man is able to do so by making all level throws (level 1, level 2, and level 3) and flashing his ability to put the ball only where his receivers can get it by fully extending. His ball placement is impressive and you can see why he doesn't have any interceptions this season so far and only had one the previous season. What's equally as impressive is the physicality he brings when scrambling as he's not afraid to put his body on the line to either pick up the first down or get into the endzone for six. When you have guys on your team that are willing to put it all on the line week in and week out there's no wonder why Lemont is sitting at 6-0 heading into week 7 - Mr. Salomon is one of many young men on Lemont's roster that does just that. u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/PaytonSalomonu0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6499fe8124bbe"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_633ddb621eac7","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13496059/633b4bea478d470bc8e09f32' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6499fe8124bd1"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"24px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:24px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5A</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633ddb621eac8","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["158489"],"_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":"[caption id=u0022attachment_467079u0022 align=u0022alignnoneu0022 width=u0022300u0022]u003cimg class=u0022size-medium wp-image-467079u0022 src=u0022https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/cam-pic-300x201.pngu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022300u0022 height=u0022201u0022 /u003e u003cemu003ePlayer Submittedu003c/emu003e[/caption]rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnAfter Mr. Williams committed to the University of Notre Dame all eyes were on him this season and this young man has done nothing but ball out showcasing why he's a great recruit for the Fighting Irish. There hasn't been a game this season where he didn't break over 100 receiving yards or get into the endzone. Over six games that's impressive, to say the least. If you're an opposing defender you're going to have a long night trying to cover this young man as he can both win over the top securing 50/50 balls and can break defenders off at the top of the route creating separation. If you leave this young man one-on-one you're going to be in for a long night. Safe to say Mr. Williams is putting together a stellar season so far and I'm looking forward to seeing how his connection with standout u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eQB [player_tooltip player_id='168907' first='Michael' last='Champagne']u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e continues to develop for the rest of this fall season. u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/cam_will30u0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6499fe8124c03"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_633ddb621eac9","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/7992188/633a55ad066bfe088c238b5e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6499fe8124c16"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"24px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:24px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">4A</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633ddb621eaca","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["266170"],"_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":"[caption id=u0022attachment_467427u0022 align=u0022alignnoneu0022 width=u0022300u0022]u003ca href=u0022https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/cordes-pic-crop-474x311-1664973412.pngu0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022size-medium wp-image-467427u0022 src=u0022https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/cordes-pic-crop-474x311-1664973412-300x197.pngu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022300u0022 height=u0022197u0022 /u003eu003c/au003e u003cemu003ePlayer Submittedu003c/emu003e[/caption]rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnThis was a close call picking who would be the early favorite for MVP for 4A football since there are a handful of very close candidates. With that being said, I decided to go with Mr. Cordes as his impact on the defensive front is one of the best in 4A football. This is seen with his aggressive hands at the point of attack to slip blocks and disrupt plays in the backfield - both in run support and in his pass rush. Not to mention his ability to close is one to keep an eye on as well. As Carterville advanced to 6-0 this past Friday, be sure to keep an eye on this young man as his impact doesn't go unnoticed. u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/jordan_cordesu0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6499fe8124c44"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_633ddb621eacb","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13175848/616f2471b023020ad4d0852b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6499fe8124c55"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"24px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:24px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">3A</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633ddb621eacc","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["267208"],"_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":"Coming into this season I had Mr. Davis as one of the Top QBs in the State. Not only did he most recently end up picking up an offer and committing to Eastern Illinois University, but he also has been impressive in his season performance so far. This dual-threat quarterback has been a menace to opposing defenses with his legs and foot quicks. Either in QB design runs or pulling the ball down, he can make you pay once he gets into open space breaking long runs for six. He also has the ability to add a touch on the ball across all level throws. Take a look for yourself in his highlights below! u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://mobile.twitter.com/DavisTeeganu0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6499fe8124c7a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_633ddb621eacd","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13461030/631fb34496809c0ae80a9692' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6499fe8124c8a"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"24px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:24px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2A</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633ddb621eace","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["265988"],"_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":"[caption id=u0022attachment_467412u0022 align=u0022alignnoneu0022 width=u0022300u0022]u003cimg class=u0022size-medium wp-image-467412u0022 src=u0022https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/brycen-pic-300x225.pngu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022300u0022 height=u0022225u0022 /u003e u003cemu003ePlayer Submittedu003c/emu003e[/caption]rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnMr. Hendrix is by far one of the top defensive backs in 2A football. He popped onto my radar some time ago and each year he continues to impress. So far this season he's been able to come away with 1 pick 6 INT, 1 PBU, 21 tackles, and a forced fumble. He might only be listed as a 5'9 defensive back but he plays like he's 6'3. His technique is stellar and one of the best I've seen across the entire state from his fluid flip of his hips to transition to his ability to close space the receiver has to work with along the sideline. If you don't have this young man on your radar you're missing out. He's also a stellar track star too. Check out his midseason highlights below! u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://mobile.twitter.com/BrycenHendrixu0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6499fe8124cb6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_633ddb621eacf","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12881108/632f9c2bf55fc10df419200a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6499fe8124cc8"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"24px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:24px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">1A</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633ddb621ead0","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":"Gunar Lobdell ","_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":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lena-Winslow","_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":"Mr. Lobdell is a new name to me this fall season as he left 8-man football and headed to Lena-Winslow where he's been a force to reckon with. Week in and week out he's been a headache for opposing defenses as he continues to put up solid numbers. I could be mistaken but he's made it into the endzone at least once each game this season so far and continues to crack over 100 rushing yards per game. If you were wondering who would take over for u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eStandout [player_tooltip player_id='264087' first='Rahmareon' last='Roby']u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e once he graduated last fall, you have your answer with his young man. This young man is an impressive downhill runner that you need to get on your radar as he's tearing it up in the NUIC. Take a look at his highlights below from his time playing 8-man football and you'll get a good picture of his dominance at the 1A level. u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://mobile.twitter.com/gunarlobdellu0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6499fe8124d03"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_633ddb621ead1","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12902270/6222c1a490f94105d4688dfd' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6499fe8124d15"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>____________________</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Be sure to follow&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PRZJordan">@PRZJordan</a>&nbsp;regarding news &amp; information for Illinois High School Football as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/prepredzoneIL">@PrepRedzoneIL</a>.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Want to be ranked? Fill out our FREE&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/">Prospect Player Index</a>, another tool to help you in your recruiting journey.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><strong>Use Code JordanAmaskane30 for 30% OFF your subscription today!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->