Standout Performers From Blue Valley vs. Aquinas

Week 7's matchup between the Blue Valley Tigers and the St. Thomas Aquinas Saints was a clash of two long-time Eastern Kansas League rivals with two very different play styles. This matchup had some significance to it, as one game separated these two in the EKL standings, with the Tigers coming in at 3-3 and the Saints in front of them at 4-2. While the Tigers were looking to pick up a huge win on the road, the Saints had other plans. Not only was Aquinas determined to keep pace with Bishop Miege in the EKL standings, but they were also determined to avenge their overtime loss to Blue Valley from last season.    The game was close throughout most of the first half, as the Tigers managed to stay within striking distance. However, momentum seemed to change when Blue Valley failed to score before halftime, which led to Aquinas taking a 17-7 lead into the half.   It'd be all Saints in the second half though, as Aquinas began clicking on all cylinders following the opening kickoff of the 3rd quarter. The Saints would take full control of the game once they got their rushing attack going. They'd reel off 28 unanswered points and dominated time of possession; preventing Blue Valley from gaining any momentum. The Tigers simply couldn't sustain drives in the second half, which led to multiple three-and-outs, and extra possessions for the Saints. Aquinas would cruise to their 5th win on the season, as they'd beat Blue Valley 44-14.   Here's a look at the Standout Performers from this Week 7 matchup (Unofficial Stats).   Offense:   [player_tooltip player_id='131237' first='Sean' last='Carroll'] – Aquinas, 6'0”, 220, RB, Class of '23   [player_tooltip player_id='131237' first='Sean' last='Carroll'] is known to step up in big games, and he did so again in this one. The senior takes home the Offensive MVP after putting together a three touchdown performance. While Carroll didn't receive his usual workload, he was still very effective. Carroll turned 14 carries into 136 yards rushing with three scores.    [player_tooltip player_id='229736' first='Andre' last='Davis'] – Blue Valley, 6'4”, 205, WR, Class of '23   The top ranked wideout in this senior class was as good as advertised. Davis received several targets early on, as Blue Valley looked to exploit the size mismatch out on the perimeter. Aquinas would adjust though, and did a great job of limiting Davis in the second half. Still yet, Davis put together a strong performance and nearly reached 100 yards receiving, as he'd haul in seven receptions for 97 yards.    <a href="https://twitter.com/trevorbrush1?s=21&t=BvwsFuK-hgbJnmuhWBBQ_A" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/trevorbrush1?s=21&t=BvwsFuK-hgbJnmuhWBBQ_A">Trevor Brush</a> – Blue Valley, 6'1”, 170, QB, Class of '23   Brush was able to get off to a nice start early on, but the senior and the Tigers' offense had consistency issues throughout the contest. Had Brush and Davis been able to connect on a few deep shots, the outcome of this game could've been a bit different. The senior finished completing 23-of-43 passes for 239 yards and one touchdown.     [player_tooltip player_id='263381' first='Gianni' last='Rizzi'] – Aquinas, 5'8”, 170, RB, Class of '24   [player_tooltip player_id='263381' first='Gianni' last='Rizzi'] was the lighting to [player_tooltip player_id='131237' first='Sean' last='Carroll']'s thunder in this one. While Carroll handled a bulk of the carries between the tackles, Rizzi managed to rack up yards on the outside. The junior finished second on the team in rushing, as he ended the contest with 80 yards on just 11 carries.    Defense:   [player_tooltip player_id='145607' first='Kian' last='Payne'] – Aquinas, 6'4”, 240, DL, Class of '24   The whole Saints' defense played great as a unit, but [player_tooltip player_id='145607' first='Kian' last='Payne'] was a big reason why the Tigers' offense wasn't able get into rhythm. The standout defensive lineman helped shut down Blue Valley's ground game, and assisted in applying pressure on Brush. Payne came up with over five total tackles on the night.    [player_tooltip player_id='145572' first='Dillon' last='Marshall'] – Aquinas, 6'2”, 190, DB, Class of '24   While Payne was disruptive upfront, [player_tooltip player_id='145572' first='Dillon' last='Marshall'] made plays in the backend of the Saints' defense. Once Aquinas' coaches had Marshall help cover Davis, Blue Valley had trouble getting anything going. Marshall ended the game with a few tackles, and came up with an interception and a pass breakup.

Week 7's matchup between the Blue Valley Tigers and the St. Thomas Aquinas Saints was a clash of two long-time Eastern Kansas League rivals with two very different play styles. This matchup had some significance to it, as one game separated these two in the EKL standings, with the Tigers coming in at 3-3 and the Saints in front of them at 4-2. While the Tigers were looking to pick up a huge win on the road, the Saints had other plans. Not only was Aquinas determined to keep pace with Bishop Miege in the EKL standings, but they were also determined to avenge their overtime loss to Blue Valley from last season.