Week 7 Review: Arapahoe Warriors vs Grandview Wolves
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A look at the three best performances from this interconference, ranked 5A matchup. Review Coming into this game, both teams were ranked as the Arapahoe Warriors came in at the number 13 spot and the Grandview Wolves came in at…
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Continue ReadingA look at the three best performances from this interconference, ranked 5A matchup.
Review
Coming into this game, both teams were ranked as the Arapahoe Warriors came in at the number 13 spot and the Grandview Wolves came in at number 8. Looking at these teams on paper, one might assume that this game would be a shootout, but this game featured two one-sided halves and an incredible 2nd-half comeback that came up just short. From the start, it appeared the Warriors were going to emphatically run away with the game, as they held a 28-0 lead at the half. However, the Wolves looked like a completely different team in the 2nd-half, scoring 21 unanswered points, closing the gap to 28-21 with 3 minutes left in the 4th quarter. Unfortunately, Grandview gave the ball back to Arapahoe, and it would prove to be their last possession, as Arapahoe was able to milk away the rest of the clock to seal the 28-21 upset. Looking back on this game, there were a number of outstanding performances, but these were the three players who I felt made the biggest difference in the game.
Players of the Game
Alonzo Ramirez, Arapahoe Warriors (RB/DB)(Sr.)(2) – Despite not registering a score against the Wolves, Ramirez was undoubtably a key piece to the Warriors’ upset on both sides of the ball. Taking at look at Ramirez’s numbers from the night, he accounted for 54 yards rushing on 15 carries (3.6 YPC) and 72 yards receiving on 3 receptions (24.0 YPR), while also adding 3 tackles and a pass deflection on defense. When watching Ramirez on tape, you can see that he displays a great amount of physicality and aggression on both offense and defense despite his smaller frame (5’9, 175 lbs). Brings plenty of force behind his pads at the point-of-contact when finishing runs as a ball carrier and when running down-hill to fill his run fits/sealing the edge on plays to the boundary. Elusive ball carrier with exceptional vision and lateral agility that allows him to take tight running lanes and turn them into big plays. His elusiveness is also displayed in the open field when working 1-on-1 against 2nd and 3rd level defenders in space. Great top-end foot speed allows him to turn any play offensively to a chunk gain while also allowing him to run stride-for-stride with most boundary receivers. Shows good explosiveness out of his stance as both a 2nd/3rd level defender and as a ball carrier. Versatile, high-motor player that can play multiple positions on either side of the ball, with that versatility creating multiple matchup problems for opposing offenses and defenses. Ramirez isn’t currently ranked on any recruiting boards, but he’ll look to finish his last year of high school ball strong.
Liam Szarka Liam Szarka 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Grandview | 2024 State CO , Grandview Wolves (QB)(Jr.)(12) – I don’t think it would be a stretch to say that Szarka was the biggest reason that Grandview was almost able to pull off the story-book comeback. Against the Warriors defense, the junior QB went 16 of 26 (62%) for 207 yards, a passing touchdown against an interception, and a QBR of 83.3 while also adding 35 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown. When you watch the film of Szarka against the Arapahoe defense, you can see that he has an extremely strong arm that allows him to hit receivers on short and intermediate routes in between tight windows while also giving him the ability to take the top off of even the most dynamic defensive backfields. Smart and poised QB that moves through his progressions quickly and decisively while limiting turnover worthy plays. Confident passer that takes calculated risks without forcing throws into no-win situations. Shows accuracy and great anticipation to all levels of the field. Precise passer while making throws on the run and against his body. Hard-nosed runner that isn’t afraid to be aggressive at the point-of-contact with the defender to gain extra yards. Displays good vision finding day light on designed runs. Displays a knack for escaping the pocket and creating big plays when forced to scramble. Shows great lateral agility and top end foot speed that allows him to pull away from most 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Szarka possesses all the traits, production, and has the frame (6’2, 190 lbs) that college recruiters covet. Szarka is currently rated the number 3 QB and number 25 player overall in Colorado for the class of 2024, with his performance against the Warriors highlighting exactly why he’s rated so highly.
Charlie Eckhardt Charlie Eckhardt 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR Arapahoe | 2024 State CO , Arapahoe Warriors (RB/WR/DB)(Jr.)(8) – Eckhardt might have been the most important piece of the Warriors’ 28-21 upset of the Wolves, on either side of the ball. His numbers certainly reflected his dominance, as Eckhardt posted an outstanding overall line of 20 yards rushing on 4 carries (5.0 YPC) as well as 46 yards receiving and a receiving touchdown on 4 receptions (11.5 YPR) on the offensive side of the ball, while also adding 9 tackles, a pass deflection, and a massive interception on the defensive side of the ball. When you look at Eckhardt’s performance, the first thing that jumps out to you is his incredible overall athleticism and versatility. Outstanding athlete that can be plugged in and play multiple positions on offense and defense, often lining up in the backfield, out wide on the boundary, as well as in the slot on offense while also lining up as both a deep-middle safety, in the box safety for run support, nickel corner, and boundary corner on the defensive side. Great top end foot speed that allows him to stretch the defense as a boundary receiver while also making him a matchup problem for 2nd and 3rd level defenders out of the backfield. Shows excellent sideline-to-sideline ability as a ball hawk while playing a deep middle role. Displays excellent pop/force at the point-of-contact with the ball carrier when coming up in run support. Excellent overall athleticism allows him to match up in man coverage with most offensive skill players while also making him a lethal defender while roaming in zone coverage. Displays elite closing speed when pursuing the ball carrier from both the 2nd and 3rd levels. Eckhardt might not be a big time recruit in the football world but he has more than enough ability to play football at the collegiate level, although it looks like the hardwood is what he’ll be pursuing after his prep career comes to an end.