Week 7 Review: Littleton Lions vs Skyview Wolverines
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A look at the three best performances from this interconference, 3A matchup. Review This matchup between two very good 3A teams was one of the quietly better games from this past weekend, as it had everything you could want from…
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Continue ReadingA look at the three best performances from this interconference, 3A matchup.
Review
This matchup between two very good 3A teams was one of the quietly better games from this past weekend, as it had everything you could want from a barn-burner. This game featured a 1st half comeback, five different lead changes, and outstanding individual performances on both teams. When it was all said and done however, and while the Wolverines clawed tooth-and-nail to pull off the upset, the Littleton Lions scored a touchdown late in the 4th quarter to extend their lead to 42-26, which put the nail in the coffin of any Skyview comeback. While the final score showed a 48-26 Littleton win, the game was significantly closer than the score showed. Zeroing in on the individual performances that made this game possible, here were the three players who I felt had the strongest nights.
Players of the Game
Ethan Bird Ethan Bird 6'3" | 190 lbs | DL Littleton | 2023 State CO , Littleton Lions (DL/TE)(Sr.)(13) – Bird was an integral component to the Lions victory late against the Wolverines. While his numbers on both sides of the ball aren’t necessarily huge, the importance of his performance can not be understated as the result of this game might have been different had he not been there for the Lions. Taking a look at those numbers against the Wolverines, Bird accounted for 58 yards receiving and a receiving touchdown on a single reception offensively, while registering 4 tackles, a tackle for a loss, and a sack defensively. For the sake of this article, we’ll focus on his defensive film. When you turn on the tape of Bird’s night, the first thing that jumps out about him is his elite first step explosiveness, often using that alone to overwhelm opposing linemen. Outstanding acceleration out of his stance allows him to easily convert speed-to-power when bull rushing. Excellent bend when turning the corner, forcing the opposing tackle to overextend when trying to maintain edge protection. Tall (6’3, 200 lbs), long armed, technically sound pass rusher that has a good understanding of hand technique, placement, and timing that gives him an edge when athleticism and size alone won’t win. Tenacious, high motor defender that will relentlessly pursue the ball carrier downfield, while being disciplined enough to not over-pursue and lose backside contain. Versatile pass rusher that can play both a standard 4-3, hand-in-the-dirt end position or a 3-4 standup LB/rush end position. Bird is currently ranked the number 13 DL and the number 114 player overall for the class of 2023, which will definitely increase if he continues to consistently string together strong performances like last week’s.
Omar Loza, Skyview Wolverines (RB)(Jr.)(1) – Loza was, arguably, the Wolverines biggest contributor on either side of the ball and one of the biggest reasons the Wolverines were able to stay in the game so long. Loza’s numbers against the Lions defense certainly reflect that, as he accounted for an impressive 180 yards rushing and 4 rushing touchdowns on 28 carries (6.4 YPC). When you go to the film of Loza’s night against the Lions defense, you can see that Loza is a highly explosive, one-cut runner with great top-end foot speed that allows him to separate in the open field against most 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Excellent lateral agility that allows him to find creases between blockers on inside carries and show an elusive running style that creates challenges for defenders to tackle him in 1-on-1 situations in the open field. Reliable receiving option out of the backfield with adequate hands and solid route running that makes him a matchup problem for most LBs and other 2nd level defenders in man coverage. Bigger frame (5’11, 200 lbs) for his position, with a strong lower body and low center of gravity that makes him deceptively powerful at the point of contact. Highly productive tailback on runs between the tackles to gain tough, physical yards as well as in space and on the edge. Loza isn’t currently ranked on any recruiting boards, but he should be as he has the ability, frame, and production that indicate a collegiate level prospect.
Brycen Mhlanga Brycen Mhlanga 5'11" | 205 lbs | RB Littleton | 2023 State CO , Littleton Lions (RB/LB)(Sr.)(3) – Mhlanga was, without question, the catalyst for the Lions’ 48-26 win over the Skyview Wolverines on both sides of the ball. Looking at the numbers from Mhlanga’s night against Skyview, he accounted for an unbelievable 232 yards rushing and 5 rushing touchdowns on 28 carries (8.3 YPC) as well as 41 yards receiving on 3 receptions (13.7 YPR) on the offensive side of the ball, while also adding 5 tackles and 3 pass deflections on the defensive side for good measure. Much like Bird, for the sake of this article, we’ll focus on Mhlanga’s offensive traits. When you put on Mhlanga’s tape, you can see he fits the prototypical mold of a workhorse RB, wearing down the defense throughout the game and ripping off bigger and bigger plays as the game goes on. Every down back that can handle a heavy workload throughout the game and double as a viable receiver in obvious passing situations, while also serving as an extremely effective player in pass protection. Highly explosive athlete for his size (5’10, 205 lbs) that can hit the running lane quickly and create a chunk play on any given carry. Explosive acceleration and great top end foot speed allow him to hit another gear in the open field, consistently pulling away from most 2nd and 3rd level defenders. High motor athlete that runs with a ton of power behind his pads, routinely lowering his shoulder at the point-of-attack and driving his legs through combat. Lethal short yardage RB because of his size and physical/aggressive running style. Mhlanga is currently rated the number 6 RB and the number 64 player overall for the class of 2023 and he showed exactly why he’s ranked so highly against the Wolverines. He’ll be a fun player to watch through his last year as a Lion and beyond.