Week 8 Review: Golden Demons vs Dakota Ridge Eagles
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A look at the three best performances from this interconference, 4A matchup. Review This 4A matchup between the Golden Demons and the Dakota Ridge Eagles was arguably the most exciting game of Week 8, with this game turning into an…
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Continue ReadingA look at the three best performances from this interconference, 4A matchup.
Review
This 4A matchup between the Golden Demons and the Dakota Ridge Eagles was arguably the most exciting game of Week 8, with this game turning into an absolute shoot-out with both teams trading scores throughout the contest. There were an astounding nine different lead changes in this game, as neither defense could slow down the opposing offense. With the game down to the wire late in the 4th quarter, the Eagles were able to score late and cut the Golden lead to 49-41, but were unable to stop the Demons from running out the clock on their ensuing possession and sealing the 49-41 heart-pounding win. With this game being such a high-scoring and close finish, it’s easy to assume that there were a ton of great performances and you’d be correct. With that being said, however, here are the three players who I believe had the strongest nights.
Players of the Game
Jazel Riley IV Jazel Riley IV 6'2" | 210 lbs | QB Golden | 2023 State CO , Golden Demons (QB)(Sr.)(4) – Riley was, without-a-doubt, the biggest key to victory for the Golden Demons as he was a one-man wrecking crew on offense. Looking at his numbers against the Dakota Ridge defense, he went a remarkable 16 of 26 (62%) for 312 yards passing, 3 passing touchdowns, and a QBR of 141.8, while also adding 104 yards rushing and 2 rushing touchdowns on 17 carries (6.1 YPC) for good measure. When you dive into the film of Riley’s night against the Dakota Ridge defense, Riley displays good touch on deep balls and throws to the boundary, routinely showing off his outstanding ball placement at almost every level of the field. Overall accuracy under pressure is good, as he consistently gives his receivers the best chance possible to make a play on the ball on contested catches, while also consistently hitting receivers in stride on short and intermediate level throws while staring down pressure. Smart, savvy passer that can quickly work through his progressions and understand where to attack the defense based on the pre-snap alignment. Exceptional arm strength allows him to stretch the shell of the defense, with his arm creating a big play threat on any given play. Great athleticism that allows him to escape the pocket and buy time to throw, while also presenting a significant threat for the opposing defense when he decides to tuck the ball and run, proving to be difficult to tackle in 1-on-1 situations in the open field, being both an elusive and a powerful runner with the ball in his hands. Riley is currently ranked the number 2 QB and the number 17 player overall, with his performance against the Eagles defense showing exactly why he’s so highly coveted in recruiting circles.
Noah Triplett Noah Triplett 5'9" | 170 lbs | RB Dakota Ridge | 2023 State CO , Dakota Ridge Eagles (RB)(Sr.)(4) – Even in a loss, Triplett showed exactly why he is one of the best tailbacks in the state against the Demons, proving to be near unstoppable for the Golden defense. Looking at his numbers against the Demons defense, Triplett accounted for an outstanding 196 yards rushing and 3 rushing touchdowns on 24 carries (8.2 YPC), while also adding 10 yards receiving. When you watch the film of Triplett’s night against the Bear Creek defense, you can see that he is a highly explosive athlete with elite top end foot speed that allows him to quickly out run most 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Elite lateral agility makes him a highly elusive runner in the open field that can quickly move to space. Displays good physicality on runs between the tackles and when working through arm tackles in traffic. Great vision when setting up defenders to be blocked and working to daylight from there. Outstanding ability to anchor and stand up a blitzing defender when being asked to stay in the pocket for pass protection. Triplett is currently rated the number 4 RB and number 46 player overall for the class of 2023, with his performance against the Golden Demons serving as yet another example of his ability. He’ll look to finish his career as an Eagle strong before going up to the collegiate level of competition in 2023.
Luc Chevalier, Golden Demons (RB)(Jr.)(2) – Chevalier might not have had a performance quite like Triplett did for the Eagles, but there’s absolutely no doubt that the result of the game might have been different had Chevalier not played like he did for the Demons. When you dive into the numbers from Chevalier’s night, he accounted for 106 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown on 14 carries (7.6 YPC) while also adding 27 yards receiving as well, gaining these yards when the Demons needed them the most. When you put on the film of Chevalier’s night, you can see that Chevalier is an extremely explosive, one-cut runner with good top-end foot speed that allows him to separate against most 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Home-run hitter of a tailback that can turn any carry into a chunk play if given enough space. A combination of great lateral agility and vision allow him to find daylight between blockers on inside runs and create space on runs that are bounced to the edge. Reliable receiving option out of the backfield with good hands and solid route running that makes him a matchup problem for slower LBs asked to run with him in man coverage. Despite having a smaller frame (5’9, 175 lbs), he has a strong lower body and low center of gravity that makes him deceptively powerful at the point-of-attack when making contact with the defender. Good balance at the point-of-attack allows him to run between the tackles and gain tough, physical yards but he operates best in space where his strengths can be maximized. Chevalier isn’t currently ranked on any recruiting boards for the class of 2024, but he is still an extremely talented player that will look to remain a big piece of the Golden offense through the rest of this season and next.