Week 9 Review: Legend Titans vs Regis Jesuit Raiders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A look at the three best performances from this ranked, 5A matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Review</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This matchup had all the makings of a great game in the days leading up to the contest, as the 4th ranked Regis Jesuit Raiders hosted the 22nd ranked Legend Titans. Early in this game, that didn't appear to be the case as the Raiders quickly jumped out to a commanding 19-3 lead heading into the half. On their opening drive of the 2nd half, the Titans were able to score a touchdown and convert a 2-point conversion to cut the lead to 19-11. Unfortunately, they weren't able to take advantage of the momentum they created with that score, as the Raiders added another touchdown in the closing seconds of the 3rd quarter to seal the 26-11 win for Regis Jesuit over Legend. It was incredibly difficult to pick just three players from this game just because there were a number of great performances. With that being said, however, here were the three players who I felt had the most valuable performances for their respective team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players of the Game</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='150452' first='Exander' last='Carroll'],  Regis Jesuit Raiders (QB)(Sr.)(14) – While Carroll might not have registered more than one score against the Titans defense he was still, arguably, the Raiders most valuable offensive player. His stats might not jump off the screen, but the box score doesn't show how much he contributed to the Raiders offense, as he went 11 of 17 (65%) for 159 yards passing and a passing touchdown against an interception, with a QBR of 90.1, while also adding 91 yards rushing on 9 carries (10.1 YPC). Watching Carroll's performance against the Legend defense, Carroll shows elite athleticism from the QB position that adds a lethal second element to the Raiders' offense. Highly elusive runner in the pocket and in the open field on scrambles and designed runs. Great foot speed that allows him to easily separate from 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Live arm with a ball that leaps out of his hand and allows him to hit every level of the field with relative ease. Adequately accurate passer on short and deep throws with consistent ball placement. Smart QB that makes good decisions with the ball, not turning the ball over often or putting the offense in a bad position. This loss was a tough one for Carroll and Regis Jesuit, but he is an incredibly talented player that will absolutely finish his senior season strong. He's currently rated the number 13 QB and the number 117 player overall, but will look to carry the momentum from this win into the last week of the regular season before beginning the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jeff Baca, Legend Titans (DB)(Jr.)(25) – Despite being a fairly recent addition to the defensive side of the ball for the Titans, Baca has become one of the better players on that side of the ball in the last few weeks, with his night against the Regis Jesuit offense being yet another example. Baca easily had the strongest performance of any Titans defender, as he accounted for a remarkable 8 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, and a pass deflection. Looking at the tape of Baca's night against the Raiders offense,  he displays outstanding physicality at the point-of-contact for a DB, showing a good, low pad level and bringing plenty of force when driving through the ball carrier. Savvy run defender when asked to play in the box that has a good understanding of how to attack the outside shoulder of a blocker when working play-side to set the edge and prevent the ball carrier from getting outside. Great athlete with excellent first-step acceleration out of his stance when crashing downhill out of his backpedal in both the defensives backfield and when lined up in the box. Displays a good awareness of run fits and maintaining his gap responsibilities as the play develops. Good overall athleticism and a nose for the ball allow him to play multiple roles on defense, whether as an in the box safety/backer hybrid or as a deep middle defender. Baca isn't currently ranked on any recruiting boards with his very recent transition to the defensive side of the ball probably being the reason. With that being said, the more he continues to show up on defense and the more tape he puts out from that side of the ball, he can definitely expect to see his recruiting profile grow before 2024 roles around, while he looks to finish the last week of his junior season strong.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='246892' first='D'Andre' last='Barnes'], Regis Jesuit Raiders (DB)(Sr.)(17) – Despite the Regis Jesuit defense having several players who I could have put here, Barnes might have been the biggest contributor overall for the Raiders on the defensive side of the ball. Looking at Barnes' numbers from his night against the Titans, he accounted for an incredible 2 tackles, a tackles for a loss, 2 pass deflections, and a massive interception while also adding 29 yards receiving on 4 receptions (7.3 YPR). While Barnes is a talented player on both sides of the ball, we'll just focus on his defensive tape. When you put on the tape of Barnes' night against Legend, you can see he displays an uncanny sense for locating the ball in the air and always seem to be in position to make a play on the ball. Shows great top end foot speed and acceleration out of his back pedal that allows him to quickly cover ground when working in man or zone. Technically sound DB that rarely bites on double-moves and doesn't get handsy with receivers if he's out of position. Tall (6'2, 180lbs), long DB that can quickly overpower smaller receivers at the line of scrimmage with his physicality in press coverage. Highly physical DB that is not afraid to come up in run support and doesn't avoid contact with the opposing ball carrier. Consistent tackler in space, routinely making the play on the ball carrier when he's the last line of defense from a big play. Shows outstanding versatility in the defensive backfield as he was plugged in at both safety positions, nickel corner, and boundary corner on different drives throughout the game. Barnes is currently rated as the number 5 WR in the class of 2023, but his skill as a DB is equally as impressive. He'll certainly be a fun player to watch next week and through the state playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->