6A Quarterfinals: Stock Up

JT Wistrcill

November 9, 2022 @ 11:08 PM

With only the best eight teams remaining and only four spots in the 6A quarterfinals up for grabs, the pressure was mounting in the quarterfinals. Teams would need their top players to step up, and these four shined under the bright postseason lights.   Drew Patterson || RB || 5'11 || 190 || Corner Canyon High School || 2023 It was freezing cold at Chargers field, but you wouldn't have noticed it by watching Patterson go to work. The senior back was relentless in his rushes and torched the West defense for over 130 total yards and four touchdowns. Patterson is as tough of a back as you will find in the state. He has excellent vision in the open field and is a patient runner behind his blockers. In addition, Patterson decimated the Panthers in the screen game, displaying his remarkable shiftiness. He never wears down despite leading the Chargers in carries each game and playing on defense. Teams get so concerned with stopping the explosive downfield threats that they make the mistake of underestimating Patterson.   [player_tooltip player_id='406869' first='McCae' last='Hillstead'] || QB || 5'11 || 175 || Skyridge High School || 2023 Welcome back, [player_tooltip player_id='406869' first='McCae' last='Hillstead']! The sensational signal caller played in his first game action since early September and lit up the Davis defense with over 275 passing yards and four touchdowns. The electric dual-threat quarterback is one of the state's most dynamic playmakers. He got the Falcon's offense soaring early with three touchdown passes in the first quarter. Hillstead can make every throw and, if nothing is open, will quickly scramble for a significant gain breaking ankles along the way. His return couldn't come at a better time, as it gives the Falcons a great chance to become state champs in 2023.   Luke Hansen || LB || 6'2 || 190 || Farmington High School || 2023 The Phoenix needed their players to rise up if they were going to stop the high-powered American Fork offense, and they were able to follow Hansen's lead. The senior linebacker had two critical interceptions that helped Farmington's defense hold the Cavemen to three points. Hansen has an excellent vision in coverage, allowing him to read receivers and the quarterback simultaneously. He has the speed and agility to keep up with pass catchers over the middle of the field. In addition, Hansen's quick reactions allow him to make big plays in both the run and passing games.   Cooper Valencia || LB || 6'1 || 205 || Bingham High School || 2023 Valencia and the Miner's defense held Lone Peak scoreless for the final 11 minutes of last week's quarterfinals match-up to help Bingham get the narrow victory. The 6'1 linebacker had seven tackles in the win, plugging rushing lanes to bring down the Knights' best backs. Valencia does a great job flowing to the ball, and once he reaches it always brings down his intended target. He uses his long arms to keep offensive linemen at bay until he can use his sideline-to-sideline quickness to make plays. Valencia is also good at spying quarterbacks and knows when to fly in to make stops.

With only the best eight teams remaining and only four spots in the 6A quarterfinals up for grabs, the pressure was mounting in the quarterfinals. Teams would need their top players to step up, and these four shined under the bright postseason lights.