6A State Championship Stock Up: Offense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Skyridge beat their region four rival Corner Canyon to capture the 6A state championship. Players on both sides stepped up in the biggest game of their season, but these are our four picks for the stars of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406869' first='McCae' last='Hillstead'] || QB || 5'10 || 180 || Skyridge High School || 2023</strong><br>The Falcons had been without their star quarterback for most of the season, but he came back just in time to help Skyridge capture their first-ever state title. Hillstead's ball placement is impeccable, and he dropped a touchdown pass perfectly between three Corner Canon defensive backs. He does a great job buying his receiver's time, avoiding pressure, and keeping his eyes downfield to create big gains, even off broken plays. In addition, he does an outstanding job disputing the ball and getting all his receivers involved. Hillstead had over 200 total yards and two touchdowns to cap off his legendary high school career with a state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='489783' first='Kyle' last='Valdez'] || WR || 6'2 || 170 || Skyridge High School || 2023</strong><br>Valdez made the first big play of the game when he created separation on a post and grabbed the game's first touchdown. The senior receiver is a skilled route runner who can change direction at a moment's notice. He does a great job tricking defenders into thinking he's going deep before he hits them with a hitch or comeback. Valdez has good speed and tracks the ball well in the air. In addition, he's a willing blocker who's tenacious in the screen game. On the biggest stage, Valez shined with three catches for 41 yards and a touchdown to help the Falcons finish the 6A season as state champions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Darius Afalava || OL || 6'5 || 280 || Skyridge High School || 2025</strong><br>One of the Falcon's keys to success has been their dominant offensive line. Right tackle Darius Afalava is a physical mauler in the run game who often drives defensive linemen 5 yards back from the snap. He may only be a Sophomore but has the strength of a four-year starter. When he gets his hands on defenders, it's over, and he serves up pancakes in both pass protection and while run blocking. Afalava also does a good job continuing to drive his legs after first contact allowing him to open rushing lanes. In addition, he has good footwork, and it enabled him to cut off edge rushers before he even gets his punch in. This will not be the last time we write about the talented Sophomore tackle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quin Hale || WR || 5'10 || 175 || Corner Canyon High School || 2023</strong><br>Hale creates separation at each level of the field and stepped up big in the state championship game. The senior wideout led the Chargers in receiving yards and moved the chains with some timely plays. Hale never stops and does a good job coming back to the ball to help Corner Canyon quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='406954' first='Isaac' last='Wilson'] out. He lines up all over the field and has excellent hands. Hale holds on for tough catches even when the defensive backs get there too early. The Charges will miss Hale and all the little things he did to help Corner Canyon have one of the state's best offenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->