Defensive X-Factors In The 7A Championship

<p>They say defense wins championships, which may ring true in the 7A championship game. However, even outside of elite prospects like [player_tooltip player_id='125529' first='Peter' last='Woods'], Antwon Fegans, and [player_tooltip player_id='125520' first='Tony' last='Mitchell'], there's plenty of top-tier talent on both defenses. Here are some guys you should be aware of before this heavy-weight matchup.</p>    <p>Hampton may have been the best-kept secret throughout the season. As arguably the best covering mike linebacker in the state, Hampton patrolled the field with stealth, awareness, and receiver-like hands when picking off in-breaking routes. His ability to read and react to the QB's eyes has resulted in two pick-sixes and several deflections, which is a testament to Hampton's skill. Though he's a lurker in the middle of the field, Hampton showed no trouble flowing to the ball with physicality and making tackles in the run game.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/SethHampton20/status/1574778850722054148?s=20&t=_cCbWWh_KqrndKNBQN-O6w </div></figure>    <p>As one of the better corners in the state, Davis has shown all year he can hold his own and come out victorious on the majority of his reps. With great top-line speed, his side is a no-fly zone for the deep ball. He does a great job of working the jam and disrupting the timing between receivers and QBs while gaining position and squeezing guys to the sideline. He's also elite at tracking and getting his hands on the ball. Davis also shows great quick twitch and change of direction when reacting to cuts/ breaks in routes- making him one of the toughest cover corners in the state and a critical factor in this game.<br></p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JailynDavis3/status/1586880338273472513?s=20&t=zXswB3n1-iFbdYshXvn3ag </div></figure>    <p><br>Ivie is an instinctual linebacker that knows how to get to the ball and finish plays. With elite strength, Ivie often pacifies blockers on the way to the ball and isn't afraid to engage with larger linemen to get to his target. With at least five tackles in all playoff games so far which speaks to his consistency, IQ, and nose for the ball. Though he's a bruiser, Ivie has some utility as a defensive end and can use his excellent first step to generate pressure on opposing QBs. This opportunity playmaking extends to his pass coverage, where he can occasionally get his hands on the ball and disrupt passes in between the numbers.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Jake_Ivie5/status/1573083486717607938?s=20&t=zXswB3n1-iFbdYshXvn3ag </div></figure>    <p><br>White is a lineman with excellent get-off for an interior lineman and generates instant pressure as a rusher. With elite mobility for his size, White has no trouble moving laterally, shooting gaps, or occasionally running down plays from behind. As a rusher, he Does an excellent job of being active with his hands and keeping blockers off him. This ability to work through blocks makes him a three-down lineman who's serviceable on every down. Though he has a lot of his finesse game White has the strength to shred blocks at the point of attack and bring ball carriers down while engaging with blockers. Don't be surprised if you see the big fella making splash plays and competing at a high level.<br>https://twitter.com/LBlomeyer/status/1597021575437393920?s=20&t=D_WSdHqry9yN5oRGy6uuWw</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DeuceWhite67/status/1590831488940974082?s=20&t=zXswB3n1-iFbdYshXvn3ag </div></figure>    <p><br>Emilus is a physical corner who uses his size to be an all-around disruptor. His expansive wingspan allows him to dominate at the line of scrimmage and eat up space at the point of the catch. Emilus' is also adept through the bodies of receivers and causing deflections. In addition to his coverage skills, he displays excellent short-distance bursts when breaking on the ball in the flats and mitigating big plays against short passes.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AndreEmilus/status/1595251103750307841?s=20&t=D_WSdHqry9yN5oRGy6uuWw </div></figure>    <p>Ward is an aggressive corner who plays with a linebacker's mentality. This aggression is seen when breaking on routes, playing through receivers' hands, or simply finishing plays with physicality and letting his presence felt by opponents. However, Ward's calling card is his run defense. Though he's slated as a corner, Ward's ability to get downhill, finish plays in the open field, and set the edge makes him an extra linebacker against the run. This is sure to play a factor in the season's biggest game.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jward2005/status/1591984281416798209?s=20&t=J6CtRnIksrfQPlT4mEF7oQ </div></figure>

They say defense wins championships, which may ring true in the 7A championship game. However, even outside of elite prospects like Peter Woods Peter Woods 6'4" | 250 lbs | DL Thompson | 2023 State AL , Antwon Fegans, and Tony Mitchell Tony Mitchell 6'2" | 100 lbs | DB Thompson | 2023 State AL , there's plenty of top-tier talent on both defenses. Here are some guys you should be aware of before this heavy-weight matchup.