On Friday night, the Elder Panthers will play the Lakota West Firebirds in the 3rd round of the playoffs. Elder is currently 10-2 and last week defeated Milford 31-6. This season, Elder has averaged 27.5 points per game on offense…
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Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inOn Friday night, the Elder Panthers will play the Lakota West Firebirds in the 3rd round of the playoffs. Elder is currently 10-2 and last week defeated Milford 31-6. This season, Elder has averaged 27.5 points per game on offense and have given up 15.75 points per game on defense. Lakota West is currently undefeated at 12-0 and last week defeated Princeton 35-0. This season, Lakota West has averaged 36.9 points per game on offense and have given up 7.67 points per game on defense. There are several talented players on both teams and here are five players to keep an eye on during the game.
Maddox is the #1 ranked LB in the class of 2025. He plays as a MLB and OLB. Against the run, he shows elite football intelligence as he reads run/pass. He displays rare play strength with good hand use as he easily sheds the block from the OL. He shows outstanding instincts as he takes the correct angle in pursuit. He exhibits very good range as he plays sideline to sideline and shows quality form tackling ability as he wraps up and makes the tackle. Against the pass, he effectively reads the QB and shows good closing speed before making the tackle on the WR preventing a gain of significant yardage.
Liam is the #9 ranked DL in the class of 2024. He plays as a DE where he aligns in a 5T. Against the pass, he shows good burst off the ball and delivers a well-timed punch to the frame of the OT. He quickly sheds the block and shows good closing speed in pursuit of the QB before finishing up with a sack. Against the run, he shows excellent play strength and use of hands as he sheds the block from the OT with ease. He quickly locates the ball carrier, plays with good leverage and delivers a powerful hit near the LOS.
Luka is the #3 ranked TE in the class of 2025. He lines up inline as a “Y”. He shows good play speed down the seam and displays good hands as he makes the catch with his hands away from his body. After the catch is made, he exhibits good play speed to pick up significant YAC. He is an outstanding run blocker who displays good use of hands and generates very good movement against OLB at the point of attack with his good play strength. He does a good job of finishing the block to the ground for a pancake.
Elijah Davis
Elijah
Davis
6'2″ | DL
Lakota West | 2024
State
OH
is the #4 ranked DL in the class of 2023. He plays as a DE where he lines up in a 5T. Against the run, he sheds the block from the OT with his very good play strength and use of hands. He shows very good instincts as he takes good angles in pursuit and plays sideline to sideline before making the tackle. Against the pass, he shows good burst off the ball and penetrates the LOS quickly as he beats the OT to the inside. He plays with a good motor in pursuit before finishing up with a sack.
Taebron is the 5th ranked ATH in the class of 2024. On defense, he plays as a SS. Against the pass, he shows good range while in coverage as he reads the QB. He tracks the ball well in the air and times his hands perfectly to disrupt the trajectory of the ball for a PBU. Against the run, he quickly reads run/pass, plays with very good instincts, closing speed and range and delivers a nice form tackle preventing a big gain.
