Week 10 Review: Thunder Ridge Grizzlies vs Rock Canyon Jaguars

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A look at the three best performances from this 5A regular season finale.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Review</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This matchup, on paper, appeared to be one of the marquee matchups of the last week of the regular season as the 7th ranked Thunder Ridge Grizzlies traveled to take on the 13th ranked Rock Canyon Jaguars. Both teams came in with winning records knowing a win this week would be a huge momentum booster before both programs head into the state playoffs. While this game didn't light up the scoreboard, it was nevertheless an unbelievably exciting game as it was a defensive showdown for 4 quarters with the only production for either game by way of the ground game. Rock Canyon drew first blood, as they were able to score with under a minute left in the 2nd quarter and carry a 7-0 lead into the locker room at halftime. This game felt like it was in the hands of the Jaguars as they added to their lead and held a 10-0 lead with 6 minutes left in the 4th quarter. Thunder Ridge, however, had other ideas about how this game would end (also in part due to some head-scratching decisions by the Jaguars) as they would miraculously score 13 unanswered points in the final 3 minutes of the game to steal the 13-10 road victory over Rock Canyon. This game was a classic and the Grizzlies now carry a ton of momentum into the state playoffs after a win like that. With how exciting this game was, there were players on both teams who had terrific performances, but these were the three who I felt had the best nights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players of the Game</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cole Hanchett, Thunder Ridge Grizzlies (RB)(Sr.)(7) - Hanchett was easily the biggest key to victory for the Grizzlies on the offensive side of the ball with his biggest plays coming at the biggest moments for Thunder Ridge. The Rock Canyon defense wasn't able to slow down Hanchett throughout the game and especially in the 4th quarter, as he accounted for 129 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown on 16 carries (8.1 YPC). Looking at the film of Hanchett's performance against the Jaguar defense, you can see that Hanchett immediately jumps out as your typical thickly built (6'1, 200 lbs), physical, work-horse type of tailback. Displays an incredible combination of balance and exceptional power behind his pads at the point-of-attack when making contact with the opposing defender, consistently being able to push the pile after contact and churning out more yards. Maintains a low pad level and willingness to gain the tough yards when taking on defenders in the gap on inside carries. Displays good patience and vision when working behind the line to find daylight or when setting up his blockers. Adequate top end foot speed allows him to outrun most slower 2nd and 3rd level defenders if a bad angle is taken. Extremely strong, highly aggressive runner that easily runs through arm tackles and wears down a defense over the course of the game. While Hanchett isn't ranked on any recruiting boards for the class of 2023, he is still an incredibly talented player that will be an important piece of a run at the state title for Thunder Ridge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='246924' first='Aidan' last='Duda'], Rock Canyon Jaguars (RB)(Sr.)(20) - Much like Hanchett for the Grizzlies, Duda was undoubtably the most important piece on the offensive side of the ball for the Jaguars, with him almost carrying the Jaguars to the upset win. For most of the game, the Thunder Ridge defense had no answers for Duda, as he accounted for 168 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown on 30 carries (5.6 YPC). When you turn to the tape of Duda's night against the Thunder Ridge defense, you can see that his game is very similar to Hanchett's as Duda is also a thickly built (5'10,190 lbs), power back with an extremely physical running style with the ball in his hands. Displays an exceptionally powerful and aggressive running style that allows him to easily run through arm tackles on inside carries, as well making him an extremely difficult ball carrier to bring down in the open field. Shows a good ability to lower his shoulder and drive his legs through the point-of-attack when making contact with the defender, often gaining several more yards after the initial contact is made by the defender. Highly explosive runner that can hit top gear quickly and turn almost any carry into chunk yardage. Good top end foot speed allows him to outrun most slower 2nd and 3rd level defenders if he has enough space in the open field. Shows great ability as a blocker in both pass protection and as a lead blocker on designed runs or scrambles. Duda is currently ranked the number 22 RB in the state and the number 195 player overall for the class of 2023, but will look to end his prep career with a state title before heading somewhere to play collegiately in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kyler Pilgrim, Thunder Ridge Grizzlies (DB)(Sr.)(11) - Pilgrim was, arguably, the biggest difference maker for the Thunder Ridge defense, with his biggest plays being some of the key moments in the Grizzlies' comeback victory. Pilgrim was all over the field for the Grizzlies' defense, as he registered an impressive 10 tackles, a tackle for a loss, a pass deflection, and a massive interception. Diving into the tape of Pilgrim's performance, you can see his uncanny ability to always be around the ball, whether coming up in run support to make a tackle or while patrolling the back end of the defense as a deep defender in pass coverage. Strong, extremely physical safety that can be brought into the box for run support without being blown off the line by the opposing blocker. Good use of hands when stacking and shedding blockers while working to get to the ball carrier. Displays great force behind his pads and drive at the point-of-attack when making contact with the ball carrier, often winning in between the tackles and on the edge in 1-on-1 situations. Reliable in both man coverage against an opposing TE or RB and zone coverage as a deep middle defender. Excellent athleticism, foot speed, and agility allow him to play almost any role in the defensive backfield at a high level. While Pilgrim isn't currently ranked on any recruiting boards for the class of 2023, he is still an incredibly talented player that will look to finish his prep career with a state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->