Week 11 Review: Longmont Trojans vs Dakota Ridge Eagles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A look at the three best performances from this opening round 4A matchup in the state playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Review</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming into this opening round matchup of the 4A state playoffs, many would have assumed that this game would have been fairly even, with both teams holding similar records as the Longmont Trojans came in at 4-6 while the Dakota Ridge Eagles came in at 5-5. When the game actually played out on the field, it could not have been a more one-sided demolishing, as Dakota Ridge held an extremely commanding 43-0 lead at only halftime. The Eagles would cost from there, as the Longmont offense was able to score twice in garbage-time, but Dakota Ridge decisively had the game sealed at the end of the 1st half - earning in convincing fashion the 43-14 win in the opening round. As the Dakota Ridge Eagles carry a ton of momentum into the next round of the state playoffs and the Trojans look to 2023, we'll break down the three best performances from this game, which it should be no surprise to hear all came from the winning side of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players of the Game</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='143623' first='Blake' last='Palladino'], Dakota Ridge Eagles (QB)(Jr.)(9) – While the Mullen Mustangs transfer might not have been the brightest star statistically, the difference he's made for this Dakota Ridge offense can't be ignored. While not posting world-beating numbers Palladino did more than enough to lead the Eagles offense, as he went 6 of 7 (86%) for 74 yards passing, 2 passing touchdowns, and a QBR of 157.1, as well as 47 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown on 5 carries (9.4 YPC). Watching the tape from Palladino's night against the Longmont defense, it's clear the type of talent that he brings to the table, as he displays elite level ball placement on throws to every level of the field. Strong armed passer who can easily hit every level of the field and can complete passes into extremely tight windows that most other QBs just simply don't have the arm strength to consistently hit. Accurate, smart passer that knows exactly where to go with the ball based off the rotation of the defense and the design/structure of the play. Displays good processing ability as he can quickly move through his progressions, make the right decision, and deliver the ball accurately. Shows good pocket presence as he moves subtly enough to avoid the rush without bringing his eyes down to run too quickly while also not being a complete statue in the pocket. Good athlete with the ball in his hands as he shows good balance, vision, change-of-direction, and lower body/core strength. Good top end foot speed allows him to pull away from slower 2nd and 3rd level defenders on scrambles and designed runs. Palladino is currently ranked the number 5 QB and the number 39 player overall for the class of 2024, but it wouldn't be surprising if his ranking rose if the Eagles can make a deep run in the 4A state playoffs. He has the size (6'3, 190 lbs), athleticism, and production that indicate he can play collegiately at a high level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='150210' first='Noah' last='Triplett'], Dakota Ridge Eagles (RB)(Sr.)(4) – Triplett was easily the biggest reason on the offensive side of the ball for the Eagles' lopsided 43-14 victory over the Longmont Trojans. Triplett made his presence felt both on the ground and through the air, as Triplett accounted for a remarkable 98 yards rushing and 3 rushing touchdowns on 9 carries (10.9 YPC), while also adding 43 yards receiving and a receiving touchdown on 3 receptions (14.3 YPR). When you watch the film of Triplett's night against the Trojans defense, you can see that he is a highly explosive athlete with elite top end foot speed that allows him to quickly out run most 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Elite lateral agility makes him a highly elusive runner in the open field that can quickly move to space. Displays good physicality on runs between the tackles and when working through arm tackles in traffic. Great vision when setting up defenders to be blocked and working to daylight from there. Outstanding ability to anchor and stand up a blitzing defender when being asked to stay in the pocket for pass protection. Triplett is currently rated the number 4 RB and number 46 player overall for the class of 2023, with his performance against Longmont certainly supporting his ranking. He'll look to finish his career as an Eagle with a 4A state title before heading somewhere to play collegiately in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='251224' first='Brayden' last='Cusick'], Dakota Ridge Eagles (LB/DB)(Jr.)(44) - Cusick, arguably, had the biggest night of any Dakota Ridge defender - asserting himself in stopping both the Trojans' ground game and attacks through the air. Cusick was all over the field for the Eagles defense, as he registered a solid all-around 3 tackles, a tackles for a loss, a fumble recovery, a pass deflection, and an interception. Diving into the tape of Cusick's night against the Longmont offense, you can see that he is an extremely athletic defender with a combination of incredible closing speed and significant power behind his pads at the point-of-attack make him a lethal defender in both run support and pass coverage. Highly explosive defender with a good frame (6'1, 195 lbs) that shows a knack for being around the ball whether he's filling his run fits, dropping into zone coverage, or lining up across from somebody in man coverage. Shows good hand strength and placement when stacking and shedding opposing blockers in pursuit of the ball carrier. Disciplined defender that doesn't get caught over-pursuing the ball carrier in run support or get caught covering grass when dropping into zone coverage. Extremely versatile, chess piece of a defender that plays a hybrid backer/DB role for the Eagle defense - lining up in multiple spots for multiple responsibilities given the situation including the Mike, Sam, and Will backer positions, stand up edge rusher, deep middle defender, and nickel corner. Cusick is currently rated the number 9 LB and the number 85 player overall for the class of 2024, with that not being surprising at all to see. He's an extremely gifted player that will be a key piece to the Eagles' state title hopes next week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->