Week 12 – Offensive Players of the Week

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A look at the three best offensive performances from the 2nd round of the state playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players of the Week</strong></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 state's top rushing performer from the 2nd round of the state playoffs despite the Eagles' heartbreaking 35-21 loss to the Loveland Red Wolves. Triplett did everything he could to keep Dakota Ridge in the game, as he accounted for a remarkable 180 yards rushing and 2 rushing touchdowns on 24 carries (7.5 YPC), while also adding 17 yards receiving. When you watch the film of Triplett's night against the Loveland 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 the Red Wolves defense certainly supporting his ranking. As disappointing as the loss to the Red Wolves must be, Triplett played as well as he possibly could have in his last game as a Dakota Ridge Eagle. Triplett has so much to be proud of from an incredible prep career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='50576' first='Keyshawn' last='Dooley'], Vista Ridge Wolves (WR)(Sr.)(4) – Dooley was easily the state's top performing receiver from the 2nd round of the state playoffs last weekend in the Wolves' 56-20 demolition of the Fruita Monument Wildcats. There wasn't a DB on the Wildcats' roster that could keep up with Dooley as he accounted for an incredible 134 yards receiving and 3 receiving touchdowns on 7 receptions (19.1 YPR). Diving into the tape from Dooley's night against the Fruita Monument defense, Dooley displays elite change-of-direction/route running ability as he can consistently beat most DBs that lines up across from him with both his release against press and at the top of his stem against off-coverage. Shows extremely consistent hands even when working shallow and intermediate routes through traffic over the middle. Highly intelligent and savvy receiver that knows how to use the DBs leverage against him to consistently create separation at multiple levels of the field. Highly explosive receiver that can hit top speed in a matter of a couple steps. Displays elite top-end foot speed consistently being able to get on top of the opposing DB and take the top off of the defense. Lethal weapon out of the slot that can easily beat the defender covering him inside if they don't have the short-area quickness to match his. Very tough, physical, and aggressive receiver despite his smaller frame (5'8, 165 lbs), as this routinely shows up when he's run blocking on the edge; consistently being able to lockdown the edge. Projects as a top-flight slot receiver at the collegiate level. Dooley is currently ranked the number 7 WR and the number 59 player overall for the class of 2023. If he continues to put up insane numbers while Vista Ridge pursues a 4A state title, he can certainly expect his recruiting buzz to grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='150189' first='Tyler' last='Kubat'], Fossil Ridge Sabercats (QB)(Sr.)(18) – I previously wrote about Kubat's performance in the Sabercats tough 63-28 annihilation at the hands of the Regis Jesuit Raiders in my <em>Week 12 Game Review</em> piece, but Kubat's performance in the loss was strong enough that he was the state's top passer from the 2nd round last week. In his last game as the QB of the Sabercat offense, Kubat played as well as he probably could have, going an impressive 19 of 32 (59%) for 306 yards passing, 4 passing touchdowns against an interception, and a QBR of 118.0. When you put on the film of Kubat's performance against the Raiders defense, you can see you can see that Kubat is a tall (6'5, 200 lbs), long armed passer with enough arm strength to hit every level of the field. Highly efficient passer that makes good decisions with the ball, rarely trying to do too much or force throws. Savvy, poised QB that takes what the defense gives him and is rarely phased in the face of pressure. Deceptive athleticism allows him to be a threat running the ball when scrambling or on designed runs. Good pocket presence that allows him to buy enough time for receivers to create separation downfield. Shows a good ability to throw accurately on the run, off-platform, and from different arm angles. Tough runner as a ball carrier, not being afraid to lower his shoulder and drive his pads through contact to finish a run. Kubat is currently rated the number 8 QB and the number 71 player overall for the class of 2023, with his night against the Regis Jesuit serving as the final example of how talented he is. As stated in my <em>Week 12 Game Review</em> piece, while I'm sure he'd rather have the win, Kubat has a lot to be proud of and will certainly be a great player for whatever program lands his commitment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->