Week 12 Review: Fossil Ridge Sabercats vs Regis Jesuit Raiders

A look at the three best performances from this 5A, 2nd round matchup.   Review   Coming into this weekend, this game between the 22nd ranked Fossil Ridge Sabercats and the 4th ranked Regis Jesuit Raiders was one of the more anticipated matchups in the 2nd round of the state playoffs. At the end of the 1st quarter, it certainly looked to be a tight contest, as both teams were tied 7-7. The next three quarters of the game, unfortunately for the Sabercats, were about as one-sided as it gets in football with the Raiders jumping out to a dominant 42-14 lead heading into the locker room at only halftime. The 2nd half was much of the same, as the Regis Jesuit offense seemed to score at will, although the Fossil Ridge offense was able to reach the endzone twice in the 2nd half - it was too little too late for the Sabercats as the final score when the clock hit zero showed a 63-28 beatdown at the hands of the Raiders. Although this game was extremely lopsided, there were still a number of outstanding performances from both teams. With that being said, here are the three players who I felt had the strongest nights for their respective teams.   Players of the Game   [player_tooltip player_id='246892' first='D'Andre' last='Barnes'], Regis Jesuit Raiders (DB/WR)(Sr.)(17) – Despite the Regis Jesuit defense having several players who I could have put here, Barnes might have been the biggest contributor overall for the Raiders on the defensive side of the ball, making his biggest plays at the biggest moments for the Regis Jesuit defense. Looking at Barnes' numbers from his night against the Fossil Ridge offense, he accounted for an impressive 2 tackles, a tackle for a loss, 2 pass deflections, and a massive interception. While Barnes is a talented player on both sides of the ball, we'll just focus on his defensive tape. When you put on the tape of Barnes' night against the Sabercats, you can see he displays an uncanny sense for locating the ball in the air and always seem to be in position to make a play on the ball. Shows great top end foot speed and acceleration out of his back pedal that allows him to quickly cover ground when working in man or zone. Technically sound DB that rarely bites on double-moves and doesn't get handsy with receivers if he's out of position. Tall (6'2, 180lbs), long DB that can quickly overpower smaller receivers at the line of scrimmage with his physicality in press coverage. Highly physical DB that is not afraid to come up in run support and doesn't avoid contact with the opposing ball carrier. Consistent tackler in space, routinely making the play on the ball carrier when he's the last line of defense from a big play. Shows outstanding versatility in the defensive backfield as he was plugged in at both safety positions, nickel corner, and boundary corner on different drives throughout the game. Barnes is currently rated as the number 5 WR in the class of 2023, but his skill as a DB is equally as impressive. He'll certainly be a fun player to watch as the Raiders continue their pursuit of a 5A state title.   [player_tooltip player_id='150189' first='Tyler' last='Kubat'], Fossil Ridge Sabercats (QB)(Sr.)(18) – Despite the lopsided result of this contest, Kubat did everything in his power to keep the Sabercats in the game and left it all on the field in his last game leading the Fossil Ridge offense. Kubat was about as precise as you could ask your QB to be against the Regis Jesuit defense, 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 prolific last game as a Sabercat being the exclamation point on an excellent prep career. 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.   [player_tooltip player_id='150452' first='Exander' last='Carroll'], Regis Jesuit Raiders (QB)(Sr.)(14) – Carroll was easily the Raiders' best player on either side of the ball in this game, completely shredding the Fossil Ridge defense from start to finish. Carroll accounted for an incredible 5 total touchdowns, with 4 coming through the air and 1 coming on the ground. Watching Carroll's performance against the Sabercats defense, you can see Carroll shows elite athleticism from the QB position that adds a lethal second element to the Raiders' offense. Highly elusive runner in the pocket and in the open field on scrambles and designed runs. Great foot speed that allows him to easily separate from 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Live arm with a ball that leaps out of his hand and allows him to hit every level of the field with relative ease. Adequately accurate passer on short and deep throws with consistent ball placement. Smart QB that makes good decisions with the ball, not turning the ball over often or putting the offense in a bad position. Thanks to Carroll's all-world performance, the Raiders are riding a huge wave of momentum heading into their next matchup, convincingly beating a very talented Fossil Ridge squad. He's currently rated the number 13 QB and the number 117 player overall, but will look to carry the momentum from this win into the next round of the state playoffs as Regis Jesuit continues to pursue a 5A state title.

A look at the three best performances from this 5A, 2nd round matchup.