Week 12 Review: Rock Canyon Jaguars vs Columbine Rebels

A look at the three best performances from this thrilling 5A, 2nd round matchup.   Review   Like several games from this past weekend, this matchup between the 17th ranked Rock Canyon Jaguars and the 5th ranked Columbine Rebels was one of the most anticipated contests of the weekend. Through the 1st half of the game, the Rebels were on upset alert as the Jaguars played about as soundly as they could have, holding a 17-7 lead heading into the locker room. Columbine, however, wasn't out of the game yet as a combination of them playing lights out defensively in the 2nd half and scoring 10 points out of the half allowed them to tie the game at 17-17 in the 4th quarter. With about 6 minutes left in the contest, the Rebels were able to score the go-ahead touchdown to take a 24-17 lead with several minutes left in the game. The Rebels defense continued to dominate, as they were able to force the Rock Canyon into 2 key turnovers late in the 4th quarter to seal the incredible 24-17 comeback victory. It shouldn't come as a surprise that a game as exciting as this one had several outstanding performances from players on both teams. With that being said, however, here are the three players who I believe had the strongest performances in this matchup.   Players of the Game   [player_tooltip player_id='376592' first='Marquane' last='Taylor'], Columbine Rebels (RB)(Sr.)(6) – Taylor was easily the Rebels most productive player on the offensive side of the ball in Columbine's victory against the Jaguars as almost everything offensively for the Rebels ran through him with his numbers in the box score reflecting that as well. Looking at those numbers from Taylor's performance against the Rock Canyon defense, he accounted for an outstanding 170 yards rushing and 2 rushing touchdowns on 23 carries (7.4 YPC), which certainly dwarfed the offensive production of every other player for the Rebels. When you watch the tape from Taylor's performance against the Rock Canyon defense, you can see that he displays outstanding overall athleticism, which allows him to be pound-for-pound (5'6, 170 lbs) the most physically gifted player on the field. Exceptionally elusive runner with outstanding balance and lateral agility that makes him a threat to turn any run into chunk yardage if given enough space. Displays good vision when working to daylight, routinely setting up 2nd and 3rd level defenders to be blocked by his teammates on both inside runs between the tackles and on carries that he bounces to the edge. Explosive runner that can hit top speed quickly if given enough space. Shows elite top-end foot speed, consistently being able to pull away from almost any 2nd or 3rd level defender. Plays with good physicality when running between the tackles, often being asked to carry the ball in short-yardage and goal line situations. While Taylor isn't currently ranked on any recruiting boards, he absolutely should be. He has more than enough talent to play collegiately at a high level and can certainly expect more buzz on the recruiting trail if the Rebels are able to come away with a 5A state title.   [player_tooltip player_id='22765' first='DeAndre' last='Horn'], Rock Canyon Jaguars (TE/LB)(Sr.)(1) - Horn was easily the biggest reason on the offensive side of the ball that the Jaguars were almost able to pull off the stunning upset against the Rebels. For most of the game, the Columbine defensive backfield couldn't slow down Horn as he accounted for an impressive 117 yards receiving and a receiving touchdown on 6 receptions (19.5 YPR), while also accounting for 5 tackles on the defensive side of the ball. When you turn on the film of Horn's night against the Columbine defense, you can see he shows great foot speed and explosiveness for the TE position. Outstanding top end foot speed, lateral agility, and acceleration in and out of his breaks allows him to beat most LBs that try to run with him in coverage. A massive frame and overall size (6'4, 225 lbs) allow him to beat most DBs that are asked to cover him with his physicality and size alone. Versatile TE that can play on the line and off-the-line, in the slot where he can operate in space. Shows consistently strong hands when high-pointing the ball in the red zone and on short-to-intermediate routes over the middle, in traffic. Displays great ability as a blocker, routinely driving 2nd and 3rd level defenders back several yards through the point-of-attack when making contact. Horn is currently rated the number 3 TE and the number 33 player overall for the class of 2023, with that not being shocking to see at all. While I'm sure Horn would rather have come away with the victory, he played as well as he possibly could have in his last game as a Jaguar and whatever college program lands his commitment is getting a stud of a TE.   [player_tooltip player_id='376573' first='Payton' last='Wainwright'], Columbine Rebels (LB)(Sr.)(38) – Wainwright was easily the Rebels most dominant defensive player against the Rock Canyon offense, making massive plays at the biggest moments, including the 2 turnovers that essentially sealed the comeback for the Rebels. Diving into Wainwright's numbers from his night against the Jaguars offense, he registered an incredible 9 tackles, a tackle for a loss, a fumble recovery, a pass deflection, and a huge interception. When you watch Wainwright's performance on film, you can see he displays elite closing speed while crashing downhill to fill his run fits/gap responsibilities and while in pursuit of the ball carrier. Incredible first step explosiveness out of his stance allows him to blow past opposing blockers almost entirely off of his first step alone. Extremely physical and aggressive defender that consistently wraps up and drives through contact with the ball carrier. Shows good hand placement, technique, and strength when stacking and shedding the opposing blocker. Great lateral agility combined with his outstanding athleticism allows him to routinely tackle the ball carrier in 1-on-1 scenarios in the open field. Smart, savvy LB that knows how to set the edge on a ball carrier without over-pursuing the ball carrier. Shows good ability in man coverage, being fast enough to cover almost any TE or RB out of the backfield and also being able to even match up with most slot receivers. Good zone defender showing a solid understanding of keeping the offense in front of him and not covering grass. Projects as a safety at the collegiate level. Wainwright is currently ranked the number 17 LB and the number158 player overall for the class of 2023 . He certainly displays the traits and production that support his ranking. If the Rebels are able to capture a 5A state title, he can expect his recruiting buzz to increase even more.

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