Week 12 Top 5A Receiving Performances

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This week we had a lot of the top receiving performances coming from the teams that were knocked out of the playoffs. Despite these numbers coming in a losing effort these players put their best foot forward and tried to make an impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Receiver of the week</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='146072' first='Jake' last='Krekeler'], Valor Christian Eagles (WR)(JR.)- Krekeler was able to get it done not only as a receiver but also put up some nice stats in the rushing game as well. Krekeler had 6 carries for 90 yards to pair with 3 catches for 81 yards. He was able to come up with a spectacular play running a corner route, turning what would have been a for sure interception into a touchdown as he mossed the safety and strutted for his celebration around afterwards. It was his best receiving statistical game of the year for receiving. He had a long of 44 yards in the rushing game and was able to use his speed and get through the hole. Would have liked him to follow his blocks a little more and could've turned it into a longer run but you can see his versatility. He is a factor in the return game and has the homerun ability with his speed finding open lanes and going. They have a cold game ahead and he will probably be used more in the running game when they take on Regis Jesuit this Friday night. This will be a revenge game of a week 1 lose to Regis as they were taken down 23-17.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jackson Hansen</strong>, Ralston Valley Mustangs (WR)(JR.)- Hansen is one of the many playmakers for the Mustangs. Hansen has good hands and uses his speed to create in the open field. He is used in the jet motion and can make plays making the first defender miss. The Mustangs are a balanced team and will be looking to jump out early on the Columbine Rebels to then rely on a good defense they have. Could see Hansen get the ball and possibly score early in the game. Will be a tough match-up with the weather and the Mustangs will probably rely on more of the running game this week. If given the chance Hansen can use his speed to make some explosive plays early and help his team get past a tough rival.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Domenic Leone</strong>, Fossil Ridge Sabercats (WR)(SR.)- Leone did show a great effort in a loss to Regis Jesuit that will end the Sabercats season. He had 8 catches for 125 yards and 1 touchdown. Leone is a tall, fast receiver that knows how to use his speed and catches really well. Will high point the ball and wins those 50/50 catches. Would like to see him be able to get off of the line better. Regis was able to jam him at the line, he just has to come off the line a little lower but that is fixable. He was still able to run some good routes and on multiple receptions he was able to make the first defender miss and pick up extra yards. On his touchdown Leone ran a hitch route, broke the tackle and was able to walk into the endzone. Could have created more separation in this game if he sells the long ball more before making his cut but Leone is a great all-around player. Leone had a great season, loved what he brought to the field and he will now be transitioning to the basketball court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='22765' first='DeAndre' last='Horn'], Rocky Mountain Jaguars (TE)(SR.)- Horn was able to put on one of his best receiving performances of the year. He is listed at TE but in passing downs lines up as WR. Horn is big and physical, could use some work on route running but spends most of his time run blocking. He is definitely an aggressive blocker and uses his sized to dominate the backers when leading the way to create space. Can tell the size difference when you turn on tape and watch him climb to the second level with his blocks. This will help him at the next level not needing as much attention dedicated to his blocking. Horn does runs the ball on occasion and hasn't really broken out in the passing game. This is due to the teams focus on running the ball and he is a key piece in this. Does return punts and kicks so he does have the speed to make a big play. Could be an affective pass catcher by the way he catches the ball, looks natural.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='150172' first='Richard' last='Okuno'], ThunderRidge Grizzlies (WR)(SR.)- Okuno is a player that has speed and is able to utilize it in many ways for the Grizzlies. Okuno had 7 catches for 79 yards to go along with 3 touchdowns. He is a shifty player and you can see that on his touchdowns, being able to find a hole and capitalizing on his teammates good blocking on the perimeter. Climbs on the safeties fast with that speed and is able to get past them, or creates separation by pushing them vertically. Doesn't have great size which limits what you can do with him. Does follow his blocks on the gadget plays and is able to use that speed to get to the outside. Does show great hands and is able to find the endzone scoring in half of the Grizzlies games. Contributes in the return game and can be explosive on punt return when given the chance to make a return.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->