Semifinal Round - Offensive Players of the Week

A look at the three best offensive performances from the semifinal round of the state playoffs.   Players of the Week   [player_tooltip player_id='62223' first='Garrett' last='Harstad'], Loveland Red Wolves (QB)(Sr.)(7) – While Harstad had a rather rough night through the air in the Red Wolves' 10-7 win over the Palmer Ridge Bears, it was his performance on the ground is what landed him on this list. Looking at Harstad's numbers from his showing against the Palmer Ridge defense, he only went 1 of 6 (17%) for 43 yards and a QBR of 56.9 through the air, but registered a remarkable 207 yards rushing and the would-be game-winning touchdown in the 3rd quarter on 26 carries (8.0 YPC). Turning on the tape of Harstad's day against the Bears, the first thing that jumps out to you is his ability as a ball carrier. Big-bodied (6'5, 200 lbs) ball carrier with a long stride and good top end foot speed that allows him to pull away from slower 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Physical runner bringing plenty of power behind his pads to the point-of-attack when making contact, routinely taking multiple defenders to bring him down while also presenting a lethal threat in short-yardage and goal line situations. Deceptively elusive runner in the open field that can quickly find daylight if given enough space. Elite level arm strength that allows him to push the ball to any spot on the field and squeeze short and intermediate throws into tight windows. In addition, his high level arm strength and mobility allow him to turn broken plays into chunk yardage, consistently putting pressure on the opposing defense if the structure of the play is broken. Harstad is currently rated the number 27 QB and the number 231 player overall in the class of 2023. As I stated in my Game Review piece about the Loveland win, Harstad is an incredibly talented player with the frame, production, and numbers to support that. Harstad will look to finish his career leading the Loveland offense with a 4A state title next week.   [player_tooltip player_id='527105' first='Logan' last='Madden'], Ralston Valley Mustangs (QB)(Jr.)(5) – Despite the heart-breaking 42-41 loss to the Valor Christian Eagles, Madden was unquestionably the state's most prolific passer from the semifinal round. Diving into the numbers from Madden's performance against the Eagles, he went an incredible 33 of 45 (73%) for 365 yards passing, 4 passing touchdowns against 2 interceptions, and a QBR of 108.1 while also accounting for a rushing touchdown as well. Turning to the film of Madden's performance against the Valor Christian defense, you can see the first thing that stands out about him is his outstanding accuracy to all levels of the field, consistently showing the ability to squeeze throws into tight spaces. Shows incredible ball placement and touch on deeper throws that require him to drop the ball in over the opposing defender. Displays good pocket presence when under pressure, consistently moving around in the pocket to avoid the rush and buy time to find a receiver downfield. Highly accurate passer when on the run or when being forced to throw off-platform. Athletic QB with good top-end foot speed that can present a threat to the defense with his legs if forced to scramble. Poised QB under pressure that rarely makes bad decisions or puts the offense in a bad position. Shows good arm strength that allows him to hit all the throws at any level of the field. Madden isn't currently ranked on any recruiting boards for the class of 2024 and it's fairly surprising to see that given how well he's played this season and in this game specifically against a very talented Valor Christian defense. As I stated in my Game Review piece about the Mustangs' tough loss, I'm sure coming up short of a state title this year is a tough pill to swallow for Madden and his teammates. With that being said though, Madden is a very talented QB that will be a key piece to another state title run in 2023 for the Mustangs.   [player_tooltip player_id='22761' first='Ismael' last='Cisse'], Cherry Creek Bruins (WR)(Sr.)(14) – In Cherry Creek's 41-21 annihilation of the Pine Creek Eagles, Cisse solidified himself as the top receiver from the semifinal with his performance. Diving into Cisse's numbers from his day against the Eagles defense, Cisse registered a remarkable 123 yards receiving and 3 receiving touchdowns on just 4 receptions, completely taking the top off of the Pine Creek defense. All jokes aside, diving into the tape of Cisse's performance against the Pine Creek defense, you can see that he has elite first step explosiveness and top-end foot speed, routinely showing the ability to take the top off of a defense. Excellent route runner that understands how to attack the opposing DBs leverage when their playing off coverage and how to beat DBs off the line lined up in press coverage. Shows incredible ability after the catch, consistently turning short and intermediate routes into bigger plays with his elusiveness in space – routinely presenting a challenge to tackle in 1-on-1 situations in the open field against almost any 2nd and 3rd level defender. A combination of a good frame (6'1, 185 lbs) and strong hands allows him to outmuscle smaller defenders on jump balls in the red zone and while working through traffic over the middle of the field on intermediate and short breaking routes. Big play waiting to happen at the receiver position, consistently showing the ability to turn any reception into a chunk play with the ball in his hands. Cisse is currently ranked the number 1 WR and the number 5 player overall for the class of 2023, with that ranking certainly being well-deserved. As I stated in my Game Review piece of the Bruins win over the Eagles, Cisse will look to finish his incredible prep career with another 5A state title.

A look at the three best offensive performances from the semifinal round of the state playoffs.