Cleats V Cancer 1:00 Game Standouts
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The 5th annual Cleats V Cancer WIAA All-Star Game was played at 1:00 between the North and South teams. The North defeated the South 16-13. Here are the players who stood out. Ahmani Hopoi WA #214 RB #19 HEIGHT 6'1"…
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Continue ReadingThe 5th annual Cleats V Cancer WIAA All-Star Game was played at 1:00 between the North and South teams. The North defeated the South 16-13. Here are the players who stood out.
Hopoi took home MVP honors in the 1:00 game. He had a great weekend of practice, and his excellent pad level combines with his rare combination of size and speed, usually requiring several tacklers to bring him down. His hips and feet are quick and his lateral movement showed up in the game. He always keeps his eyes up and accelerates through the hole on the inside. His teammates remarked how much better practicing against him made them during practice. During the 4th quarter, he carried multiple bodies an extra 20 yards in rugby fashion after first contact. His size gives him workhorse potential at the next level and he holds offers from Mines, Linfield, Whitworth and Puget Sound so far.
Highlights
Raine’s stocky frame and explosive style excel in man-to-man. He played as an outside corner this year who can isolate receivers with longer limbs due to his ability to mirror their routes. He stayed with the best receivers in practice all weekend by keeping his eyes up and pressing better than anybody with his hands, with plenty of hip mobility and range to let his ball skills shine. He lead the Metro league with 5 picks and recorded 9 PBUs as well in just 8 games. He also flexed his open-field ability when he jarred a pass incomplete with a forceful hit on an opposing RB that was nearly picked off. This earned the respect of the South team early in the 1:00 game, who didn’t target him much after. Raine is looking for a place to play next year and DB coaches should take notice.
Highlights
Turner anchored the South’s defense on Monday, playing nearly the entire game at outside corner. He shut down the North’s playmakers all game long, playing tons of cover 2 and 3 and keeping receivers close with his hands. He was barely targeted and forced the North’s passing game to the other side of the field. His quick feet get him to the right spot and his ball skills scare QB’s, who prefer to avoid his vicinity entirely. He shows a good understanding of leverage and seems hard to block. The recruiting hype surrounding Turner seems to have just begun, as his first offer came after the game Tuesday from Lincoln and his second Saturday from Central Washington.
Dakota Filer
Dakota Filer
Filer played corner out of necessity for the North, and it paid off early in the game with an interception. He showed his ballhawking ability by high-pointing the pass after shielding the receiver, and timing his jump well to go up to get it. He had a good weekend of practices against shifty receivers, but waited to highlight his natural ball skills. He’s got a feel for where WRs go, and shields them from the ball with his body. He’s a good tackler who gets low and wraps up around-knee height, but he keeps his eyes up and feet active. Filer’s interception was a true impact play that set the tone for the turnover battle of the 1st half.
It would be impossible to create this list without including do-it-all Thomas. The state’s top TE lined up on several offensive positions for the South. He also punted and held both PATs. He’s familiar playing multiple positions, having played QB for Kentridge this year. He gave a monster contribution on MLK day, as he threw on a trick play and ran out of the backfield in an effort to get the offense going. Then, he capitalized on a corner route early in the 2nd for the game’s first touchdown. The U of A commit blocked well and fought with intention for the South til the final whistle. His athleticism and ambition make him an exciting recruit for Arizona.