NE Red Wolves Mother’s Day Showdown | Carroll Chargers Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I saw a lot of great competition this weekend as the Nebraska Red Wolves hosted the inaugural Mother's Day Showdown at the Capitol. Several teams from 4 states traveled to Lincoln to battle for the bragging rights of winning the first tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next team up is the champions of the 18u division, the Carroll Chargers. The Chargers weren't able to make it on Saturday, so they ended up playing six games all on Sunday, ending up 5-1 on the day. The Chargers are a well-rounded team with great skill position players, reactive defenders, and smart QB play. Their blend of size, athleticism, and fundamentals helped them leave as champions of the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Check out my standout players from the Mother's Day Showdown champions - The Carroll Chargers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":834736,"width":453,"height":302,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/IMG_8602.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-834736" width="453" height="302" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='320675' first='Gavin' last='Batta'] | 2024 | TE/QB/ATH | South Central Calhoun | 6'5" 210 lbs </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14900033/Gavin-Batta" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/BattaGavin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Gavin is an interesting talent to watch out for, as he possesses a great mix of size and athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- He really stood out to me as a pass-catcher. Batta has the frame for a tight end but also showed the versatility to line up on the outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Gavin used his size advantage to create mismatches and was nearly unstoppable on short yardage/redzone attempts with his ability to post up and box out defenders to make the catch at the sticks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Strong hands. He makes consistent hands catches outside of his frame and can hold on through contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- I don't think I got to see much of Gavin at QB at the tournament but from the tape I've seen, he seems to have a ton of upside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":835130,"width":455,"height":303,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/IMG_8617.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-835130" width="455" height="303" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Ben Gerken | 2024 | WR/DB | Kuemper Catholic | 5'10" 170 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15004969/Ben-Gerken" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Gerken_Ben0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Ben balled OUT! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Ben was one of the more productive and reliable receivers on the Carroll offense. He was open on short yardage, passes over the middle, and had some highlight deep ball receptions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Very good route runner. Crisp and explosive at the break-off point and can use his opponents leverage against them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Gerken was also a difference-maker on defense. He can keep up with receivers extremely well and has solid speed and burst to close on the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Smart with his hand use on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":835175,"width":452,"height":300,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/IMG_8607.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-835175" width="452" height="300" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>DJ Vonnahme | 2024 | QB/ATH | Kuemper Catholic | 6'4" 205 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14881945/DJ-Vonnahme" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/dennis_vonnahme" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- DJ was on fire at this tournament with several key plays on offense and defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Great QB size with a solid 6'4" and 205-pound frame and tons of athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- His quick decision-making is what stood out the most to me. DJ did a great job going through his progressions while getting the ball off quickly once he locks onto his target.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Vonnahme can make throws to all levels of the field. He made some impressive quick throws into tight windows and displayed nice touch on his deep ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Overall, a very smart football <em>player.</em> He rotated in on defense and had some interceptions where he read the play/QB perfectly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":834834,"width":455,"height":303,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/IMG_8615.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-834834" width="455" height="303" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Brayton Alford | 2026 | WR | Carroll | 5'11" 180 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18335791/Brayton-Alford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/BraytonAlford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Super impressed with Brayton, especially after finding out he's only a 2026 prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Very good route runner with a nice change of direction and agility. He consistently got separation from his defender and did a great job getting into a window for his QB.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Reliable at the catch point with the ability to turn upfield and pick up some YAC yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Outside-inside versatility with the ability to work all levels of the field. He did a lot of damage in the slot, where he could use his shiftiness to get open on slants and quick routes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":835187,"width":459,"height":305,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/IMG_8603.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-835187" width="459" height="305" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1283377' first='Lucas' last='Diehl'] | 2027 | TE | Kuemper Catholic | 6'2" 220 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://twitter.com/LucasDiehl2027" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Another Carroll youngster with a bright prep career waiting for him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Lucas showed nice athleticism at tight end with great hands. He had some of the more impressive receptions at the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Tough, big body that can bully smaller defensive backs, but he has enough wiggle and speed to outmaneuver slower linebackers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Strong hands and great concentration that help him hang on through contact and make catches in traffic. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Make sure to follow @PrepRedzoneNE on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all your Nebraska prep recruiting news.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->