7v7 Standouts: Half Hollow Hills East vs Smithtown West
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It was before 8 am and it was raining, but it didn’t stop two of Long Island’s top teams from getting together for a great 7v7. Half Hollow Hills East hosted Smithtown West, as both teams displayed that they have…
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Continue ReadingIt was before 8 am and it was raining, but it didn’t stop two of Long Island’s top teams from getting together for a great 7v7. Half Hollow Hills East hosted Smithtown West, as both teams displayed that they have some of the best skill players in Suffolk County. Checkout my top performers below
Half Hollow Hills East
In man coverage it was impressive seeing Bethea go press his receiver at the line of scrimmage. His footwork and his strength came together as the opposing wide receiver could barley get off the line. He was great in zone coverage as well, Bethea brings the intensity and elite speed to this defense. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bethea is a ball hawk this upcoming season if teams decided to throw towards his direction. At running back he’ll be a serious problem for defenses. His acceleration and change of direction on his routes were great today. He’s sneakily one of the best pure athletes on Long Island and has the potential for a big year on both sides of the ball.
The junior receiver might’ve been the most productive player at this entire 7v7. He caught a couple of touchdowns and he was dangerous wherever he lined up. Martin is an excellent route runner and he was consistently getting open. He was the top receiver for his quarterback Jordan Heyman Jordan Heyman 5’11” | 175 lbs | QB Half Hollow Hills East | 2024 State NY and just like other times this summer their chemistry was great. Martin made some difficult catches in traffic, as he’s not afraid to get physical. Look out for him to make a lot of plays over the middle in 2023 especially when Heyman and Hills East will be looking to complete quick passes, Martin will be the beneficiary.
The do it all senior is going to be one of the more exciting players to watch this fall. Futter will make an argument as New York’s top kicker but he will also be a terrific receiver for the Thunderbirds. His footwork is as smooth as it gets. He was running efficient routes against a tough cornerback for Smithtown West. It was a great matchup and Futter was able to get a couple of victories. He had a long touchdown where he got behind the defense and was able to haul in the pass. His break and change of direction is deadly. Once Futter becomes a little more consistent, he could be a very entertaining offensive threat in 2023.
Smithtown West
Star quarterback Brayden Stahl Brayden Stahl 6’0″ | 180 lbs | QB Smithtown West | 2024 State NY was not in attendance, so Nick Devito Nick Devito ATH Smithtown West | 2026 NY got the majority of the snaps today and for the second time this summer I’ve been impressed with the Bulls backup quarterback. He’s only in the class of 2026, so he’s been learning behind Stahl and making strides in his game. Devito was missing his top receiver Jack Melore Jack Melore 6’1″ | 185 lbs | WR Smithtown West | 2024 State NY but it wasn’t an issue. He was hitting his receivers in stride and had great timing. He was able to move the ball consistently for his offense and he showed off his solid arm. I liked his placement on short and intermediate throws during this 7v7 which helped his team have a good tempo and be successful on offense even without their two best players.
Isaiah Woodall
Isaiah Woodall
They call him “speedy” and I found out why during the 7v7 today against Hills East. He has incredible burst and acceleration at safety. Woodall was flying to the ball carrier and was covering ground quickly. On offense I’d have to say he was one of the fastest north-south runners I’ve seen this summer. On a Fly route, he absolutely burned his defender multiple times. Woodall has legit track speed and he showed it off as a deep threat. On offense, Woodall caught a pass over the middle and he was able to avoid a defender, after that the senior athlete took it to the house untouched. This season if he’s in the right spots he’ll form a dangerous connection with Brayden Stahl Brayden Stahl 6’0″ | 180 lbs | QB Smithtown West | 2024 State NY .
Nick Briffa
Nick Briffa
The senior WR/DB was challenged with guarding one of Hills East’s top receivers and he stepped up to the plate. At cornerback he had amazing patience and sat on routes. I’d say he was one of the most athletic cornerbacks there, he flipped his hips very efficiently and was able to shut down all different kinds of routes. Briffa broke up a deep pass as he did a great job tracking it and making a play on the football. Last season he was a solid receiver also, he’s another threat on this offense this upcoming season. Briffa has strong hands and he has the athleticism to be a nightmare in single coverage.