Elite Performers Week 2: Defensive Linemen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These four defensive linemen made last Friday a long one for opposing offenses. They each brought down quarterbacks numerous times and made plays in the run game all four quarters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406976' first='Siosaia' last='Lapuaho'] || DL || 6'4 || 300 || Alta High School || 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lapuaho does a great job leading the Hawks offensive line but also excels on the defensive interior for Alta. The senior defensive tackle had seven tackles and two sacks. He was an elite run stuffer and pass rusher in the Hawks 34-6 win. Lapuaho is an impressive athlete with a quick first step and the strength to stand up double teams. He has one of the state's best bullrushes and uses his hands well. Lapuaho does a good job controlling his gap and can bring down ball carries if they try to get past him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Christian Miller || DL || 6'1 || 190 || Salem Hills High School || 2024&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miller was outstanding in Salem Hills 50-0 victory against Cotton Wood. After having zero sacks in week one against Sky View, the senior defensive end erupted for five against the Colts. Miller's elite get-off helps him beat opposing offensive tackles out of their stances. He has a bevy of moves he can throw at offensive linemen and never lets up in his pursuit of quarterbacks. Miller can win rushing from the inside or off the edge. The Skyhawks defensive end could be in for a big senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1294704' first='Penisimani' last='Takitaki'] || DL || 6'3 || 205 || Lehi High School || 2026&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Takitaki has been living in opposing team's backfield to begin the 2023 season. In week one against Davis, he registered three tackles and 1.5 sacks, and in week two, he decimated Deseret Hills with nine tackles and 2.5 sacks. He may only be a sophomore, but that hasn't stopped him from getting by senior offensive linemen. His long arms and elite bend helps him win his one-on-one reps and create constant pressure. Takitaki is quickly becoming one of the top players in the class of 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brighton Tate || DL || 6'2 || Timpanogos High School || 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tate was too much for the Park City offense to handle, as he recorded 12 tackles and three sacks in an impressive performance. He had a strong week one outing at Jordan with four tackles and one sack, but that was merely a teaser for what he would do in week 2. Tate is a skilled hand fighter who does a good job defeating offensive linemen's initial punch before getting around them. He's also an elite run defender who excels at setting the edge and taking on pullers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->