Game Review | Week 0 Norris at Blair

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;OscarGalindo30&nbsp;in the coupon code area.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MAN, it feels good to be back! Friday night saw several games across the state kick off for some key Week 0 matchups. I attended the top-10 matchup between the visiting Norris Titans take on the Blair Bears. This was a game featuring a pair of teams with tons of expectations going into the 2023 season. Both teams feature a ton of talent on their rosters, with players on D1 radars to youngsters that we've anxiously been waiting to see more of. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The scoring started fast as Norris RB/return man [player_tooltip player_id='408440' first='Blake' last='Macklin'] took the opening kickoff 99 yards to the house. From there, the Bears responded with a pair of touchdowns to take the lead. Norris would go on to score 30 unanswered points as they found their groove offensively and tightened up in the trenches. The Norris defense was able to provide enough pressure to keep a high-powered Blair passing attack under wraps. A late Blair touchdown by [player_tooltip player_id='319567' first='Brock' last='Templar'] inched them closer to any sort of a comeback before Norris QB [player_tooltip player_id='789525' first='Jarrett' last='Behrends'] was able to close the game out with a rushing TD.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Norris won the game 42-21 and will head to Seward in Week 1. Blair will look to bounce back as they travel to Plattsmouth to play the Blue Devils.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Player(s) of the Game:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='408441' first='Eli' last='Holt'] | 2024 | LB/ATH | Norris | 6'2" 215 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14902952/Eli-Holt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/eliholt42" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior [player_tooltip player_id='408441' first='Eli' last='Holt'] was big in the Titan's season-opening win as he ended the game as the leading scorer and tackler. On offense, we got to see Eli's versatility at the fullback position. He's a physical player that helped open up big lanes as a lead-blocker and helped out in pass protection. As a ball carrier, Eli is a tough back to bring down at 6'2" and 215 pounds, who will also lower his pads to dish out contact and pick up extra yards. Eli also showed off his receiving skills and toughness after the catch with two 40+ yard receptions, one ending in a touchdown. His projected position at the next level is linebacker, where he flashes a high football IQ. Holt reads offenses very well and can adjust pre-snap to make sure he's in a good position. He fires downhill very well and is smart with his gap play. In the end, Eli finished with 11 total tackles to add to his impressive offensive performance. Stock rising quickly!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":958041,"width":561,"height":374,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/IMG_5282.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-958041" style="width:561px;height:374px" width="561" height="374" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">#42 [player_tooltip player_id='408441' first='Eli' last='Holt'] - Norris 2024</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='408440' first='Blake' last='Macklin'] | 2024 | RB/ATH | Norris | 5'9" 150 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14911967/Blake-Macklin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/blakejmacklin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior [player_tooltip player_id='408440' first='Blake' last='Macklin'] opened the season in about as electric of a way as you could imagine, returning the kickoff 99 yards for the touchdown. Blake's speed on the kickoff return was impressive to watch, as he was simply too fast and twitchy to bring down. Macklin also displayed excellent balance in his runs, keeping a low center of gravity and pad level to help him fight through tackle attempts. Blake finished as the Titan's leading rusher with 85 yards and a touchdown on ten carries. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Standout Players:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='319567' first='Brock' last='Templar'] | 2025 | RB | Blair | 5'11" 175 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16232927/Brock-Templar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/BrockTemplar06" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blair junior [player_tooltip player_id='319567' first='Brock' last='Templar'] had a great showing despite the loss. Templar ended the game as the overall leading rusher with 138 yards and two touchdowns. Brock's vision and ability to identify lanes were on full display on Friday night. He's very quick and agile, which helps him attack his lanes as soon as he sees them, and he has excellent acceleration to break away from defenses. I also noticed how balanced he is as a runner, showing the ability to stay upright even with defenders draped on him. Templar also showed that he can be a solid receiving target with his two receptions for 26 yards. He has good hands and knows how to pick up yards after the catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":958036,"width":488,"height":325,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/IMG_5272.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-958036" style="width:488px;height:325px" width="488" height="325" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">#6 [player_tooltip player_id='319567' first='Brock' last='Templar'] - Blair 2025</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":957997,"width":285,"height":271,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/IMG_0144.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-957997" style="width:285px;height:271px" width="285" height="271" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2024 Norris DL [player_tooltip player_id='408453' first='Brady' last='Wilkinson']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='408453' first='Brady' last='Wilkinson'] | 2024 | DE | Norris | 6'3" 195 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14813799/Brady-Wilkinson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An unsung hero on the Norris defense. Senior defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='408453' first='Brady' last='Wilkinson'] really caught my attention with his effort and constant pressure throughout the game. Wilkinson especially turned up the intensity once the Titans were able to settle in. He's a very lengthy defensive end that can create separation at the LOS and has enough explosiveness in his get-off to get around the corner quickly. Although the stat sheet may not pop off the screen, when you watch his effort and motor throughout the game, you can see that he was a constant presence in the backfield and played a big part in keeping the opposing QB uncomfortable. He did manage to get to the QB for a big sack in the first half. Lots of upside!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='250307' first='Ethan' last='Baessler'] | 2024 | ATH | Blair | 5'10" 170 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12031583/Ethan-Baessler" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/baessler_ethan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speed, speed, and more speed is how to describe Ethan's game. The senior ATH, [player_tooltip player_id='250307' first='Ethan' last='Baessler'], ended the day as the leading receiver for the Bears. He hauled in seven receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown. Ethan's big play of the day was his 60-yard touchdown reception, where he showed off his blazing speed and how dangerous he can be when you get him the ball in space. Ethan also flashed in the return game with two returns for an average of 26 yards. He sees the field extremely well and has the quickness and agility to weave through traffic with insane burst once he sees the open field. Baessler also did a great job at cornerback where limited plays to his side of the field. He's very fluid in transition and can mirror receivers with no issue. Easy to see why D1 programs are interested in the Bear's star.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12031583/64e16b979a913e089458ac40' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e27b377ce68"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='789525' first='Jarrett' last='Behrends'] | 2025 | QB | Norris | 6'2" 205 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16037383/Jarrett-Behrends" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/JarrettBehrends" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I went into the game hoping to see a high-flying battle between these two teams, but the action mostly stayed on the ground for both teams. However, junior QB [player_tooltip player_id='789525' first='Jarrett' last='Behrends'] still did a great job leading the Norris offense on solid, sustained drives that led to scores. He did very well at keeping the ball out of harm's way and throwing high-percentage passes (61%) for the most part. He also distributed the ball very well, finding six different receivers for at least one reception. Behrends ended the game going 11 for 18 passing with 148 yards, a touchdown, and a 105.8 QBR. Jarrett's mobility really stood out in this game, as he moved around the pocket very well, rolled out while keeping his eyes downfield, and he also iced the game with a 29-yard touchdown run. This is a dangerous offense with Jarrett at the helm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='169936' first='Ben' last='Holcomb'] | 2024 | LB | Blair | 6'1" 205 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14491970/Ben-Holcomb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Bennyho2145" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior [player_tooltip player_id='169936' first='Ben' last='Holcomb'] was the Bear's most productive defender and was consistently near the ball on every play. He ended the game as Blair's tackling leader with seven and was a reliable target offensively with seven receptions for 49 yards. Ben's range stood out quite a bit; even with some of the speed on the opposing end, he still did a great job closing on the ball quickly. He is quick to react to his keys and break on the ball. Holcomb is physical at the point of contact, and with a bulkier frame, he's able to deliver some even tougher hits to his opponent. Looking forward to seeing how Ben and the Bears rebound. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":958028,"width":497,"height":331,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/IMG_5262.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-958028" style="width:497px;height:331px" width="497" height="331" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">#8 [player_tooltip player_id='169936' first='Ben' last='Holcomb'] - Blair 2024</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1085202' first='Evan' last='Greenfield'] | 2027 | K | Norris | 6'2" 175 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19590764/Evan-Greenfield" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Evgreenfield22" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Look at the freshman! Kicker [player_tooltip player_id='1085202' first='Evan' last='Greenfield'] had an impressive showing in his first varsity game. Although the day started a little shaky with his first attempt being blocked, Greenfield was automatic the rest of the day. He knocked down his next three extra-point attempts and had no problems with a 41-yard field goal attempt, ending the day with 6 points. Evan also showed off his boot with his touchbacks on kickoffs. Bright future for Greenfield!</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 -->