Week 1 Review: Vista Ridge Wolves vs Legend Titans
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A look at the two best offensive and defensive performances from this cross-division clash. Review This matchup was one with many questions surrounding it for both teams, as the Wolves held questions about the future of the program in the…
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Continue ReadingA look at the two best offensive and defensive performances from this cross-division clash.
Review
This matchup was one with many questions surrounding it for both teams, as the Wolves held questions about the future of the program in the post Brayden Dorman/Brandon Hills era while the Titans held questions about whether they could build off a brief but strong run in the 5A playoffs last year. In some ways, both teams provided some answers in this game. Unfortunately for Vista Ridge, those answers weren’t great, as they seemed to be wildly over-matched against Legend from start-to-finish. For the Titans, however, they seemed to briefly put-to-bed any concerns about the state of their program after last season. As previously stated, this contest wasn’t close by any stretch of the imagination, with the Titans quickly jumping out to a 21-0 lead at the end of the 1st quarter and a 35-0 lead at the half. The 2nd half was no different, as Legend continued to thoroughly dominate the Wolves closing out the game with a 42-7 final score. One can assume that with how badly the Titans dominated Vista Ridge, the players of the game would be from their side of the field – which would be correct. With that being said, here are the four best players from last Thursday’s matchup.
Players of the Game
Michael Marsenich, Legend Titans (QB)(So.)(13) – In his first start as the signal-caller for the Legend offense, Marsenich played about as well as the Titans could have hoped for. While not putting up world-beating numbers, Marsenich still played very soundly going 7 of 8 (88%) for 142 yards passing, 2 passing touchdowns, and a QBR of 166.7. When you look at the tape of Marsenich’s night against the Vista Ridge defense, you can see that he is an exceptional athlete with a live arm. Highly elusive in the pocket when extending time to find a receiver downfield, consistently showing the ability to extend plays outside of structure. Shows great arm strength with the ability to stretch the defense on deep balls and more than enough velocity on short and intermediate throws to squeeze passes into tight throwing windows. Smart passer that displays a good understanding of coverages, DB rotations, and pre-snap coverage shells at a young age that allows him to know exactly where to go with the ball on almost every play. Extremely accurate passer when making throws on the run, maintaining great ball placement to all three levels of the field when forced to ad-lib outside of the pocket. Presents a significant threat on the ground for defenses with his athleticism allowing him to turn disaster plays into a positive gain of yards. Marsenich isn’t currently ranked on any recruiting boards for the class of 2026 but that’s probably because this is his first year as the starter. With that being said though, if last Thursday’s performance was any indication, Marsenich will certainly be an exciting player to follow this year.
Jaden Lawrence Jaden Lawrence 6'0" | 185 lbs | RB Legend | 2025 State CO , Legend Titans (RB)(Jr.)(20) – Lawrence was one of the Titans most important players offensively, leading the offense in rushing and providing a spark as a receiver as well. Lawrence had as well-rounded a performance as a tailback can have, as he accounted for 59 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown on 7 carries (8.4 YPC), while also adding 51 yards receiving and a receiving touchdown on 3 receptions (17.0 YPR). Diving into the tape of Lawrence’s showing against the Wolves defense, you can see that he is a tremendously explosive, one-cut style runner that can turn an inch of daylight into a big play on any given carry. Displays excellent top-end foot speed in the open field that allows him to pull away from most 2nd and 3rd level defenders. A combination of incredible lateral agility and great vision allows him to be an elusive runner with the ball in his hands, while also allowing him to quickly find creases between blockers and make defenders miss in the open field. Exceptional receiving threat out of the backfield with consistent, strong hands and good route running that makes him a matchup problem for LBs and safeties. Versatile chess piece of an offensive weapon that can play both tailback and receiver at a high-level, having experience lining up in the backfield, in the slot, and on the boundary. Deceptively physical ball carrier that possesses a quietly powerful stiff arm in addition to a strong lower body that allows him to drive his legs through contact with the defender to churn out tough yards. Lawrence is currently ranked the number 2 RB and the number 17 player overall, which isn’t a surprise just looking at his night against the Vista Ridge defense. He’ll certainly be the focal point of the Titans offense this season.
John Niedringhaus, Legend Titans (DL)(Jr.)(44) – Niedringhaus was probably the most dominant defender in this game in regards to getting in the backfield, as the Wolves offensive line struggled for most of the night against him. Niedringhaus didn’t put up dominating numbers but he was certainly a force for the Legend defense as he registered 6 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, a sack, and a pass deflection. Turning to the tape of Niedringhaus’ performance, you can see he displays tremendous power at the point-of-contact with the opposing blocker on his bull rush, consistently showing the ability to collapse the pocket from the edge. Highly explosive first step out of his stance allows him to get downhill quickly and get the opposing tackle on their heels. A combination of long, strong arms and excellent timing with his hand placement allows him to easily make contact with the opposing blocker well before they have a chance to neutralize or counter his hand placement. Exceptional athleticism and lateral agility for his position that allows him to present a challenge for any opposing offensive linemen that are tasked with taking him on in isolation on the edge. Versatile defender along the defensive line but is at his best as a traditional 4-3 defensive end with his hand in the dirt. Niedringhaus isn’t currently ranked on any recruiting boards for the class of 2025, with his smaller frame for the position (6’2, 185 lbs) probably being the reason why. Regardless, he will be a key piece to a talented Titans defense this season.
Brody Shuss Brody Shuss 6'2" | 190 lbs | DB Legend | 2025 CO , Legend Titans (DB)(Jr.)(4) – If Niedringhaus was the catalyst on the defensive line for the Titans, then Shuss was the catalyst in the defensive backfield. Shuss was a lock down defender on the back end of the Legend defense, as he accounted for an impressive 2 tackles, a tackle for a loss, 2 pass deflections, and an interception returned for a touchdown. Watching the film of Shuss’ night against the Vista Ridge defense, you can see that he is an absolute ball hawk at the safety position, as it always seems like he finds a way to be near the ball. A combination of great top-end foot speed and fluid hips allow him to play the deep middle defender role at a very high level, rarely letting opposing receivers get behind him and threaten the back end of the defense. This combination of traits allows him to recover quickly on the rare occasion somebody does get behind him or when he’s crashing downhill in run support. Displays good ability in man coverage thanks to his athleticism, matching up well against some TEs and tailbacks out of the backfield. Smart, technically sound DB that is rarely caught out of position. Shows good ability as a run defender, consistently making tackles on ball-carriers in one-on-one situations. Versatile player at the safety position that can play deep or in the box, but is at his best as a deep defender. Shuss isn’t currently ranked on any recruiting boards for the class of 2025, which is surprising given his potential. Either way, he’ll definitely be a player worth following this season for the Titans.