Week Two Defenders to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The opening week of the high school football season is one of the more anticipated times across the country. Each year, the new season means new opportunities for new names to emerge onto the radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This article will list five lesser-known defensive players who significantly contributed to their teams during the first week, making them players to watch this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Mason Saunders</strong> | Regis Jesuit | 2024 OLB&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saunders is a disruptive member of a talented defensive front. His 6-foot-4, 215lbs frame makes him an imposing player with excellent power and speed. He has quick hands and feet, helping him disengage from blockers and wreak havoc in the backfield. Saunders played a significant role in the team's win over Valor Christian during week one, finishing with five tackles, two tackles for loss, and a pass deflection at the line. He is definitely a player to watch on Friday as the Raiders host the Kennedy Catholic Lancers from Burien, Washington.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Noah Biller</strong> | Broomfield | 2024 LB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Biller is a downhill player with outstanding toughness. The veteran defender enters week two as the team's leading tackler, racking up 11 total tackles in the week one win over Longmont. He does a great job of closing gaps while tracking the ball carrier and finishing plays. Biller was a role player for the Eagles last year, but this year is his opportunity to command the spotlight as a vital part of a talented defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='754652' first='Jonathan' last='Nieto Villa']</strong> | Castle View | 2024 LB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Villa is a new radar pop-up on pace to emerge as a true leader for the Sabercats defense. He finished as the leading tackler for his team in the big win over Doherty, racking up ten total tackles, one tackle for loss, and one sack. He is an explosive middle linebacker who plays with good pad level and flies to the ball. Even though the season started, Villa is beginning to look like a solid potential prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='675339' first='Carson' last='Hageman'] </strong>| Erie | 2025 LB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hageman opened the season with a trip to Florida and proved he can line up across from anyone and make plays. He is still a little raw when it comes to his movements, but his motor and strength as a tackler are outstanding. He finished the season opener with 17 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and four quarterback hurries, proving to be a difference-maker for Erie's defense. Hageman will be a player to keep tabs on as the Tigers look to settle their unfinished business.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1300462' first='Owen' last='Wind'] </strong>| Fossil Ridge | 2025 S</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wind is another newcomer to the radar with serious upside. His 6-foot-3, 180lbs frame makes him an instant standout on and off the field. He is a downhill player who initiates contact and finishes plays. His size and physicality make him an excellent box defender and offensive weapon. Wind finished the season opener with 11 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and one sack, making him a must-watch player as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->