West De Pere vs Hortonville Recap & Prospects of the Game

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The season is underway! It was a difficult choice deciding which game I wanted to attended to kick off the 2023 campaign, but when I came across this matchup it quickly became apparent that the quality and amount of college talent in this game was going to be hard to beat. West De Pere is fresh off a D2 State Runner Up finish and is returning many of their key contributors from that season. Hortonville looked ready to take the next step forward, led by multiple standout senior and junior student athletes. The game, and talent, did not disappoint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Recap</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The game started off how you would expect a Week One game to start. Both defenses making stops as offenses found their footing and rhythm. You see this a lot early in the season because defense is all about reacting while offense is about timing. It is not easy to get that timing perfect early on. However, West De Pere started to find that rhythm late in the 1st quarter when <strong>QB [player_tooltip player_id='220784' first='Duke' last='Shovald']</strong> found <strong>TE [player_tooltip player_id='1021197' first='Joseph' last='Riesenberg']</strong> for a 6 yard <a href="https://twitter.com/MJ_NFLDraft/status/1692694527650246908">TD pass</a> and a 7-0 lead. It wasn't until midway through the second quarter that we would see more points added to the scoreboard. Once again it was <strong>QB [player_tooltip player_id='220784' first='Duke' last='Shovald']</strong>. This time he went deep down the sideline to <strong>WR [player_tooltip player_id='942607' first='Ben' last='Lemirand']</strong> who reeled it in in stride and raced 80 yards for the 14-0 lead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hortonville wasn't going to go quietly, though. Standout junior <strong>WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='299857' first='Seth' last='Valeri']</strong> was able to take a quick pass, make a move, and then race down the sideline for a long score of his own cutting the deficit to 14-6 late in the 2nd quarter. Just before we entered halftime, West De Pere's <strong>kicker Brandon Schaefer</strong> was able to send a field goal attempt through the uprights for the 1706 halftime lead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second half started like the first. Strong defensive efforts, and offenses that couldn't quite find their groove. That was until the 5:15 mark of the third. That is when Hortonville started to put together a drive. That drive ended with the biggest fireworks of the day. I didn't see the jersey, but Hortonville fumbled deep in WDP territory. The offense did good to run to the ball though, and scooped it up and ran in their own fumble for a TD. Add on the 2 point conversion and all of a sudden West De Pere's lead was cut to 17-14.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 4th quarter started with fireworks also. This time it was bad for Hortonville as the long snap went over the head of the Polar Bears' punter. He was able to recover the snap, but was tackled in the endzone for a safety. On Hortonville's next possession, WDP safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='270640' first='Carter' last='Schmitt']</strong> was able to jump a route and pick off the pass. That set up the offense in great position, and they didn't waste any time. Backup <strong>QB [player_tooltip player_id='948097' first='Patrick' last='Griesen']</strong>, who had to come in late for starter [player_tooltip player_id='220784' first='Duke' last='Shovald'], lobbed up a fade route to <strong>WR [player_tooltip player_id='104984' first='Langdon' last='Nordgaard']</strong> who was able to make the high flying, acrobatic catch in the corner of the endzone. From there, the defenses went back and forth until time expired with West De Pere starting the season 1-0 with the 25-14 victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best Prospects of the Game</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["270655"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The 6'1u0022 235 lbs DT started his season off as hot as you could want. I don't have the official stats, and I don't really care. That is because Baumgart was effecting the game in ways that wouldn't show up on the stat sheet anyways. He was living in the offensive backfield on the majority of his snaps. Andrew did it every way too. He would bull rush with exceptional power, putting the OL 2-3 yards in the backfield. That threw off timing and blocking schemes resulting in no gains or broken plays. Baumgart also showed off a college level first step quickness and agility that allowed him to shoot through gaps before the OL were barely out of their stance. Baumgart is a nightmare matchup in the trenches, and one of the best uncommitted seniors in WI.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e0dc87e4f5c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["104984"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eStats: 11 Receptions, 118 Yards, 1 TDu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003ernrnLangdon looks the part of a college WR. He has done a great job filling out his frame and now stands at 6'4u0022 197 lbs. The playmaker plays with that size very well. He has the body control to be a smooth route runner and is able to make the impressive adjustments to the ball in flight. He uses his size to his advantage well. We saw that on the TD where he went up and high pointed the ball. Langdon also used that size after the catch. He was hard for one DB to drag down. We also saw the speed to be able to stretch the field. That speed led to Langdon getting big cushions at the line too. It was a great start to what should be a productive season for Langdon.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e0dc87e4fd1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["220784"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eStats: 20/35, 285 Yards, 2 TDsu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003ernrnDuke continued to be a reliable field general for West De Pere. He faced decent pressure throughout the night, but it didn't phase him. Shovald proved to be very poised in the pocket, maneuvering when he needed to but not abandoning the pocket. Instead we saw him keep his eyes downfield and deliver passes in the face of that pressure. Shovald's accuracy and touch once again stood out to every level of the field. The senior did have to leave with an injury in the second half or the numbers could have been even bigger. Hopefully we see him make a quick recovery and continue to prove to be one of the steals at the QB position.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e0dc87e5034"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["270640"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Carter kept catching my eyes from his safety position. The 6'1u0022 185 lbs senior was all over the field. In coverage, Schmitt proved to have the range to easily cover a deep half zone. He read the QB quickly and was able to close on the ball in time to break up multiple passes deep downfield. There were multiple times where he got close to turning those PBUs into INTs, but he finally did it in the second half. Carter was able to attack downhill and grab the pass setting up for a quick WDP score. Lastly, Schmitt didn't hesitate to play aggressive against he run. Multiple times we saw him go from his safety spot, fly downhill, and make tackles near the line of scrimmage. Keep an eye on the opportunistic safety.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e0dc87e50bb"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["942607"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eStats: 4 Receptions, 126 Yards, 1 TDu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003ernrnLemirand has me excited for his future. The 6' 170 lbs junior WR is also one of the Phantoms kick returners. Speed is the name of the game here. On his long TD catch, Ben ate up the cushion from the DB, ran under the deep ball, and then easily won the race to the endzone. Ben fits into the kick returner role well also. Not only does the speed get to shine there, we also got to see how well he sees the field and can set up blocks. Lemirand is dangerous in space, and we should see a lot of big plays from the speedster this fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e0dc87e511a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["948097"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eStats: 6/6, 70 Yards, 1 TDu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003ernrnThe 6'2u0022 185 lbs sophomore QB needed to fill in for a good chunk of the second half, and he delivered. The arm talent has really developed, and he looks like he could become one of the best passers in the state when it is his time to take over full time. The ball naturally jumps out of his hand. He has a quick release, and his footwork was very smooth and quick. You can tell the coaching staff was confident in his abilities also. They had him passing the ball right from his first snap on the field. Griesen's best play came on his TD where he perfectly put it on the top shelf where only his WR was able to go and get it. There is a bright future ahead for the '26 QB. Get him on your radars early.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e0dc87e517a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["268951"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The 6'4u0022 245 lbs LB looked every bit of that measurement. He towered over his teammates and opponents on the field. His elite frame is blessed with the range and power needed to play FBS football. Miles was a major factor in completely shutting down the middle of the field and the WDP run game. So much so, that West De Pere finished with -14 rushing yards. That isn't a typo. Negative 14 rushing yards. Sillas was able to shed blocks easily with his length and power. His feet were quick and he was able to slip through the trash in the front seven surprisingly easily. He found the ball and got to it instantly. Sillas looked the part of the top uncommitted prospect in WI.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e0dc87e51d5"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["634699"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another top uncommitted prospect who dominated the day is Hortonville's LT [player_tooltip player_id='634699' first='Noah' last='Draeger']. The 6'5u0022 280 lbs senior has developed into a very well rounded prospect. In the run game, Noah is agile enough to be able to always get himself in position to have the leverage advantage. He got to the second level and delivered massive blocks on LBs all night long. Noah also showed to have the power to move the line of scrimmage downfield with his blocks on DL. In pass protection, Noah did great using his length to make contact and steer his man. He also showed a strong anchor. Most impressive overall was his nimble feet. Draeger is so big, but is able to move so easily because of his light feet. He has so much potential to tap into still also. Big things ahead for Draeger.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e0dc87e522e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["814329"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another key piece to Hortonville's dominant run defense was senior [player_tooltip player_id='814329' first='Aidan' last='Roh']. The 6' 225 lbs DL is undersized, but he has proven that he can make an impact in the trenches. You see his accomplished wrestling background shine through as he uses leverage to get a push into the backfield. He has a quick first step that allowed him to either get underneath WDP OL or get skinny and slip through the gap. Roh is stout for his size too. He was able to hold the line, and he used his hands to get off blocks. I believe he can play at the D2/D3 levels. Give him a look.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e0dc87e527b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["146365"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Seth had a solid overall night. He was a key contributor on offense, defense, and special teams. On offense, the WR used his speed and elusiveness to give Hortonville their biggest play of the game, and first score of the season. On special teams the 6' ATH was the returner. You could see he had the field vision to be able to set up blocks and the speed to springboard those blocks into good returns. On defense Valeri had the hardest task of the day. He was assigned to essentially follow Nordgaard around the field. Langdon is always going to get his production, but seeing the confidence Seth played with to do the job has me confident he can play DB at a higher level. At DB we got to see more traits. Seth has good change of direction laterally, and transitions smoothly from backpedal to attacking to make a play on the ball or tackle the WR. Valeri was also a very good tackler out in space. Seth has a bright future.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e0dc87e52cc"} /-->