Hudson vs Menomonie Recap & Prospects of the Game

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I continued my rounds across the great state of Wisconsin covering as many of the top prospects in person that I can. That brought me to the UW- Stout campus for a Menomonie home game against the Hudson Raiders. Hudson came in with a strong 3-1 record while Menomonie was a perfect 4-0. It was the undefeated Mustangs of Menomonie who got the scoring started.<strong> LB/TE [player_tooltip player_id='942611' first='Brody' last='Thornton']</strong> took a screen pass near midfield, made a defender miss and then raced in for the 7-0 lead. Menomonie kept their foot on the gas early, and took a 14-0 lead when senio<strong>r RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='634981' first='Steele' last='Schaefer'] </strong>walked in a TD on the goal line at the start of the 2nd quarter. Hudson found their footing very quickly after the second Mustangs TD. Standout junior <strong>WR/S [player_tooltip player_id='685843' first='Tyler' last='Lessard']</strong> began his night full of highlights with a TD reception over the middle of the field. From there it was a Hudson outpouring of offense. Senior <strong>RB Justin Robey</strong> hammered his way in for two late 1st half rushing TDs to give Hudson the 19-14 halftime lead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hudson offensive success picked up right where it left off in the second half. They drove down the field and into the redzone where senior <strong>Ross Yaeger </strong>came in motion, took the handoff, cut up field, and scored to give Hudson the 26-14 lead. Hudson then went back to the air, and to their reliable stud <strong>WR [player_tooltip player_id='685843' first='Tyler' last='Lessard']</strong>. Hudson's QB was able to lob of a great jump ball on 4th down, and Lessard took care of the rest with a nice high point grab. That play put us at 33-14 heading into the 4th quarter. Menomonie finally found success again when<strong> RB Hayden Weir</strong> broke off a great run setting up the Mustangs at the 1 yards line of Hudson.<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1395150' first='John' last='Higbie']</strong> punched it in closing the gap to 22-33. It was too little too late for Menomonie though. After a <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='634981' first='Steele' last='Schaefer']</strong> INT for Menomonie, Hudson<strong> safety/WR [player_tooltip player_id='685843' first='Tyler' last='Lessard']</strong> jumped a pass of his own and returned it all the way for a score. Hudson <strong>QB Rylan Schultz</strong> added another score with his legs as the 4th quarter was winding down giving us our final score of Hudson 46 Menomonie 22. Both teams enter Week 6 with strong 4-1 records, and still a lot of football ahead of them potentially.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prospects of the Game</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["685843"],"_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":"I was very excited to get to see our current WR1 in the Class of 2025 in person. No question, the junior lived up to the hype I had for him. Tyler scored two receiving TDs on the night and made multiple other key catches throughout the game. He also killed any last ditch momentum Menomonie could find when he returned his INT for a TD in the 4th Qtr. Lessard looks the part of a high level WR at the next level. He has a 6'4u0022 195-200 lbs frame, and the '25 knows how to use it to his advantage downfield. We saw him box out DBs, go up like it was for a rebound over the top of DBs. We saw him make quick adjustments to the ball while it was in the air. Plus he did a great job using his hands to catch the ball away from his body. The cherry on top of his great day was that he also had a solid night in coverage at safety. Tyler read the field/QB consistently well. Traded off responsibilities with CBs mid-play. Plus he made the clutch plays when needed, like the INT. This kid is one to put high on your recruiting boards early.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6507852bd450e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["634701"],"_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 top uncommitted senior in the game was Hudson's DE/OLB [player_tooltip player_id='634701' first='Sam' last='Dickman']. He played like it too. Sam has a long, powerful frame at 6'3u0022 225 lbs. He showed off the traits needed to win at the next level too. Sam has that quick twitch first step and repeatedly proved he could transition that burst into power. Power that gave him the ability to make destructive bull rushes. Many times I saw Sam run through OL or flatten RBs as he closed on the QB. The senior didn't just try to run through opponents though. He also got his hands involved, using them to get separation and keep himself clean of the OL hands. Dickman demonstrated good range to chase down plays from behind or ones that tried to get outside contain. He looked like a next level athlete from start to finish. Don't sleep on the big impact DE.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6507852bd457d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["634710"],"_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":"Aiden had a great night, and the pair of Sam and Aiden looked like one of the most destructive edge rush duos in the state. Aiden has a well developed, filled out frame. It is packed with power and explosiveness too. He set a strong edge, but the senior also has good bend and flexibility when running the loop and dipping under the OT. Tepper- Engh was living in the backfield all night. Unfortunately for college coaches, the senior is already committed to take those destructive talents to St. Thomas. Good luck at the next level, Aiden!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6507852bd45d3"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Justin Robey","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Hudson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"I was not aware of the senior RB coming into the night. The 5'11u0022 185 lbs senior made sure I knew his name by the end of the night. He took over the game in the second quarter. Robey punched in two TDs to give the Raiders the lead that they wouldn't give up the rest of the game. Robey showed off solid burst between the tackles and lateral agility to avoid direct hits and find extra glimpses of daylight. While he isn't the biggest back, Justin also was a hard runner. He would fall forward, and moved the pile. Robey finished down at the goal line, and proved to be a reliable bellcow.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6507852bd467d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["933415"],"_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":"I was impressed by the big man at center for Menomonie. He has a good frame at 6'2u0022 290 lbs, and a high motor that allowed him to play on the interior both ways Friday night. Where he truly looked most natural, and at home, was center. Andrew demonstrated next level anchor strength and heavy hands. He was able to provide a secure pocket on the interior, shutting down bull rushers. There was also multiple plays where we saw Andrew land well placed hands/punches that stopped DL in their tracks. Those hands also allowed Schaefer to control him man easily. Schaefer was also able to get to the second level and clear out LBs. It was a consistently strong game from the Menomonie senior.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6507852bd46da"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["634981"],"_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 senior who made standout plays on both sides of the ball is RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='634981' first='Steele' last='Schaefer']. On offense, Steele was a tone setting RB. The listed size doesn't jump out, but Steele has built a strong frame, and he made Hudson earn their tackles on him. Schaefer demonstrated good vision and instincts while behind the OL as he looked for the lane or cutback. When he found his way to the open field the senior was able to grab the chunk yards. On defense, Steele roamed sideline to sideline chasing down the run game. He did a good job of moving through the front seven against the inside run too. It will be interesting to see what position he fits into at the next level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6507852bd4731"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["944048"],"_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 big framed junior I wanted to see in person was the 6'4u0022 195 lbs WR/TE [player_tooltip player_id='944048' first='Isaac' last='Ellison']. Ellison caught my eyes at the River Falls Mega Camp, and he has carried that eye catching talent to the field. Ellison impressed me after the catch. The big target was surprisingly slippery and elusive after the catch. He was able to make DBs miss in the open field, and then used his size to make sure they earned their tackles. Ellison also showed off solid speed. They used Ellison on motion to get him moving and make it hard for the defense to play him tight at the line. The basketball standout uses his length to catch the ball away form his body and far away from any defender. I'm excited to watch his development over the next year. Don't overlook this junior.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6507852bd4788"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["942611"],"_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":"Our final standout of the game was the junior who gave us our first big play. That was the 6'3u0022 190 lbs TE/OLB [player_tooltip player_id='942611' first='Brody' last='Thornton']. On offense, Brody has his athleticism and size utilized to the team's advantage. They get him the ball quick and let him either run through or away from LBs. On his TD play, Brody ran way from everybody. Defense is where he looks most at home. The length is there to rush the edge and keep separation from OTs. The athleticism he has also made him reliable out in space and over the slots. He has smooth, fluid hips that allow him to change direction as quickly as he reads to what he sees. The range allows him to close quickly and he isn't afraid to hit. Brody was already a favorite based on his film, but I came away even more impressed Friday.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6507852bd47e1"} /-->