Stars of the Game: Highland Nearly Spoils Chandler’s Homecoming

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The showdown between Highland and Chandler was a football lover's dream. The game was jam-packed with heart-stopping plays, from the unexpected excitement of a safety and the game-turning thrill of pick-6's to the adrenaline rush of long throws downfield and the sheer power of hard-charging runners. A true back and forth game had both teams fans on an emotional roller coaster. And in a thrilling ending, a Highland onside kick recovered by Chandler managed to seal them a 24-22 victory in their homecoming game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Highland's Stars of the Game</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["704775"],"_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":"Against Chandler's elite defense, Highland's quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='704775' first='Kalen' last='Fisher'] showed why he's one of the best C/O '25 QBs in the state. Fisher demonstrated his innate ability to read the defense and make informed decisions throughout the game. Even his lone interception could be attributed more to execution than decision-making; it was the right throw in that situation, but unfortunately, he didn't put the ball quite where he wanted it. Fisher boasts a huge arm, and it's a weapon he's fully capable of deploying when needed. However, what makes him especially dangerous is his discipline; he doesn't feel the need to force a play if the situation doesn't call for it. It's not the easiest thing to do when you have a big arm, it can be hard not to use it. This balanced approach of raw power and thoughtful restraint made for a very impressive outing against one of the best defenses he'll face all year.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1116251' first='Jay' last='Martin']","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"Highland","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1116251' first='Jay' last='Martin'], Highland's running back, put on a masterclass of resilience against Chandler. Known for being a workhorse, Martin's performance certainly lived up to that reputation. What sets him apart is his ability to consistently gain positive yardage; even when first contact came in the backfield, he was rarely tackled for a loss. His uncanny ability to absorb hits and maintain balance made it a long night for even Chandler's vaunted defense. Martin doesn't just rely on brute strength, though. His vision on the field allows him to spot even the smallest openings in the defense, and he has the skill to capitalize on these opportunities. His cuts are sharp and purposeful; making defenders miss and navigating through the tight spaces that his offensive line can provide. With good size to him, and a the ability to protect his QB when needed, Martin should be catching more attention as we move through the rest of the season.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"Gunnar Riggs","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"Highland","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_2_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"In a game dominated by skill positions, its rare that someone commands attention from the center position. Gunnar Riggs let his presence be known against Chandler, appearing at all levels of the defense the #54 jersey was all over the field. Notably agile for an offensive lineman, his quick feet and athleticism give him a distinct advantage when it comes to engaging the speedy and athletic linebackers that Chandler has at the second level. Riggs doesn't just rely on his speed and agility, however. His technique is also top tier—his handwork and high motor enable him to hold his own against some bigger defensive lineman. Riggs' performance in this match-up wasn't just impressive for an offensive lineman; it was impressive for any player on the field.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"Cole McCleve","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"Highland","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_3_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"What immediately stands out about Cole McCleve is his exceptional handwork when rushing the passer. It's a skill that may go unnoticed by casual viewers but is absolutely critical in the trenches; linemen just couldn't get a solid grip on him, allowing him to infiltrate the backfield consistently. Beyond his hands, McCleve showcased a combination of swift feet and refined skill moves that make him an imposing pass rusher. But he's not just a one-dimensional player focused on getting to the quarterback. McCleve possesses the quickness and athleticism needed to cover in space, and he excelled in man-to-man situations. His multi-faceted abilities were a constant thorn in the side of Chandler's offense, demonstrating that he is not only an adept pass-rusher but a versatile and complete linebacker that's built to play in today's game.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1682182' first='Jake' last='Inglis']","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"Highland","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_4_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1682182' first='Jake' last='Inglis'], playing at defensive tackle, turned in a performance that can only be described as a masterclass in disruption against Chandler's potent offense. Towering in size and filled with raw power, Inglis proved to be a critical factor in squashing Chandler's usually-effective run game. His gap discipline was exceptional throughout the night, consistently shutting down running lanes and making it difficult for Chandler's running backs to find any daylight. But Inglis isn't just a run-stopper; he defies the stereotype of the lumbering defensive tackle. Surprisingly athletic for his size, he showcased his capability to put pressure on the quarterback as well. Whether it was bull-rushing the line or demonstrating surprising speed in collapsing the pocket, Inglis was a constant menace.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6511f17b7bb9e"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Chandler's Stars of the Game</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["169416"],"_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":"Despite facing a tough Highland defense, Chandler's quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='169416' first='Blake' last='Heffron'] had an impressive outing that showed, yet again, why he's considered a talent to watch. His approach to the game was meticulous, effectively navigating down the field by capitalizing on whatever openings Highland's defense provided. Heffron was particularly quick to get rid of the ball throughout the night, and that really helped him keep Highland's strong pass rush at bay. This wasn't his only evasive tactic, however; when the pocket did collapse, his quick feet allowed him to sidestep trouble and extend plays. When he did end up extending the play, his throwing on the run was top-notch, delivering passes with accuracy. Beyond his physical gifts, what really captured attention was Heffron's palpable passion for the game. It was evident in every snap, every throw, and every scramble—whether he was celebrating a successful play or shaking off a misstep. His passion for the game isn't just a small detail; it's a big part of what makes him such a compelling player to watch and shows just how much he truly loves football.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1116327' first='Cameron' last='Cooper']","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"Chandler","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Linebacker Cam Cooper brought a potent blend of strength and skill to Chandler's defense in the match-up against Highland. Simply put, Cooper is a physical force who presents a genuine challenge for anyone trying to block him. This isn't just due to his natural strength; his long arms and imposing size further amplify just how hard it is to block him. But Cooper isn't limited to just brute force. He also excelled in coverage, more than holding his own against some of Highland's speedy receivers. One of his most impressive traits is his keen sense for following the flow of the offense. This instinctual understanding of the game always has him in the vicinity of the ball, making him a constant factor in any play. Cooper's multi-dimensional abilities—strength, coverage skills, and football IQ—make him a versatile and invaluable asset to Chandler's defense.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["217598"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Jojo Taylor is the type of player you watch and think, u0022He just gets it.u0022 His footwork is nothing short of exemplary, ensuring he's always facing the right way to read the quarterback or stick to his man. Beyond his physical agility, Taylor possesses a sharp eye for reading the quarterback's intentions. This was vividly demonstrated when he capitalized on an inaccurate pass, snagging an interception and subsequently showcasing his athleticism by returning it for a touchdown. But his high points didn't stop there. Taylor came through in the clutch with a pivotal pass defense on a third down late in the game. And while individual accolades are well-deserved, what makes Taylor truly special is his dedication to team defense. He consistently positions himself to not only counter the offense but also to set up his teammates for success, offering assistance and support wherever and whenever he can.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1116129' first='Jeremiah' last='Young']","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"Chandler","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_3_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1116129' first='Jeremiah' last='Young'] stamped his authority on the game with a performance that can best be described as commanding. With a physique that demands attention, Young's size and unadulterated strength were evident throughout the match. It wasn't just his physical attributes that stood out, but also his relentless motor that had him actively involved in a multitude of plays, from thwarting screen passes to staunchly defending against direct dives up the middle. The fusion of speed and power that Young possesses is a nightmarish concoction for any offensive line, and even against a competent Highland O-line, he was a consistent challenge. Young's dominance is a testament to what happens when raw physicality meets unwavering determination on the football field.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6511f17b7bd39"} /-->