Unsung Heroes of 2B Football

Jonathan Perry

September 25, 2023 @ 09:57 AM

There is something special when it comes to small school football. Whether it's a sense of hometown pride or being able to recognize every name over the PA system during a game, football is in its purest form on Friday nights. Here's a look at some of the top players at the 2B level, making their names known for their hometown.    Angel Lopez ATH- Angel is an electrifying player to watch. His role at Manson High School as a two-way player shows how valuable he can be at the next level. I've had the chance to watch Angel play QB, RB, WR, SS, and OLB, throughout the last 3 seasons. Although this is an impressive feat in itself, Angel exceeds expectations whenever he picks up a new position, being one of the best athletes in the state. Angel does not currently hold any others but has attracted interest at many levels, most notably by Central Washington University, as he participated in their team camp this summer. Angel's success over the first 4 games is evident, as Manson is off to a 4-0 start this season behind his production on both sides of the ball.   Nate Clinton OT/DE - Riverview High School in Kennewick looks to build off of a solid 2022 campaign, and Nate Clinton is at the forefront of their 2023 season. Nate boasts a 6'4 210lb body at RT. Look to see him turn some heads in recruiting, especially among the NAIAs in the area. Nate is a very good run blocker and seems to understand play concepts well, but is an incredibly patient pass protector. Riverview's offense has thrived playing behind him, scoring just over 38 points a game over their first 4.    [player_tooltip player_id='915381' first='Dylan' last='Jones'] MLB/OT - This years Kalama football team is gonna rely heavily on their linebackers, just as they have in years past. [player_tooltip player_id='915381' first='Dylan' last='Jones'] is going to be at the forefront of the linebackers, just as he was last season. Standing at 6'2 205lbs, Dylan plays with an incredibly high motor and uses great technique in order to make plays. This goes as no surprise, as Kalama is consistently one of the best coached teams in the state regardless of classification. Look to see Dylan attract some offers this fall, especially considering the density of good Division 3 football on the west-side of the state.    [player_tooltip player_id='1136312' first='Carter' last='Kuchenbuch'] QB/TE/DE - A legacy to former Idaho LB Casey Kuchenbuch, Carter shows an incredible physical style of play that will translate to every level of college football. Starring at both QB and OLB last season in Okanogan, I would love to see him move back to DE full-time as he did his sophomore season. Carter has a huge frame at 6'5 230lbs, even though he doesn't look much over 215. Division 1 coaches need to put Carter on notice, because he is truly a dominant player. With a recent unofficial visit to UW, it's good to see that the Power 5 school is still valuing in-state recruits. Whether its' completing passes, sacking the opposing quarterback, or even lead blocking on a sweep play, Kuchenbuch is going to dominate.    Cort Gebbers TE/DE- Cort is a very exciting prospect in the 2024 class. Brewster was able to feature Cort late last season, and his impact showed. A 6'4 215lb TE at the 2B level is not common, as his ability transcends the level he plays at. He is very quick off the ball and looks to run through defenders at full speed in the open field, another skill that is hard to teach with bigger athletes. Look to see Cort get more college attention this season, as I believe he will attract multiple colleges during his senior campaign, especially considering his play thus far through 4 weeks.

There is something special when it comes to small school football. Whether it's a sense of hometown pride or being able to recognize every name over the PA system during a game, football is in its purest form on Friday nights. Here's a look at some of the top players at the 2B level, making their names known for their hometown.