Week 2 Review: Fossil Ridge Sabercats vs Grandview Wolves
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A look at the five best players from this nonconference 5A matchup. Review Going into Week 2 of high school football action, there were several matchups that carried a little more anticipation than other games, with this contest between the…
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Continue ReadingA look at the five best players from this nonconference 5A matchup.
Review
Going into Week 2 of high school football action, there were several matchups that carried a little more anticipation than other games, with this contest between the 20th ranked Fossil Ridge Sabercats and the 15th ranked Grandview Wolves being one of the more highly anticipated matchups of last weekend. Early on, the Wolves would be the first team to draw blood, quickly jumping out to a 10-0 lead in the 1st quarter. Coming out in the 2nd quarter though, the Sabercats would respond with a score of their own to cut the lead to 10-7. It wouldn’t take long for the Grandview offense to counter with another score to extend their lead to 17-7 going into halftime. The 2nd half is when the Wolves would start to pull away in commanding fashion, scoring on consecutive possessions to hold a 31-7 lead entering the 4th quarter. Fossil Ridge would return an interception for a touchdown at the beginning of the quarter but it was ultimately too-little-too-late, as Grandview would add another score to seal the convincing 38-13 victory over the Sabercats. Despite the relatively one-sided contest, both teams had players with strong nights but these were the five who I felt had the strongest showings.
Players of the Game
Liam Szarka Liam Szarka 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Grandview | 2024 State CO , Grandview Wolves (QB)(Sr.)(12) – Szarka was easily one of the more impactful players on the offensive side of the ball in this game. Against the Sabercats defense, the senior QB went 20 of 29 (69%) for a prolific 327 yards passing, 4 passing touchdowns against an interception, and a QBR of 131.8. When you watch the tape of Szarka’s night against the Fossil Ridge defense, you can see that he has an extremely strong arm that allows him to hit receivers on short and intermediate routes in between tight windows while also giving him the ability to take the top off of even the most dynamic defensive backfields. Smart and poised QB that moves through his progressions quickly and decisively while limiting turnover worthy plays. Confident passer that takes calculated risks without forcing throws into no-win situations. Shows accuracy and great anticipation to all levels of the field. Precise passer while making throws on the run and against his body. Hard-nosed runner that isn’t afraid to be aggressive at the point-of-contact with the defender to gain extra yards. Displays good vision finding day light on designed runs. Displays a knack for escaping the pocket and creating big plays when forced to scramble. Shows great lateral agility and top end foot speed that allows him to pull away from most 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Szarka possesses the traits, production, and the frame (6’2, 190 lbs) that college recruiters covet. Szarka is currently rated the number 3 QB and number 25 player overall in Colorado for the class of 2024, which given his performance against Fossil Ridge, seems like a well-deserved ranking.
Nick Kubat, Fossil Ridge Sabercats (QB)(Jr.)(8) – Despite the lopsided result of this contest, Kubat did everything in his power to keep the Sabercats in the game and left it all on the field in his last game leading the Fossil Ridge offense. Kubat was about as precise as you could ask your QB to be against the Regis Jesuit defense, going an impressive 19 of 32 (59%) for 306 yards passing, 4 passing touchdowns against an interception, and a QBR of 118.0. When you put on the film of Kubat’s performance against the Raiders defense, you can see you can see that Kubat is a very strong armed passer with enough arm strength to hit every level of the field. Highly efficient passer that makes good decisions with the ball, rarely trying to do too much or force throws. Savvy, poised QB that takes what the defense gives him and is rarely phased in the face of pressure. Deceptive athleticism allows him to be a threat running the ball when scrambling or on designed runs. Good pocket presence that allows him to buy enough time for receivers to create separation downfield. Shows a good ability to throw accurately on the run, off-platform, and from different arm angles. Tough runner as a ball carrier, not being afraid to lower his shoulder and drive his pads through contact to finish a run. Kubat isn’t currently ranked on any recruiting boards for the class of 2025, but if he can continue to play at a high level, he’ll certainly start creating more recruiting buzz.
Donavon Vernon Donavon Vernon 5'8" | 180 lbs | RB Grandview | 2025 State CO , Grandview Wolves (RB)(Jr.)(35) – While not necessarily dominating against the Fossil Ridge defense, Vernon played an unbelievably important role for the Wolves offense. Despite not lighting up the stat sheet, Vernon made plays when they mattered the most, as he accounted for 48 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown on 10 carries (4.8 YPC). When you look at the tape from Vernon’s night against the Sabercats, you can see he displays outstanding vision when running between the tackles or when working the boundary and finding running-lanes at the 2nd and 3rd level of the defense. Strong lower body and a low center of gravity allow him to change direction on a dime and possess incredible lateral agility. Highly elusive ball carrier that is tough to get a hand on in the open field, routinely making multiple defenders miss when he’s in space. Displays good explosiveness through the line and great top-end acceleration that make him a threat for a big play at almost any point in the game. Deceptively strong for his smaller stature (5’7, 170 lbs), routinely running through arm tackles on inside carries and holding his own when being asked to pass protect. Displays good top-end foot speed when he gets in space, consistently being able to outrun slower 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Shows an aggressive running style with the ball, not shying away from contact with a defender and driving his legs through contact. Very smart RB that shows an understanding of how to set up blocks for his teammates, allowing him to gain more yards in space. Vernon is currently ranked the number 6 RB and the number 39 player overall for the class of 2025, which is certainly a well-earned ranking given his potential and importance to the Grandview offense.
Nate Denton, Grandview Wolves (WR)(Sr.)(5) – Denton was easily the top receiving threat from either team in this game, as the Fossil Ridge defense had no answers for him. Denton put up some remarkable numbers from this contest, as he registered an incredible 146 yards receiving and a receiving touchdown on just 5 receptions (29.2 YPR). When you dive into the film of Denton’s performance against the Sabercats, you can see he is a highly explosive receiver who presents a threat to take the top off the defense on any given play. Displays great top-end foot speed that allows him to separate with straight line speed alone against slower boundary defenders. Good ability as a route runner that shows an ability to consistently create separation against defenders running with him in man coverage. Shows strong, tough hands when making receptions in traffic when working short or intermediate routes over the middle. Elusive runner after the catch that presents a challenge for 2nd and 3rd level defenders to tackle in one-on-one situations in space. Displays excellent short-area quickness and lateral agility that makes him a tough cover for most nickel DBs that are tasked with covering him in a phone booth. Versatile receiver that can line up in the slot or on the boundary but is at his best operating out of the slot. Denton isn’t currently ranked on any recruiting boards for the class of 2024, but will continue to be a key cog in the machine that is the Grandview offense.
Luke Christen, Fossil Ridge Sabercats (LB)(Jr.)(54) – Despite being on the losing side of the field, Christen was easily this contest’s top defensive performer. Christen made his presence felt in every facet of the defense, accounting for a strong line of 6 tackles, a tackle for a loss, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for a touchdown. Diving into the tape of Christen’s night against the Grandview offense, you can see that he is an extremely high motor player that relentlessly pursues the play no matter where he’s at on the field. Very smart, highly aware LB that understands his role and doesn’t stretch his play beyond his responsibilities. Exceptional understanding of his run fits and gap responsibilities, rarely being caught out-of-position. Displays consistently sound form at the point-of-contact when attacking the ball carrier, getting his head across the core, wrapping up, and driving his legs through contact. Shows good first step explosiveness when coming out of his stance and crashing downhill towards the line of scrimmage in run support. Adept defender when dropping into zone coverage, consistently showing the ability to read the QB’s eyes and clog throwing lanes. Christen isn’t currently ranked on any recruiting boards for the class of 2025 with his smaller frame for the position (5’9, 190 lbs) probably explaining why, but regardless, Christen will certainly be an important piece to the Fossil Ridge defense this season.