Week 3 Review: Rock Canyon Jaguars vs Denver East Angels

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A look at the five best performances from this nonconference matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Review</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming into this nonconference contest between the 21st ranked Rock Canyon Jaguars and the Denver East Angels, many expected this game to be one of the more exciting matchups of Week 3. The game would, for the most part, live up to the hype as both teams would trade scores in the first half, with the Angels holding a 14-12 lead going into the locker room. Unfortunately for Denver East, the Rock Canyon defense would completely shut them out while the Jaguars offense would add two scores on consecutive possessions to seal the 26-14 win over the Angels. It was a hard-fought game between both teams and Rock Canyon certainly earned this victory, with players on both sides playing major roles for their respective teams. With that being said though, here are the five players who I felt had the strongest performances from this thrilling contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players of the Game</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gavin Neira, Rock Canyon Jaguars (QB)(Sr.)(9) - Neira might not have had an all-world type of night, but he was easily one of the most impactful players on either side of the ball for the Jaguars, accounting for three of Rock Canyon's four total touchdowns on the night. Neira made plays when they mattered the most as he went 8 of 15 (53%) for 99 yards passing, 2 passing touchdowns against an interception, and a QBR of 85.8 while also contributing a touchdown on the ground as well. When you dive into the tape of Neira's performance against the Denver East defense, you can see he is an extremely poised, highly intelligent QB that takes what the defense gives him. Decisive but risk-averse signal-caller that rarely makes bad decisions with the ball that put the team into tough positions. Displays good accuracy on throws to all levels of the field, with ball placement often allowing his receivers to create after the catch. Not lethal as a runner but mobile enough to buy time for him to find receivers open downfield while also presenting a potential threat on the ground if the opposing defense doesn't account for his legs. Quick-witted passer that can create when forced out of the pocket or when the play breaks down. Neira is currently unranked on recruiting boards for the class of 2024 with a combination of his smaller frame (5'11, 160 lbs) and relative small sample size as a starter probably being why. Regardless, Neira is an incredibly talented player that will look to finish his prep career strong.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1280093' first='Tyler' last='Meyer'], Rock Canyon Jaguars (RB)(Jr.)(22) - Meyer might have had the most dominant night of any player in this game, as the results might have been different for the Jaguars had he not suited up. The Denver East defense couldn't do much to slow down Meyer as he accounted for an impressive 140 yards rushing on 20 carries (7.0 YPC) while also adding 42 yards receiving and a receiving touchdown as well. When you turn on the film of Meyer's showing against the Angels defense, you can see he displays great top-end foot speed in the open-field, consistently pulling away from 2nd and 3rd level defenders if he finds a crease. Extremely elusive runner in the open field that can find space quickly, presenting a threat to turn any touch into a big play. Displays good lateral agility when bouncing the ball to the outside, which is what anchors his elusive running style. Shows great ability as a receiver out of the back field, often creating a matchup problem with 2nd and 3rd level defenders lined up with him in man coverage because of his combination of speed and lateral agility. Meyer isn't currently ranked on any recruiting boards for the class of 2025, with the reason probably being that this is his first year as the starter in the Rock Canyon backfield. Either way, he's a tremendously talented player that will continue to be the workhorse of the Jaguars offense this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='710194' first='Landen' last='Holloway'], Denver East Angels (LB)(Sr.)(1) – Holloway had as good of an all-around game as any player on either team in this matchup, contributing on both sides of the ball. Holloway was truly a dominant player against Rock Canyon as he registered a remarkable 16 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, and a pass deflection while also adding a rushing touchdown on the offensive side of the ball as well. When you turn on the film of Holloway's night against the Jaguars offense, the first thing that jumps off the tape is the sheer amount of force he brings to the point-of-contact, straight-up leveling blockers and ball carriers alike as soon as contact is made. Incredibly powerful player at the Mike backer position that can fill running-lanes in the blink of an eye without giving up gap integrity. Lightning quick first step out of his stance that can allow him to crash downhill in run support quickly or drop into pass coverage fast enough to clog throwing lanes. Very savvy, smart Mike backer that can rapidly read and react to the offense's play call, consistently being around the ball. Shows an incredible ability to stack-and-shed opposing blockers thanks to a combination of hand placement/strength and a low center of gravity, consistently maintaining a low pad level at the point-of-contact with the opposing blocker. Shows great ability in pass coverage whether dropping into zone coverage or when being asked to run with opposing TEs and RBs in man coverage. Holloway is currently ranked the number 6 LB and the number 61 player overall for the class of 2024, which I know I've harped on in previous pieces as being way too low. Underrated rankings aside, Holloway is a stud of a backer that will look to finish his career as an Angel strong before playing somewhere collegiately in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='404966' first='Deion' last='Giles-Ray'], Denver East Angels (DB)(Jr.)(6) – Much like his teammate in the previous entry, Giles-Ray had an extremely well-rounded night for the Angels. Giles-Ray was a massive contributor on both sides of the ball as he accounted for an incredible 13 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, a forced fumble and a pass deflection while also contributing 71 yards receiving on 3 receptions (23.7 YPR) on offense. Turning to the tape of Giles-Ray's showing against Rock Canyon, the first thing you see is a DB with a knack for finding the football, whether dropping into coverage or coming up in run support. Versatile chess piece of a player on the back end of the defense that lined up in multiple different positions depending on the formation; lining up as a deep safety, in the box, and nickel corner. Aggressive tackler that brings plenty of force to the point-of-attack when making contact with the opposing ball carrier despite his smaller frame (5'9, 165 lbs). Displays a physical and tenacious playing style that allows him to make his presence felt in run support and pass defense by the opposing offense, as he never shies away from contact. Shows a good understanding of his gap responsibilities when coming up to make his run fits, filling hard and rarely being out of position. Shows excellent ability as an the box defender or nickel corner, but is at his best when lined up as a deep defender in the middle of the field where he can keep everything in front of him while presenting insurance for the defense on the back end. Giles-Ray is currently ranked the number 4 DB and the number 32 player overall for the class of 2025, but can certainly expect to generate even more buzz if he continues to play like he has the last few weeks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brandon Stout, Rock Canyon Jaguars (LB)(Jr.)(42) - Stout was undoubtedly the most valuable player on the defensive side of the ball for the Jaguars with his performance last Friday. Stout was an absolute force for the Rock Canyon defense as he accounted for 7 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, a sack, a pass deflection, and 2 fumble recoveries including one recovered in the end zone for a touchdown. When you watch the film from Stout's night against the Denver East offense, you can see he displays great physicality at the point-of-contact with an opposing player, showing a good, low pad level and bringing plenty of force when driving through contact with the ball carrier or the opposing blocker. Extremely savvy run defender that has a good understanding of how to attack the outside shoulder of a blocker when working play-side to set the edge and prevent the ball carrier from getting outside. Great athlete with excellent first-step acceleration out of his stance when crashing downhill and filling his run fits. Displays a great awareness of his gap responsibilities and integrity of the edge when pursuing the ball carrier. Good overall athleticism and a nose for the ball allow him to play multiple roles in the 2nd level of the defense. Stout is currently unranked on recruiting boards for the class of 2025, but either way, he's an exceptionally talented player that will continue to be a stalwart for the Rock Canyon defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->