Best of Week 9: Dominant Defenders
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Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription! Week 9 ended with a bang a multiple teams battled it out for conference championships. Many of those dog fights came down to defensive stands and talented individuals making key stops.…
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Week 9 ended with a bang a multiple teams battled it out for conference championships. Many of those dog fights came down to defensive stands and talented individuals making key stops. With that all sorted out, it is time to crown state champions! Before we begin the second season, we have to look back on Week 9 to see who dominated on defense. These are names to know, so let’s get familiar with them.
Storm Tiry
Storm Tiry
Stats: 13 Tackles, 6 TFLs, 3 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 FRrnStanley- Boyd has a talented roster with next level talent on other sides of the ball. We talked about an offensive standout yesterday. Today we focus on standout DE Storm Tiry. The 6’3″ 225 lbs junior is a game wrecker. He thrives at creating chaos in the backfield. Storm has the strength to simply run through block attempts. His speed gives him the option to chase down plays from across the formation. Tiry utilizes his hands in the trenches, and his pass rush moves are effective but still developing. The blend of his length, athleticism, power, and technique paired with the upside potential as he further develops the nuanced parts of the position have me very excited for where he can be a year from now. This is a need to know 2025.
Stats: 9 Tackles, 1 INT, 1 FFrnLast year, Noah made his impact on the DL. It looks like he has moved to LB, and the 6’3″ 220 lbs junior has become an intimidating force in the middle of the SMSA defense. It is quick film from this week, but take a look at the other clips while you’re at it. Noah hammers ball carriers with hard hitting tackles that stop all forward momentum instantly. Moul also possesses solid range from the ILB position to be able to cover the middle of the field against the pass game. On the INT you see him read the QB, close on the catch point and make a play on the ball. Noah has been a key piece to the SMSA defense all season.
Highlights
Stats: 7 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 Sack, 1 FFrnWe covered Carter early in the season, and I really like the growth shown since then. Appl seems to be playing much faster than he was in Week 1. It looks like he is reacting more than thinking. That has pushed his game up a notch. Carter has exciting tools for playing out on the edge. He gets off the ball quickly, has closing speed and speed to chase down plays. The junior has the body control and footwork to be able to use lateral movement to make OT/TEs miss. Carter is able to generate power from his initial burst that has given him the ability to power through run blocks and make tackles. Appl’s game is improving steadily. Keep an eye on him and this Xavier defense during the postseason.
Highlights
Stats: 18 Tackles, 1 TFLrnJonathan needs to be on even more radars than he is right now. He has been a huge contributor as Kettle Moraine ended the regular season with their first ever Classic 8 Conference Championship. The senior LB has developed excellent instincts for the position. He is a true chess piece in the middle of the defense that you can use to shut down pieces of an opposing offense. Ksobiech has been used to mirror the QB, he reads the OL and mirrors RBs leading to him perfectly filling gaps and shutting down the run game. The senior has the speed, agility, and overall athleticism to be able to play sideline to sideline while avoiding blocks. On top of that, the impact senior has taken over at QB for the KM offense this season. This is a need to know senior.
Highlights
Jahad Pommells
Jahad Pommells
Stats: 5 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 Sack, 1 FFrnJahad is new to my radar, and I’m glad I came across his tape. The senior lined up at CB, MLB, and OLB throughout the game last Thursday. As a blitzer, Jahad was able to time his get off really well, allowing him some free runs on the QB and increasing the pressure even if he didn’t get home. Pommells is aggressive on the edge against the run too. He is able to do enough to hold the edge, and fights to get free and make the tackle when the RB gets to him. Jahad is a versatile prospect that I can see drawing the eyes of the D3 level.
Stats: 10 Tackles, 2 TFLsrnAndrew has been a consistent two way contributor for River Ridge this season. Today, we focus on his defensive work. The 6′ and now 185 lbs LB was able to put together a good game on defense despite the wet, slippery conditions. My major takeaway was how well Andrew navigates the trash that is between the tackles. He uses lateral movement to adjust his positioning so he can stay square to the line if he needs to take on a block or make the tackle. Nies reads the flow of the OL well, moves with it, and does a good job of finding ways to slip through unblocked so he can make the tackle. Nies looked to be a reliable run stuffer between the tackles, and a FB who can get the tough yards between the tackles on offense too.
Other Dominant Performances
- Ta’Shawn Carter, DL- MIlwaukee Washington Co-Op: 10 Tackles, 3 Sacks
- Carl Pevey Jr Carl Pevey Jr 6'0" | 240 lbs | DL Catholic Memorial | 2024 State WI ., DL- Catholic Memorial: 9 Tackles, 5 TFLs, 2 Sacks
- Keagan Jirschele Keagan Jirschele 5'9" | ATH Mosinee | 2024 State WI , DB/WR- Mosinee: 2 Tackles, 2 Pick Sixes
- Easton Stone, LB- Rice Lake: 15 Tackles, 1 TFL
- Mason Motquin, DB- Southern Door: 8 Tackles, 2 INTs