Brian’s Best – Chanhassen vs. Mankato West
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I will admit that I didn’t wait for the weather delay in Chanhassen Friday night. As far as state rankings go, Mother Nature could not have had worse timing, forcing a game between number one Mankato West and number two…
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Continue ReadingI will admit that I didn’t wait for the weather delay in Chanhassen Friday night. As far as state rankings go, Mother Nature could not have had worse timing, forcing a game between number one Mankato West and number two Chanhassen into a lengthy rain delay. Although I did not stick around to watch the conclusion of Chanhassen’s 21-14 late-night victory, I saw enough to see some impressive individual performances.
Woods showed why he is considered one of the best backs in the state. He used his speed to the corner on two early ten-yard runs. Woods is a two-way player. As a defensive back, he showed good coverage on a deep ball. He got his hands on the ball and deflected the pass. Woods got around the corner again on third and long for a first down. Then, he showed good vision and good feet when he started right – didn’t see anything he liked and cut to the left. He still had nowhere to go, so he cut back to the right for eight yards.
Highlights
McAninch was very effective with the short passing game – especially under fifteen yards. He used his feet well, too – scoring the Scarlets’ first touchdown on a short run. Later in the half, he showed good quickness on a designed run up the middle.
Windschitl started with a bang. He threw a perfect deep ball down the sidelines for 25 yards. Later, the senior uncorked another nice deep ball for a 22-yard touchdown. He threw an accurate ball throughout the first half – especially on the sidelines.
McAninch made a good read and stuffed a counter for a short loss. Then, he fought off a block to string a run to the outside, only allowing for a short gain.
Daxton Bush
Daxton Bush
Bush showed great speed down the sidelines for a 25-yard catch. He showed excellent hands on a 22-yard touchdown. The senior showed solid footwork when a sharp cut on his route made the defender lose his footing – making for an easy completion. His great hand, eye coordination was on display when he made a leaping catch on the sidelines for 23 yards.
Akim was a true weapon for the Scarlets. In the first half, he put two kickoffs through the end zone. He also made an extra point. As a punter, he had a punt downed inside the five-yard line.
Highlights
Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith
Smith made two impactful plays on defense in the first half. He made an open-field tackle for a short gain on a throw to the flat. Then, he broke on an out route and knocked down a pass.
Carter Bersaw
Carter Bersaw
Bersaw was effective running between the tackles. He broke some arm tackles on a tough run up the middle. Later, he didn’t have much room up the middle, but he made multiple quick cuts in a small area to pick up positive yards when he should have been dropped for a loss.
Jackson Hinz
Jackson Hinz
Early, he made a tackle for a short gain. Then, he came off the edge to run down a back for a short loss. Finally, he closed on a crossing route and broke up a pass.