Garden State Gamers: Week 5’s Top Defensive Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we enter a pivotal week 6, here are some of the top statistical performers from week 5. Entering week 6, it will be interesting to see if these prospects can replicate their success from last week. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Week 3's Top Pass Rushing Performances</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1032185"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Glen Ridge needed a victory to ensure they keep pace with the rest of their bracket - that is exactly what they managed to do. In a hard-fought 22-13 victory at Morris Catholic, Lilioa took this objective personally as he recorded 3 sacks on the day. Lilioa also registered 3 tackles for loss and 4 solo stops in the contest.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65204a7f122e5"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1032184"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One of New Jersey's top teams reasserted themselves over local competition as Bergen Catholic defeated Depaul 31-13. In this contest Irby-Mason finally had his breakthrough game as a varsity player. Irby-Mason terrorized Depaul all game long to the tune of 8 tackles (6 solos), 2 tackles for loss, and a game-high 2 sacks.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65204a7f12345"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["971265"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"This might be the second time Oldfield has been identified as a weekly pass rushing standout. On the heels of a heartbreaking 0-3 loss at Moorestown, Oakcrest needed a big win to return to the .500 mark on the season as they head down the stretch. Oldfield did more than his part as he led the state in sacks this week with 4. Additionally, he had another tackle for loss as well as 6 other tackles in the 22-13 victory at Absegami.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65204a7f1239d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["380386"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mattesich had a breakthrough game on defense for Mahwah last week. In the 27-6 win against Bergenfield, Mattesich had three sacks. Unfortunately there are no more stats to report in the game; however Mattesich played a big part in the Thunderbirds' offensive attack as well.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65204a7f123ef"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["819131"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Barlow was a standout I identified from the Jersey Juice event back in camp season. In his last game, a 41-0 dub over Palmyra, we now know why. In this contest Barlow made 6 stops - 4 of which were of the solo variety - to go along with a total of 3 sacks. This game brings his season sack total to 6.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65204a7f1243f"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Week 3's Top Pass Defending Performances</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1032179"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A young Princeton team is playing more like a trial-tested commodity. Now 3-2 on the season after a 29-0 victory at Holy Cross - their third shutout of the season - one Little Tiger roared louder than the rest on defense. Despite just one tackle Hinds, a sophomore, intercepted two passes and returned one for a touchdown.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65204a7f12492"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1032177"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Burkhardt appears to have been pushing for more and more playing time in recent weeks for Glen Rock. After his play in a 16-6 win over Becton, I think he might have entrenched himself as a must-play prospect. Burkhardt has 10 tackles last week; however, he forced 2 turnovers when he intercepted 2 Becton passes. In a tight, one possession game (that was likely extended beyond that from two point conversions), Burkhardt came up huge with his play.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65204a7f124e1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1032200"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"When you shut out a team 28-0, there are undoubtedly some big time plays throughout the game. Lacy defeated Central Regional on the road by that score in week 5 and Tobia had a big part in it. The senior defensive back made 3 tackles, intercepted 2 passes, and forced his first fumble of the season. A constant ball disrupter, he looks to continue his dynamic play in week 6.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65204a7f12556"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["819126"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Johnson actually had a productive game on both sides of the ball last time out against Camden Eastside. A winner, 24-20, Johnson made 9 tackles in the contest. In a super-tight game, Johnson ended 2 drives on defense by intercepted 2 passes. On the ground Johnson slashed 22/93/1 to pace the offense.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65204a7f125a3"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Week 3's Top Run-Stuffing Performances</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1032183"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Getting back over the .500 mark was a big goal this week for Pascack Valley. That goal was accomplished in convincing fashion by way of a 47-14 victory at Demarest. In this matchup, Ricciardi was an absolute vacuum on defense. The junior linebacker made 19 stops in the game on defense - one of the top totals in the state for week 5.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65204a7f125ed"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1011816"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"As Ricciardi was a top tackler in the state last week, Thomas u003cemu003ewas u003c/emu003ethe top tackler in the state last week. His 21 tackles last week showed how effective he can be as a run stopper. In the 28-0 loss against Dunellen, Thomas was obviously reading his keys clearly and followed the guards as he was tasked with trying to slow down a Wing-T offense.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65204a7f12639"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1032178"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One Hillbilly had a throwback game this last week. With ample opportunity to stuff the run, Maisano showed out last week in a 35-14 loss against Mountain Lakes. Just a sophomore, Maisano was again atop the state leaderboard in terms of tackles with 21. He had about an even split of 10 solos to 11 assists.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65204a7f12684"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1032198"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A defensive back by trade, Reevey made a whopping total of 18 stops from his safety spot. A big-time game wrecker rolling down in the alley, Reevey also made 3 tackles for loss, forced a fumble, and recovered a fumble as well. These big time plays stuck to make a difference in a 20-14 victory on the road at St. John Vianney.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65204a7f126cd"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["172830"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"As we already analyzed [player_tooltip player_id='380386' first='Braiden' last='Mattesich']'s play for Mahwah against Bergenfield, the Bears too had an outstanding defender. Perez played lights out on defense as a linebacker. The senior made 20 tackles (12 solos), including 2 tackles for loss in the 27-6 loss.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65204a7f12715"} /-->