Players to Watch in NV 5A D-III Playoffs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Prospects to keep an eye on as the Nevada 5A playoffs kickoff this week. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>North</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["819533"],"_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":"Jackson finished the regular season as the state's leading rusher with nearly 2,000 yards and 27 TDs in 10 games. Douglas leaned heavily on their senior RB giving him 20+ carries per game which he turned into 100+ yards and 1+ TD in every game except for their lone loss to Reed. He's a physical, bruising back with the size (6'/190), leg drive, and downhill power to bounce off contact and break explosive runs. Expect Jackson- who has multiple games of 200+ yards- to be one of the most productive players in Nevada's playoffs.  #1-Douglas earned a first-round bye after finishing undefeated in league and will face the winner of Carson and North Valleys on 11/3.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653a297396115"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ConnorJ2024/status/1716250462150856827","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ConnorJ2024/status/1716250462150856827 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["817755"],"_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":"Czyz is a versatile leader for Galena that makes plays as the top rusher (700+ yards/13 TDs) and tackler (101 total/9 TFLs), as a pass-catcher out of the slot, and a returner on special teams. He offers great upside at LB with his physical, tenacious style of play. He aggressively seeks out ball-carriers, uses leverage and violent hands to shed, and finishes with relentless motor to the football. He's a useful utility player on offense that can operate over the middle as a trips slot-receiver and makes plays with the ball in his hands. #2-Galena will host the winner of Wooster and Hug in the semifinal on 11/3.rnrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653a297396189"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CzyzJoseph/status/1710882314341978193","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CzyzJoseph/status/1710882314341978193 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1326755' first='Hector' last='Nunez'] ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"North Valleys ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Nunez is one of the most active tacklers in NV 5A with 106 total (60 solo) on the season. He's quick and efficient in dealing with OL working up to the second level and tracks down ball-carriers with his nose for the football. He holds more of an athletic build for an ILB but is physical to the punch at 5'10”/180. Nunez just posted his best performance of the season in North Valleys first league win over Hug with 11 total tackles, an INT, a FF, and a rushing TD. #5-North Valleys lost the league matchup to their first-round opponent, Carson, two weeks ago in a close 24-25 finish.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653a29739623e"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/hectornuneezzz/status/1716222209268879438","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/hectornuneezzz/status/1716222209268879438 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>More 5A D-III North Players to Watch:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='817714' first='Cole' last='Smalley'] </strong>(LB / 2024 / Douglas)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='817762' first='Trace' last='Estes']</strong> (ATH / 2024 / Douglas)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='817759' first='Maclain' last='McBride']</strong> (DL / 2024 / Galena)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Carlos Lopez </strong>(ATH / 2024 / Wooster)<strong> </strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Dominick Espinosa </strong>(ATH / 2024 / Wooster)<strong> </strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>JT Heaton </strong>(LB / 2025 / Carson)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>South</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["820765"],"_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":"Mckenzie leads Legacy's defensive unit as one of the top tacklers in 5A with 105 total (59 solo) and 11 TFLs in his junior season. He's risen the rankings of NV's 2025 LBs showing great speed, athleticism, and physicality. He packs a strong punch on initial contact and drives his legs with power through the tackle. He's extremely quick into the backfield with a sudden first-step and burst in his closing speed. Mckenzie's defensive production was a major key to #1-Legacy's undefeated league run- they'll face the winner of Clark and Cimarron-Memorial on 11/3 after a first-round bye.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653a2973962a4"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/d1_martel/status/1707047226567176240","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/d1_martel/status/1707047226567176240 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["817726"],"_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":"Hoskins leads #2-Palo Verde WRs with 39 catches for 650 yards and 7 TDs on the season. He's a lengthy, natural athlete that shows great catch radius and body control adjusting to passes outside his frame. He has natural hands as a pass-catcher, tracks the ball downfield extremely well, and competes at the highest point in 1v1 situations. Hoskins is an underrated WR prospect with natural upside in his length, radius, and hands. He's scored a TD in Palo Verde's last four games heading into the playoffs.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653a2973962fd"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/FuriousHoskins/status/1711935379543380272","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/FuriousHoskins/status/1711935379543380272 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Maddox Ellis ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025 ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Desert Oasis","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Ellis is a physical, tone-setting LB for #3-Desert Oasis. He has a physical build at 6'0/205, can stick ball-carriers at the LOS, and makes plays against the passing game as both a blitzer and zone-coverage defender. He's quick to trigger downhill and can fight through traffic to locate and track down ball-carriers. Ellis and the Desert Oasis defense will need to contain Spring Valley's top playmaker- 2024 RB [player_tooltip player_id='817729' first='Tipisone' last='Manu']- in the first round on Thursday.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653a297396393"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Ellis56Maddox/status/1705314675339255963","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Ellis56Maddox/status/1705314675339255963 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>More 5A D-III South Players to Watch:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='820692' first='Aidan' last='Crawford'] </strong>(QB / 2025 / Legacy) </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Phoenix Jennings </strong>(RB / 2024 / Legacy) </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Airamis Craven </strong>(RB / 2024 / Legacy)<strong> </strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='820683' first='Dominic' last='Oliver'] </strong>(WR / 2025 / Legacy)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='817734' first='Anthony' last='Hern']</strong> (LB / 2024 / Legacy) </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1112319' first='Crew' last='Dannels']</strong> (QB / 2025 / Palo Verde) </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1112338' first='Bryant' last='Johnson']</strong> (RB / 2025 / Palo Verde)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Evan Corpus </strong>(RB / 2024 / Desert Oasis)<strong> </strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='817729' first='Tipisone' last='Manu']</strong> (RB / 2024 / Spring Valley)<strong> </strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->