Runners Gonna Run: Top Week 6 Rushing Performances
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Sure, teams can spread out their offensive formations. They can align in all sorts of exotic 2×2 and 3×1 formations, they can employ empty sets and combination routes. But when it comes time to impose their will–when the weather becomes…
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Continue ReadingSure, teams can spread out their offensive formations. They can align in all sorts of exotic 2×2 and 3×1 formations, they can employ empty sets and combination routes. But when it comes time to impose their will–when the weather becomes a factor, when they need to keep the opposing offense off the field, or when they’ve just gotta run out the clock to seal the win, they’re gonna run the football. That truism, as old as the game itself, underscores the importance of consistent, dependable and dynamic ball carriers like the following prospects who helped lead their respective squads to Week 6 victories with standout rushing performances:
Ludlow’s 56-14 win over Bellevue was the Panthers’ eighth straight win in the traditional 108-game series, and Anness was a consistently dynamic contributor offensively, finishing the night with 146 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 successful two-point conversion on 20 carries. A physical insider runner with the ability to abruptly cut without decelerating, he also gathered in two pass receptions for 18 yards and contributed 5 total tackles defensively. Currently the team’s leading rusher with 646 yards and 7 touchdowns on 80 carries, his 8.1 yards per carry and 107.7 yards per game average places him 8th among all Class A rushers. Likewise a top contributor defensively, he ranks third among Panther tacklers with 44 total stops, 4 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles and 1 32-yard scoop-and-score. Just a sophomore, Anness displays the athleticism, speed and developmental trajectory to become one of northern Kentucky’s top prospects during his prep career.
Jamarion Gardner Jamarion Gardner 5'9" | 160 lbs | RB Russellville | 2027 State KY
Jamarion Gardner Jamarion Gardner 5'9" | 160 lbs | RB Russellville | 2027 State KY
A wide receiver with the speed and elusiveness to also provide repetitions at running back, Gardner enjoyed a breakout performance in his Panthers’ big 38-0 win at Ballard Memorial with 20 carries for 158 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 successful two-point conversion. Predominantly an outside run threat with the breakaway speed to convert routine gains into chunk plays or touchdowns, he demonstrates a growing understanding of the patience and timing required for inside runs and exhibits consistent technical progression in areas like pad level and ball security. For the season, he has accumulated 280 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns on 43 carries while also catching 14 balls for 154 yards and two more scores. Just a freshman, Gardner also has 1 interception from his defensive back position and displays the versatility, athleticism and physicality to help restore this Russellville program to its former luster.
In the Bluebirds’ decisive 51-21 victory at Dixie Heights, Giesler broke loose for 205 yards and 1 touchdown on 24 carries and legitimized his claim as the top prep running back in northern Kentucky. A physical, durable downhill runner with the speed and vision to maximize inside gains, his ability to run through initial contact and maintain forward lean/momentum make him particularly effective in short-yardage scenarios. With 701 yards rushing and 5 touchdowns on 99 carries, he currently averages 100.1 yards per game, and he also has hauled in 14 pass receptions for 115 yards and 2 more scores. The Bluebirds’ leading rusher last season, Giesler’s contributions led a rushing attack that generated 432 yards on the night against Dixie Heights and have helped his offensive squad average over 53 points per game during their current five-game winning streak.
In his squad’s 62-0 thrashing of cross-town rival South Laurel, Gregory registered his fifth 100-yard rushing game of the season, finishing with 133 yards and 1 touchdown on 13 carries. An aggressive runner with excellent acceleration and the ability to cut against the flow of pursuit, his forward lean and pad level–coupled with a powerful lower body–make him challenging to tackle one-on-one, and his patience for blocking schemes to develop underscore his acumen for the interior running game. After finishing his junior season with 1,251 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns, he currently averages 116.3 yards rushing per game (5th in Class AAAAA, 39th statewide).
Highlights
Alex Koeder
Alex Koeder
After leading his Blue Jacket squad in rushing last year as a sophomore, Koeder has picked up right where he left off–as evidenced by his 229 yards rushing, 4 touchdowns and 30 total points scored in Nicholas County’s 60-20 blowout win at Fairview. Surpassing 1,500 yards rushing and scoring 21 touchdowns, he finished last year as the #4 rusher in Class A and this season only underscores his consistency–as he currently ranks 5th among all Class A rushers with 775 yards and 7 touchdowns on 130 carries (110.7 yards per game). In addition to his ongoing successes in the running game, Koeder also remains the Blue Jackets’ 5th-leading tackler with 30 total stops, 1 tackle for loss and 1 sack. Both offensively and defensively, his speed, physicality and high motor confirm his potential for next-level opportunities and placement.