Standouts from Valor Christian (5-4) vs Thunder Ridge (4-5)
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Week 9 had a highly anticipated matchup between the Valor Christian Eagles (5-4), and the ThunderRidge Grizzlies (4-5). The Valor Eagles had a great game against the Grizzlies, with the final score being 41-7. However the Grizzlies had some playmakers…
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Continue ReadingWeek 9 had a highly anticipated matchup between the Valor Christian Eagles (5-4), and the ThunderRidge Grizzlies (4-5). The Valor Eagles had a great game against the Grizzlies, with the final score being 41-7. However the Grizzlies had some playmakers to talk about as well. Great game between two Highlands Ranch teams.
Blake Kirschke
Blake Kirschke
Kirschke had a phenomenal night against the ThunderRidge Grizzlies. He accounted for 13 total tackles, 7 solo and 6 assisted. He also got some action on the offensive side of the ball. 1 carry for 52 yards and a touchdown. Blake was consistently where the ball carrier was. Has good acceleration and quickness out of his stance. It creates very good downhill speed to plug the gaps and create tackles. He’d read the quarterback’s eyes, and would go to where he was looking. Kirschke has a high motor, and consistently plays after the whistle. He’s a physical tackler and his play speaks for itself.
Ryan Gonzales
Ryan Gonzales
Even with the loss against Valor, Gonzales played a great game and was a bright spot in the Grizzlies offense. Dynamic playmaker has a dual-threat QB. 1st thing that you see on the tape is his ability to throw accurately under pressure. The Eagles defensive line was eating up the Grizzlies offensive line, and he was consistently under pressure. However, even with that Gonzales stayed poised and would find the man sitting in the open void. He’s a got a good fast release in combination with good throw on the run, plus short & medium accuracy. Once he gets out of the pocket, he was dangerous as a runner. He has good elusiveness and acceleration. Mix in his home run speed and he’s a massive threat. Instead of taking the big hits, he demonstrated good awareness and would run out of bounds or slide to protect himself.
Evan Olds
Evan Olds
Another bright spot for the Grizzlies offense. Olds accounted for 10 carries for 70 yards, and 8 receptions for 80 yards. Olds was Gonzales’ safety net throughout the night. Even down 41-0, Olds showed grit and wouldn’t waver. He’s an angry runner, who isn’t scared of getting physical and will put the shoulder down to create contact. He’s a got good speed and elusiveness to outrun and out juke defenders. As a receiver, he was able to showcase his fluid catching ability. Slippery through the tackles, and demonstrated good change of direction in open space.
Jace Beal
Jace Beal
Beal had another solid game to put on his resume. Number 4 accounted for 3 receptions for 88 yards and 1 touchdown. Great playmaker alongside Cash Spence Cash Spence 5’10” | 165 lbs | ATH Valor Christian | 2026 CO and Gabe Sawchuk Gabe Sawchuk 5’10” | 165 lbs | RB Valor Christian | 2024 State CO on the Eagles offense. Beal demonstrated good release off of the line of scrimmage, and used his good athletic ability plus separation quickness to get open and make plays. He used his good ball tracking skills & natural catching to make big plays downfield. He plucks the ball out of the air, and it’s a fluid movement. He has good speed and yard after the catch ability. Will use his change of direction to create space with the ball.
Moises Freeman
Moises Freeman
Freeman notched another great game in his belt. He accounted for 7 total tackles (1 solo, and 6 assisted) plus 2 QB hits. Freeman was all over the place during this game. He created a ton of pressure against Gonzales. The LB has good downhill speed to get through the gaps, and create pressure. His sideline to sideline speed is amazing. He can be on the opposite side of the field, and get to the ball carrier within seconds. He would read the QB’s eyes as well as use his good mental processing to be a big playmaker for the Eagles defense. He was a major contribution in the win against the Grizzlies, and I’m looking forward to seeing what else he can do in the future.