Top Performers: Belleville Althoff vs Breese Mater Dei

Friday night I caught a pair of 5-1 teams that both have aspirations of making deep runs in the state tournament as Belleville Althoff in Class 1A hosted Breese Mater Dei in 3A.  Both rosters have college prospects on them with Althoff having two of the premier juniors in the country.  We break it down here!   What Happened?   Early on it was a penalty fest with the refs wanting to be the show of the game.  There had to have been 15 flags thrown in the first quarter and a half of this contest.  At one point Althoff had 4th and 57!  I've never seen that at any level EVER!  It was back and forth in the first half with Althoff scoring and then Mater Dei coming right back twice.  Breese Mater Dei took the lead into half 20-14 on a scramble by QB [player_tooltip player_id='271907' first='Trenton' last='Zeeb']. The second half was the Dierre Hill show.  This four star prospect completely took over the game with his running and versatility.  The defense also stepped up behind star defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='258001' first='Jason' last='Dowell'] not allowing any points as Belleville Althoff won 41-22   Standout Prospects   Dierre Hill (Belleville Althoff – 2025 – RB/S/ATH)   Hill was the star we came to see and in the second half he absolutely put on a show!  The four star junior offensively is used as an offensive weapon where he is utilized all over the field to create mismatches and get him the ball in space to do damage.  That might be out of the more traditional running back position in the shot gun, sweeps, handed the ball in motion, or working as a wide out in the slot.  Early on he was lining up in the slot quite a bit and then being motioned into the backfield.  Later in the game he just took over with his patience and long distance breakaway speed.  I loved how he would wait for his blocks to set up.  Very patient runner that if the hole is open will hit it, but is more than willing to dance and jump cut to find the right lane then accelerates on a dime to take it the distance as he did on two long TD runs.  Also was impressed with how hard he finished runs.  Always ended going forward getting those extra couple yards along with rarely ever letting the defense get a clean shot on him.  As a pass catcher his highlight came on a 42 yard catch down the sideline in the first half where he high-pointed it in traffic over his man for the contested grab.  Defensively he shined as well.  Lines up at safety and was a force coming down in run support or on bubble screen passes including one where he smoked the receiver.  They did give up a long pass once on his side of the field as the defense all went the other way.  Overall though he played well in space and covered pretty well when the ball was thrown his way.  By my stats (definitely not official) I had him for 26 carries for 215 yards and 3 TDs along with a 42 yard catch.  Lived up to the billing!   [player_tooltip player_id='258001' first='Jason' last='Dowell'] (Belleville Althoff – 2025 – DL/OT)   Dowell was the other star prospect we were excited to see for Althoff.  He is listed at 6'4” 288 lbs.  Strong frame and packs a punch at the point of attack.  The defensive lineman played up and down the line of scrimmage going from defensive tackle to defensive end all game long.  He had a pretty consistent effort throughout the game. He was at his best using his raw power on bull rushes pushing his opponent into the backfield.  Showed power in his hands on a few pass rush moves.  Seemed to get better as the game went on as he was a huge part of their second half dominant performance on the defensive side of the ball.  Late in the game on the final drive for Mater Dei he got a tackle for loss on first down, sack on second down, and then QB hurries on 3rd and 4th down which resulted in a pick on the last one.  Definitely has power five ability as a defensive lineman.  Also showed flashes playing on the offensive line opening up holes for Hill and their array of weapons with his physicality at the point of attack and athleticism.   [player_tooltip player_id='1292071' first='Charleston' last='Coldon'] (Belleville Althoff – 2025 – WR/DB)   Coldon will be another FBS prospect just like CJ Coldon from several years back.  This Coldon is a 6'1” wide out and DB that made big plays on both sides of the ball.  Offensively he is a good route runner that has excellent hands.  Really liked how he caught passes out in front of him on slants and curls.  Also high pointed a ball in the corner of the end zone for a 22 yard TD to start the scoring.  Defensively he had a big interception late to close the door on any chance of a comeback.  Big time athlete that has a bright future.   Antwan Strong (Belleville Althoff – 2024 – RB/WR/ATH)   Strong is a jack of all trades that was moved around the field kind of wherever he was needed.  The 5'9” athlete has a strong and stocky build with good speed.  Played as a running back, wide receiver, and kind of an all-around weapon.  Definitely flashed some playmaking potential.  Dropped a couple passes.  Can see him being a factor at the small college level.   [player_tooltip player_id='214234' first='Jayden' last='Ellington'] (Belleville Althoff – 2027 – QB)   Ellington caught my attention early and then when I noticed he was a freshman I was even more intrigued.  He is 5'11” with a thin and wiry frame.  Back in the day that would have been more of an issue, but in today's game it isn't with guys like Bryce Young being so successful.  As an athlete he was off the charts with his quickness and ability to run including one where he went 56 yards looking like a track star flying past everyone.  Much more than just a runner.  I was very impressed with his ability as a passer now and the upside he has to get better.  He excelled at putting touch on deep passes whether it be fades in the corner of the end zone or long passes down the sideline.  He was on the money over and over.  Short and intermediate routes he displayed good zip on his passes.  Could be a little more accurate, but liked what we saw.  The raw arm strength is there and should get better as he continues to grow and get stronger.  Could be looking at a power 5 QB down the line!   [player_tooltip player_id='1292104' first='Cooper' last='Zimmer'] (Belleville Althoff – 2025 – LB/H-Back)   Zimmer was kind of the x-factor for this Althoff team.  Was a good blocker on the offensive side.  Can be utilized in that move tight end role.  Defensively he seemed to have a nose for the ball and came up with several big plays including a pick.   [player_tooltip player_id='271907' first='Trenton' last='Zeeb'] (Breese Mater Dei – 2024 – QB)   Zeeb shined for Breese Mater Dei especially in the first half.  The senior 6'2” signal caller has solid size and we liked the mobility he showed.  Is comfortable throwing both in and out of the pocket.  Can extend plays with his legs and scramble when he needs to as he did on a short TD run.  When in the pocket he threw a couple lasers including a great touchdown down the seem to the guy we are going to talk about next.  Can see Zeeb finding a home at a small college for sure!   Garrick Winkeler (Breese Mater Dei – 2024 - TE/LB)   Big game for this 6'5” senior.  He caught a pair of touchdowns on offense and got an interception in the end zone on defense.  Offensively Winkeler is a tight end or move H-Back type.  He lined up in the backfield at times, on the line, slot, etc.  First touchdown came on a quick hitter/bubble screen that he took down the sidelines for a score.  The second was on a seam route where he got deep for a TD.  Good hands as he looked fluid catching it.  Defensively he had an interception to finish the first half as Althoff was looking to take the lead into the half.  Can see a small college getting a gem here!   Dalton Timmerman (Breese Mater Dei – 2024 – G)   Timmerman is a tough offensive lineman that projects as a guard at the next level.  At 6'2” and 247 pounds he will definitely need to add more strength.  The grit, toughness, and technique are there though to be a fit at a small college on their offensive line!

Friday night I caught a pair of 5-1 teams that both have aspirations of making deep runs in the state tournament as Belleville Althoff in Class 1A hosted Breese Mater Dei in 3A. Both rosters have college prospects on them with Althoff having two of the premier juniors in the country. We break it down here!