First Round Playoff Game Balls: Catawba River
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The defense took center stage as the linebackers were all over the field making plays for their team in the first round of the playoffs in the Catawba River Region. Jayce Joseph | LB | Northwestern The Trojans’ defense was…
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Continue ReadingThe defense took center stage as the linebackers were all over the field making plays for their team in the first round of the playoffs in the Catawba River Region.
Jayce Joseph | LB | Northwestern
The Trojans’ defense was stout in a 57-0 shutout win over Laurens in the first round on Friday. They held the Raiders to -5 yards of offense for the entire game and held them to six first downs. Joseph led the team in tackles as he had 6.5 tackles for loss along with 2 sacks. Will Massey Will Massey 5'11" | 185 lbs | LB Northwestern | 2025 State SC had 3 tackles for loss while Andre Pickett had 3.5 tackles for a loss, as they were second and third on the team on the night – as has been a recurring theme all season.
KJ Burg | LB | South Pointe
This Class of 2027 prospect got the chance to get snaps in the Stallions’ first round 49-7 win over Riverside. He forced a fumble while finishing with 9 total tackles.
Trey Wanger | LB | York
Wanger is going to be a tough matchup for opposing offensive linemen, as we mentioned in our 2024 Under The Radar prospects to watch. The way he is able to rush and defeat blocks with an impressive combination of speed and power is fun to watch and that was on display in the Cougars’ 26-17 win over Riverside on Friday. His motor is always running and he won’t stop until he gets to the quarterback. He is quick off the line once the ball is snapped.
DeMaurion Stewart DeMaurion Stewart 6'1" | 190 lbs | DB York | 2024 State SC | LB | York
Stewart (pictured above) made some impressive tackles out in space in the Cougars’ first round playoff win on Friday. He made full form tackles to bring the ball carrier down. He also rushed the quarterback well as there were two throws on his film that he affected the throw, forcing an incompletion. His counterpart, Najib Yunusah Najib Yunusah 5'10" | 180 lbs | DB York | 2024 State SC did an excellent job in coverage as well, staying stride for stride with the receivers to force an incompletion.
Brody Rowan Brody Rowan 6'2" | 235 lbs | DL Clover | 2025 State SC | DE | Clover
Rowan’s ability to stop the run from his defensive end spot is fun to watch. He can plug the running lanes quickly and fights quickly to be able to get into the backfield once the ball is snapped. He even ran down a ball carrier from behind, which is a credit to his hustle and a motor that is running at all times.