Rice Lake vs GB Notre Dame: Recap & Prospects of the Game

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday night we saw 14 teams punch their tickets to the State Championship games in Madison! Among those teams battling for the right to one more game was Rice Lake and Green Bay Notre Dame who met for a Level 4 showdown at the beautiful Marshfield stadium. Coming into the game, it was clear that the trenches is where this game was going to be won. Both teams relied on the run game on offense, and both also fielded some college level athletes in their defensive front sevens. So whoever could win at the line of scrimmage was going to be in control of this game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was Rice Lake's front seven who made the first big play as standout senior <strong>LB/FB [player_tooltip player_id='1185800' first='Easton' last='Stone']</strong> flew through his gap to make the TFL on 4th &amp; Goal on the opening drive. From there the defenses traded strong drives while the run game for both offenses caused the clock to tick away quickly. It wasn't until early in the second quarter that one of the offenses were able to move the ball and finish the drive. That was the Notre Dame Academy offense when junior <strong>RB Christian Collins </strong>punched it in on the goal line. Rice Lake didn't let the deficit sit at 7-0 for long. Junior <strong>RB [player_tooltip player_id='383773' first='Lucas' last='Peters']</strong> quickly broke through the front seven, and then raced for the TD to narrow the lead to 7-6. Rice Lake grabbed their first lead just before the half expired when<strong> QB Jakob Kunz</strong> kept the ball himself on the option and weaved through the defense and raced 69 yards for the 14-7 halftime lead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rice Lake didn't let their momentum slip to start the second half. They drove down the field quickly, and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1185800' first='Easton' last='Stone']</strong> again stepped up to change the game as he plowed his way in for the short TD run and 22-7 lead. After that opening drive TD it was another run of strong defensive plays. We saw turnovers and turnover on downs as both units flew around the field. Rice Lake broke the dry spell when <strong>QB Jakob Kunz</strong> again kept i ton the option and broke loose for another long TD run and the 30-7 lead. That score gave Rice Lake 30 unanswered points since the NDA score. As the 4th quarter winded down, Notre Dame did make a big play of their own when<strong> DL Stanley Smith</strong> scooped up a fumble and returned it for the score to cut the deficit to 30-15. That is where the score stayed as time expired. It was a dominant performance by Rice Lake on both sides of the ball. They proved to be a very strong, physical team with the ability to break off the big plays on the ground and even through the air at times. They take on Grafton this week in what should be an exciting Championship Game! Congrats goes out to Green Bay Notre Dame Academy on a great season as well!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Prospects of the Game</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- 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='1185800' first='Easton' last='Stone']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Rice Lake","_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 5 Carries, 37 Yards, 1 TD, 16 Tackles, 2 TFLsu003c/emu003ernrnEaston was the most impactful player in the game. The 6'2u0022 220 lbs senior FB/LB made game changing plays on both sides of the ball. Defense is where the senior shined most. Stone demonstrated strong instincts for the MLB position. He was strong to take on blocks, shed them, and make tackles that stopped the ball carrier in his tracks. He flew through gaps to make big stops on multiple 4th u0026amp; Goal situations through the night. He showed power on offense, especially his TD run where he had to lower his shoulder on an LB. The senior is one of the biggest steals in the state. He is big, strong, athletic, and instinctual. Easton needs far more spotlight shined on him. Make sure to tune into his Championship game!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655298ea25ee8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["383773"],"_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 12 Carries, 95 Yards, 1 TD, 12 Tacklesu003c/emu003ernrnAnother two way impact player was junior RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='383773' first='Lucas' last='Peters']. Lucas is now up to about 190 lbs, and I came away impressed with his balanced play style on offense. Lucas is asked to attack between the tackles a lot, and he has the leg drive and balance to be able to handle creating tough yards through contact. Peters also flashed the speed to break the game open on his long TD run. You can count on the junior to succeed running inside or outside. On defense, Peters flew around the front seven right next to Stone. Lucas relies more on his speed to beat blocks and chase down plays at LB. I'm excited to see him back on the field Friday.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655298ea25f58"} /--> <!-- 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":"Zach Orr","_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":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Rice Lake","_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 1 Reception, 52 Yards, 5 Tackles, 1 FF, 1 INTu003c/emu003ernrnZach was my biggest surprise of the night. Any time Rice Lake needed a big play or a clutch play the junior DB/WR seemed to step up. His one reception was in the second half and it put Rice Lake in position to score quickly. Orr really got to show off the speed on that one as he got on top of the DB and tracked down the ball. His forced fumble came when he chased down a deep catch and made a well placed punch at the ball to put Rice Lake's offense back on the field. Orr looked his best at DB where he was able to use that speed to run with receivers, and ball skills to break up passes, and grab the INT. Zach flashed all night long. I'm excited to see if he can do the same on Friday.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655298ea25ff3"} /--> <!-- 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":"Jakob Kunz","_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":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Rice Lake","_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 1/5, 52 Yards, 7 Carries, 96 Yards, 2 TDsu003c/emu003ernrnQB Jakob Kunz made his biggest impact on the ground. For the physical side, Kunz showed off vision and speed to carve up the front seven on the ground. He made cuts and found blocks that allowed him to pile up yards. He changed the game when he kept the ball. Kunz also checked off the mental side of the option QB role. He seemed to always know when to keep it or give it away. The junior also showed up at DB on defense. A couple times the athletic junior was able to get his hands on the ball to break up passes that put Notre Dame in tough down and distances. They will need another clutch performance from Kunz this Friday.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655298ea26089"} /--> <!-- 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":"Bailey Gagner","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Rice Lake","_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":"u003cemu003eStats: Team ran for 333 Yards, 4 TDsu003c/emu003ernrnThis goes as a shout out to the entire Rice Lake OL. They were able to create a lot of movement in the trenches, and that opened up running lanes between the tackles as well as getting backs and the QB outside of contain to make plays in space. Gagner himself has solid size to build on at 6'2u0022 245 lbs. His feet got him out of his stance quick and once engaged he was able to stay locked onto his man and move him where he wanted with his power. This is a potential gem on the OL for the D3 level. I can't wait to see Bailey and this OL go back to work later this week.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655298ea2611b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["685836"],"_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 4 Receptions, 68 Yardsu003c/emu003ernrnThe premier talent in this game was the '25 TE out of Green Bay Notre Dame, who is committed to play college for Notre Dame. There is so much to like here. Great size and catch radius with soft hands. His routes were smooth, and he was able to create plenty of space out of his breaks. After the catch the big target proved to be a nightmare to drag down. It always took 4-5 defenders to drag him down. Flanigan was also a big impact on the ground. He could drive DEs off the line and get outside leverage to spring his RB to the outside. James has a very well rounded game. I can't wait to watch his final season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655298ea26176"} /--> <!-- 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":"Christian Collins","_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":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Green Bay Notre Dame","_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 35 Carries, 160 Yards, 1 TD, 2 Receptions, 5 Yardsu003c/emu003ernrnWhen it comes time, teams looking for a physical, workhorse, high motor ball carrier in the 2025 Class need to check out Christian Collins. The junior checks in at 5'10u0022 190 lbs. His compact frame proved difficult to get off balance and the way he kept his feet driving until the whistle has helped him create a lot of yards after contact. The junior has the vision needed to find lanes as they open and set up blocks before they happen. Christian also proved he had the agility to make space when there wasn't any or make defenders miss. Collins is a well rounded option in the backfield with a lot of production to back up his talents. Keep an eye on him.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655298ea26207"} /--> <!-- 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":"Carson Glosny","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Green Bay Notre Dame","_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 14/23, 164 Yardsu003c/emu003ernrnA hidden gem to look into at the QB position in the Class of 2024 is Carson Glosny. The 6'3u0022 senior has the frame for the role of a pocket passer at the next level. He as a solid throwing motion, and gets the ball out with a smooth release. His feet moved with his eyes, and they also allowed him to move around the pocket to buy time. Carson does have a sufficient arm. He pushed the ball down the field with solid velocity and didn't have to put much air under the ball when he needed to get it there quick. Carson also did a good job with his accuracy throughout the night. The senior is definitely worth a look.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655298ea26296"} /--> <!-- 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":"Stanley Smith","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Green Bay Notre Dame","_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":"Another senior that I was excited to see, and impressed by was DE Stanley Smith. The 6'3u0022 235 lbs senior has a skill set that will play at the next level. His first step bursts him off the line. Stanley has the natural ability to quickly turn that speed/quickness into power as he engages with OTs. The senior uses his length and hands to stay clean and stand up OTs or TEs on the edge against the outside run. Stanley was also quick to find the ball, and he has the speed to make those chase down plays. Smith has been picking up steam on the recruiting trail. He deserves it. Give the DL a look.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655298ea26322"} /--> <!-- 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='1380103' first='Charlie' last='Hornacek']","_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":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Green Bay Notre Dame","_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 3 Receptions, 49 Yardsu003c/emu003ernrnA junior to keep an eye on next year is DB/WR [player_tooltip player_id='1380103' first='Charlie' last='Hornacek']. The 6'2u0022 athlete was another player who made plays on both sides of the ball. On offense, Charlie used his length to go up and get the ball and give his QB an overall large target area. On defense, Hornacek looked his best. He had the speed to run deep, and also changed directions well to go get the ball or go through a break with a receiver. Charlie flashed good timing with his hands to break up passes too. The long athlete looks natural out wide on either side of the ball. Keep an eye on him over the next year.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655298ea263ae"} /-->