Running Backs to Watch in the Semifinals

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They have relied a lot on establishing the run and controlling the clock with their style of offense. Evan Wells has been their workhorse back in the post-season, feeding him with careers. He has been a load to bring down for opposing defenses. He runs hard and is always looking to lower his shoulder to run through arm tackles. Last week he carried the ball 21 times for 129 yards and a touchdown. Look for the Shells to rely on what got them here as I expect them to continue to get Wells his carries on Saturday against Mt. Carmel.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["271321"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='271321' first='Cory' last='Craig'] is the dive back in Athen's run first flexbone offense. Craig plays that position perfectly as he can hit the hole full speed and get down hill in a hurry. He is a compact runner that runs hard and is always falling forward when he is getting tackled. He's been a touchdown machine in his 4 years as he holds the school record for touchdown in a career. Last week Craig was able to score all 4 touchdowns for Athens as they took down Nashville 28-27 in a close game. He will look to help carry his team this week to victory against Shelbyville in the semifinals.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["354051"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='354051' first='Aaron' last='Ball'] was able to punch in a late touchdown last week to help his team upset IC Catholic in the quarterfinals. Ball is a special back with great size and elite speed. Over the summer he had gained a lot of FCS and division 2 offers. As St Laurence looks to keep the run going, there is no doubt they will lean on Ball for big plays. St. Laurence will have another tough match-up this week taking on Wheaton Academy.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"Tommy Davis ","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"Normal Community ","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_3_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Normal Community is having a season to remember as they enter this week 12-0 with one game to go until they reach the state championship. The Ironmen have had an high powered offense this year lead by their senior running back. Tommy Davis has been a big part of the success for Normal Community this year having a break out senior season. Davis has been explosive in the backfield, showcasing his quick feet and home run speed. Davis will look to have his best game yet this week against Downers Grove North.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"Jake Melion","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"York High School ","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_4_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Whenever York has needed the tough yards for a first down or a goal line touchdown, Jake Melion has delivered. He is not the biggest running back, but he might be one the hardest backs to take down. Rarely do you ever see the first defender take down Melion as he is excellent at making would-be-tacklers miss in the hole. York has a balanced attack on offense but Melion is the piece that makes it all work. York faces it's greatest challenge yet as they will look to upset Loyola this week to punch their ticket to state.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6555911d5356f"} /-->