Scouting Reports: Solon-West Delaware 3A Quarters
In this article:
SOLON, Iowa – A budding rivalry between Solon and West Delaware added another thrilling chapter Friday night here at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans outlasted West Delaware, 36-35, in the Class 3A state quarterfinals. It represented the third year in a…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSOLON, Iowa – A budding rivalry between Solon and West Delaware added another thrilling chapter Friday night here at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans outlasted West Delaware, 36-35, in the Class 3A state quarterfinals.
It represented the third year in a row that Solon ended the Hawks’ season in the playoffs. They finished another successful campaign at 7-5, four of the setbacks coming against teams in the postseason.
Friday’s back-and-forth affair featured playmakers delivering highlights all over the field. Here’s a look a group of guys who stood out:
Whenever I watch Brett White Brett White 6’2″ | 210 lbs | LB Solon | 2024 State IA play football, my mind goes to what type of player he’ll be in college. Then I remember he’s headed to Baylor for baseball. The senior showed here again Friday why that’s disappointing for football coaches at the next level. He impacted the game on both sides of the ball. On offense, he caught five passes for 114 yards and a touchdown. He’d only had five receptions coming into the game, but that’s where he was needed Friday. On defense, he racked up 10.0 tackles (8 solo, 2.5 for loss) with a sack. He injured his hip area early in this game and powered through the pain. He’s a tough kid and a team player. He’s a winner.
Brent Yonkovic
Brent Yonkovic
I hadn’t scouted Yonkovic since last year’s playoff game here. He showed me his potential and toughness that night. Friday, he looked like he was two or three years older than that. He’s added a lot of strength and kept his quickness. He’s throwing the ball more accurately more often and making great decisions. He threw for 263 yards and rushed for 99 more, according to YPS. He ran for four touchdowns and passed for a 53-yard score. He’s certainly an interesting college quarterback prospect with another year of prep development. He’s also a good athlete that could end up at another position.
Tyler Bell
Tyler Bell
I didn’t anticipate writing about Bell going into this game. I saw him against Williamsburg about a month ago, and the junior blended in. Friday, he stood out when he needed to do so. A team that normally leans heavily into its defense had to have points. He complete 18 of 24 passes (75 percent) for 286 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Not only did he show off a strong, accurate arm I hadn’t seen, he played with greater confidence and looked comfortable leading.
Seth Jackson
Seth Jackson
Jackson proved to be a matchup problem for the Spartans secondary early and often. The 6-2, 180-pounder hauled in six passes for 96 yards on Friday. He combined crisp route running with good speed and hands. His frame and athleticism help him win contested balls. With another year of high school to go, keep an eye on Jackson. He’s a college prospect at a level to be determined.
Eddie Johnson
Eddie Johnson
I wanted to write about Johnson after the Williamsburg game but didn’t get a chance. I wasn’t letting the opportunity pass me by again. Simply put, the junior is a really good football player that contributes wherever he’s needed to win. He rushed 13 times for 57 yards and a touchdown, caught three passes for 42 yards and a score, and he produced a sack on defense in this one. That doesn’t take into account his bruising blocking and overall impact to the game physically.
Jack Smith
Jack Smith
Smith entered Friday’s action with a team-high 82.5 tackles (54 solo) as an active middle linebacker with good size (6-3, 210), quickness and athleticism. He diagnosis plays well and flows smoothly to the ball. He enjoys physicality, which also works when he’s playing left tackle on offense. I’m intrigued to see how Smith develops as a football player in the next year. He’s one to watch.
Nash Kotar
Nash Kotar
Kotar missed most of last season with an injury, which slowed down his recruitment. It should be picking up again with the senior season he’s putting together. In this game, he caught five passes for 68 yards, including a long-gainer to set up his team’s first touchdown. On defense, he ranked second to White with 6.0 total tackles, five of which were solo. He did yield some yardage in coverage, but I think he’d be a safety at the next level if a team chose to play him on defense. He’s also a prospect at receiver.