Top Single-Game Sophomore Defensive Performances
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An overview of some of the top defensive performances from sophomores throughout the state. Sophomores being contributors to their varsity teams is becoming more and more common across the state, these guys stood out for their performances this past fall.…
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Continue ReadingAn overview of some of the top defensive performances from sophomores throughout the state. Sophomores being contributors to their varsity teams is becoming more and more common across the state, these guys stood out for their performances this past fall.
Check out the top defensive performances from the Junior and Senior class through the links below
Jaizen Warren Jaizen Warren 6'0" | 300 lbs | DL Bennett | 2026 State NY vs. McQuaid
Warren, a key piece to the Bennett defensive front that was so dominant through the season had his best game in playoffs against McQuaid with 6 Tackles, 3 TFL, and 2 Sacks in a very tight victory that helped Bennett move forward in the postseason.
Chamore Brown Chamore Brown DL Truman | 2026 NY vs. Columbus
Brown had a couple multi-sack games but against Columbus, he had his best game of the season with 9 Tackles, 4 Solo, 3 TFL, and 2 Sacks and was a big part of helping his team hold Columbus to 0 points, the second time they were able to shutout an opponent that season.
Omar Mendez Jr Omar Mendez Jr 5'11" | 225 lbs | DL Moore Catholic | 2026 State NY vs. Monsignor Farrell
Mendez showcased his best performance against the best competition that Moore Catholic faced all season. Against Monsignor Farrell, Mendez had 13 Tackles, 7 Solo, 4 TFL, and 2 Sacks. A strong performance from the young pass rusher.
Trey Stathis Trey Stathis 6'1" | 200 lbs | DL Warrensburg/Lake George/Bolton | 2026 NY vs. Herkimer
Stathis had his best performance in his first game of the year against Herkimer where he had 8 Tackles, 4 Solo, 4 TFLs, and 1.5 Sacks contributing heavily to a defense that only allowed 7 points.
Troy Beeman Troy Beeman 6'1" | 230 lbs | DL Waverly | 2026 State NY vs. Susquehanna Valley
Beeman had a couple of high output performances when it came to making tackles and plays past the LOS, however his best game against Susquehanna Valley featured only 4 tackles. What made his day special was 2 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries in a dominant defensive performance.
Gianni Velazquez Gianni Velazquez 6'0" | 200 lbs | LB Geneva | 2026 State NY vs. Vertus
Velazquez was one of the top tackling machines in Section V, against Vertus he had 20 Tackles, 9 Solo, 4 TFL, 1 Sack, 1 PBU and 1 FF holding Vertus to only 12 points.
Jovan Bonilla Jovan Bonilla 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB St. John The Baptist | 2026 NY vs. Moore Catholic
Bonilla played his best games in the latter half of the season for St. John the Baptist and that includes his performance against Moore Catholic where he had 6 Solo Tackles, 4 TFL, 1 Sack, and 2 PBU against one of the most dangerous offenses in the NYCHSFL.
Best Single-Game Sophomore Defensive Performance
De’Mari Clemons De’Mari Clemons 5'10" | 160 lbs | DB Bennett | 2026 State NY vs. Lancaster
Clemons had a brief stint in Georgia HS Football at the beginning of the season but returned to Bennett and played his best ball down the stretch. Against Lancaster, Clemons had 5 Tackles, 1 INT that he returned for 25 yards, 4 PBUs, 1 FF, and 2 KO Returns for 35 yards. Creating 2 turnovers while adding 4 PBUs is some high level DB play.