Pope John @ DePaul Catholic Standout Performers Recap

<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='212393' first='Luke' last='Irwin']'s performance might not have stood out, but his efforts in the game for Pope John are worth noting. He finished with 12 completions on 19 attempts, totaling 150 yards with one interception. Irwin showed some promising signs, particularly his ability to throw the ball on the run and out of structure. His left-handedness naturally aids his movement when rolling out to the left, and he displayed accuracy in these situations.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">However, the passing game took a noticeable dip when wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1031721' first='Wes' last='Johnston'] went down. Irwin struggled to maintain the same rhythm, highlighting a need for better continuity with other targets, like [player_tooltip player_id='1034488' first='Prince' last='Joshua']. Building that connection could prove crucial if Irwin finds himself without his top option again. While there's room for improvement, Irwin's performance suggests he can grow more comfortable and practical in Coach Brian Gibbs' offense as the season progresses.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/luke_irwin18/status/1829876525451395384 </div></figure>    <p></p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='275127' first='Derek' last='Zammit'], the top quarterback in the 2026 class, lived up to his billing in DePaul Catholic's matchup against Pope John. </p>   <p>He may have added a new dimension to his game, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities by rushing seven times for 24 yards. However, his ability to progress beyond his second read stood out. This was a key area for improvement that he focused on, as he made several throws by working past his first read and finding targets in the middle of the field.</p>   <p>Zammit also did an excellent job exploiting mismatches and capitalizing on Pope John's coverage busts. His connection with Notre Dame commit [player_tooltip player_id='1033349' first='Elijah' last='Burress'] was particularly evident as the two hooked up on several key plays. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">However, Zammit's deep ball accuracy still needs improvement. Burress had to adjust to several deep throws. Nonetheless, Derek excelled in making the right reads, protecting the football, and taking what the defense gave him. His performance further solidifies his status as New Jersey's top quarterback in the 2026 class.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JSZ_Sports/status/1829684388847608221 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1033349' first='Elijah' last='Burress'] put on a clinic in DePaul Catholic's game against Pope John, showcasing his full skill set as a wide receiver. His standout trait in this matchup was his exceptional deep ball tracking. Elijah's ability to adjust his body and eyes while the ball was in midair led to multiple touchdowns. He consistently outmaneuvered the cornerback covering him, beating his man three times and exploiting an apparent mismatch that Pope John failed to address.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">With Pope John opting not to double-cover him, Elijah took full advantage, hauling four catches for 104 yards. Two of those receptions were explosive plays of 20 yards or more. Elijah's performance was nothing short of dominant, further proving why he's one of the top receivers in New Jersey. His outstanding game also serves as a reminder of why Notre Dame is eager to bring him aboard at the end of the season.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/edaniels77/status/1829936637289382001 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='910749' first='Kyshawn' last='Bryant'] made his varsity debut as a sophomore wide receiver for DePaul Catholic, and while he finished with just one catch for 12 yards, he flashed potential in crucial moments. He demonstrated a solid rhythm and connection with quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='275127' first='Derek' last='Zammit'], especially during scramble drills. Though his stat line may not pop, Kyshawn's ability to get open when plays break down is notable.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Looking back at his freshman highlights, Kyshawn's quickness and shiftiness are his calling cards. He's a dangerous route runner, especially in the slot, where sudden movements can create separation. As the season progresses, [player_tooltip player_id='910749' first='Kyshawn' last='Bryant'] is a playmaker to keep an eye on for DePaul. His knack for finding space in broken plays suggests he could become a key target as he gains more experience.</p>   <p></p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='396564' first='Nolan' last='James'] Jr. performed outstandingly against Pope John, putting up a show that solidified his status <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/strong-candidates-for-njs-poty-award/">as a strong candidate for New Jersey's Player of the Year award</a>. He scored three touchdowns—two on the ground and one through the air—finishing the game with 18 carries for 126 rushing yards and five receptions for 76 yards.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Nolan's game was a masterclass in what it takes to be a reliable and effective back. His footwork was precise, vision sharp, and his ability to churn out tough yards and push the pile was fully displayed. He also showed excellent contact balance, making him a constant threat to break tackles and extend plays. Perhaps most importantly, Nolan proved his knack for finding the end zone, particularly in goal-line situations. His performance against Pope John wasn't just impressive; it was a statement. [player_tooltip player_id='396564' first='Nolan' last='James'] Jr. is a player to watch as the season unfolds, with more monster games likely on the horizon.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ByLuisTorres/status/1829666052915016062 </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ByLuisTorres/status/1829661374462771463 </div></figure>    <p></p>    <p class="text-gray-700"> Unfortunately, [player_tooltip player_id='1031721' first='Wes' last='Johnston'] had his game cut short due to an early injury. Before he left, he managed to grab two catches for 25 yards and appeared to be the go-to target for quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='212393' first='Luke' last='Irwin']. Standing at 6'3” and 210 pounds, Wes is a big-bodied receiver who excels at making tough catches in the middle of the field and has solid speed to create separation.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">His absence was deeply felt, as the passing game took a noticeable dip after his departure. As Wes recovers and returns to consistent snaps, [player_tooltip player_id='212393' first='Luke' last='Irwin']'s performance will likely see a corresponding boost. His presence on the field could be the key to unlocking Pope John's offense's full potential this season.</p>    <p></p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='344220' first='Tylik' last='Hill']. He was influential throughout the game as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. Tylik finished with 14 carries for 72 yards and three receptions for 6 yards. Notably, he's added size without sacrificing his explosiveness or speed. Tylik remains as elusive as ever in the open field, a trait that has defined his high school career.</p>   <p>In this game, he consistently took advantage of the openings created by Pope John's offensive line, running decisively and maximizing his vision. His performance was impressive, demonstrating that Pope John has a solid running game, especially with the fast-paced tempo they employ. Tylik can shoulder the load offensively and create explosive plays in special teams as a kick returner.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='344220' first='Tylik' last='Hill']'s impact was felt in this game, and he'll continue to be a consistent force for Pope John throughout the season.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JSZ_Sports/status/1829886158178066633 </div></figure>    <p></p>