PRZVA Team Preview: Patriot Pioneers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use code&nbsp;<strong>frederick30</strong>&nbsp;for 30% off your first billing cycle for all annual subscription</em>&nbsp;<em>options</em>***</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Last Years Result: 6-5 (Lost to Battlefield in Region B Class 6 Quarterfinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Patriot Pioneers have been a consistent power in the Cedar Run District and the entire Region B. Head Coach Sean Finnerty has built a winning culture and rabid fanbase since taking over and 2024 does not appear any different. Expectations are high for the Pioneers, playing in a loaded conference, can they get past the Semi-Finals?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key-Returnees:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='306236' first='Jackson' last='Mccarter'], [player_tooltip player_id='1368128' first='Sayfaldeen' last='Hamad'], [player_tooltip player_id='1231457' first='Tyler' last='Knutson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1321235' first='Luca' last='DellaFave'], [player_tooltip player_id='1368132' first='Joseph' last='Sipina'], [player_tooltip player_id='1217050' first='Tyler' last='Johnson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1232255' first='Colton' last='Kershaw'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297964' first='Jorden' last='Benjamin'], [player_tooltip player_id='1370610' first='Jack' last='Fowler']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["306236"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b9417959373"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The reigning Cedar Run District player of the year is one of most explosive athletes in the state. We have cover Mccarter's ascent at length before, which has no reason to believe he will settle down entering his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Announcing his commitment to the Villanova Wildcats late in July, Mccarter has a region title on his mind now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/j_mccarter02/status/1815463884234637534","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/j_mccarter02/status/1815463884234637534 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1231457"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b94179593cf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1231457' first='Tyler' last='Knutson'] recruiting momentum has garnered major steam this off-season. Watching him at our Spring Showcase I can safely say he is a FCS level prospect. I like what my co-worker Cole Laing had to say earlier this week:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>He has good pocket presence, showing good poise and confidence. He has good processing and anticipation, with very good accuracy. Also has the athleticism to extend plays and run designed QB runs. He has G5 upside, and I expect he will be receiving more offers this fall as more take notice of his game.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1368128"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b9417959412"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Patriot traditionally has strong tough offensive lineman with rising senior [player_tooltip player_id='1368128' first='Sayfaldeen' last='Hamad'] perhaps being slept on? Hamad is 6'3 and 250 lbs. he had a lot coaches and scouts buzzing with his performance at the Prince William County Showcase, here is what I wrote:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>A late bloomer who is in the perfect system under Head Coach Sean Finnerty offense, Hamad looked the part all evening, acquitting himself quite well in the 1v1 portion. He is 6'3 and 250 lbs. he also looked noticeable more muscular than he did last fall, you can see why many of the coaches on hand were dying to get a chance to meet him.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1297964"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b9417959450"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">All District guard [player_tooltip player_id='1297964' first='Jorden' last='Benjamin'] is back looking to pick up from where he left off. A strong/physical run blocker the Patriots love running behind him and with good reason. Benjamin already top 50th ranked for his position group in his class will be one of the better guards in the county.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="[player_tooltip player_id='1297964' first='Jorden' last='Benjamin'] HUDL">[player_tooltip player_id='1297964' first='Jorden' last='Benjamin'] HUDL</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1217050"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b941795948d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='1217050' first='Tyler' last='Johnson'] is good off the edge of the Pioneers defense. Very fast off the snap he has long reach and good lateral quickness making him very difficult to block 1 on 1. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Watch how he sheds blocks and closes in on each hit, the kid has real power. Ranked in our top 300 for the class of 2026, Johnson could lead the Cedar Run Districts in sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="[player_tooltip player_id='1217050' first='Tyler' last='Johnson'] HUDL">[player_tooltip player_id='1217050' first='Tyler' last='Johnson'] HUDL</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1232255"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b94179594ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Underrated wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1232255' first='Colton' last='Kershaw'] is due for a breakout senior season in 2024. The Pioneers use him in many different roles offensively, he is a good route runner and slot running back too. Coach Finnerty finds creative ways to get him the football and with every defense most likely being focused on Mccarter, Kershaw can make them pay. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the graduation of Blake Mcnabb, expect Kershaw to be the primary target.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/colton_kershaw/status/1723411780863435027","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/colton_kershaw/status/1723411780863435027 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key-Newcomers:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1297598' first='Mathieu' last='Kanu'], [player_tooltip player_id='853897' first='Jamir' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='1169761' first='Chris' last='Umana']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1297598"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b941795950b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When you talk about instant-impact transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1297598' first='Mathieu' last='Kanu'] is on the cover page. Playing outside linebacker for Unity Reed as a sophomore Kanu is ranked 20th overall in our class of 2026. We have talked about him many times before, as he has already received offers from Marshall and Central Michigan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It has to be said plugging him along with his former Unity Reed pal below, could be what the Pioneers need defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["853897"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b9417959547"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Watched [player_tooltip player_id='853897' first='Jamir' last='Brown'] last year against Gar-Field I was confident he was a playmaker. He too will join Kanu in transferring to play for Patriot the next two seasons. Brown is a good safety/outside linebacker with tremendous closing speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has great range and will be fun watched paired next to Kanu this fall, one that should get him attention from colleges also.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="[player_tooltip player_id='853897' first='Jamir' last='Brown'] HUDL">[player_tooltip player_id='853897' first='Jamir' last='Brown'] HUDL</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Season Outlook:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Patriot will be their come playoff time you can best be sure, how far they advance is the question. Once again playing state power houses such as Westfield, Colonial Forge and cross-town rival Battlefield are on the schedule and Coach Finnerty and his squad would not have it any other way. Patriot is in a district that has two possibly three state championship worthy teams, can the Pioneers overcome everyone?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->