Week 1: Warren Central @ Snider Top Defensive Performances

Week 1 is in the books! Last night, we saw Snider's first game in 6A, as they took on Warren Central at Wayne High School. We knew coming in that both offenses were rebuilding, and it showed last night. Both teams struggled offensively, but both sides had good defenses that came to play. With the final of 15-0, we were hoping for more fireworks, but there was a bunch of action.    In my opinion, it's important for top players to come out and play well right away. Not only did I think Shanklin looked ready last night, but he was consistent. With him on one side and Burrus on the other, it seemed like a race to the backfield every snap. He was able to get his hands on the QB once and got his sack. Other than that, Snider tried to stretch the field horizontally and use options, and Shanklin had his side on lock. Late in the first half, he also made a nice pick off of a tipped ball. An overall solid performance for Shanklin as they got the first W of the year.     I sat on the Warren Central side and had a great view of the bench. One thing I like to do is see how players operate on the field, on the sidelines, and during adversity. When both offenses were struggling and it was a 3-and-out fest, Burrus and Shanklin never flinched. I saw them meet up in the back, talk about something, and then locked right back in on the game. There was no distraction. I do think Burrus has some work to do in the running game once he gets to higher levels, but the athletiscm and length with his explosion are going to help him stay afloat as he refines his game.     Another productive player for the Warriors upfront is Bell and he also made some game-changing plays. His blocked punt in the 1st half was the biggest one. He later was the one who converted the 2-point conversion when they hit paydirt the first time. He also added a sack and a TFL on the night. Making game-altering plays on offense, defense, and special teams in Week 1 is certainly a good way to start your season.     The 3-year Senior starter has been as steady as they come since he's stepped on the field for Snider and last night was no different. In his previous 2-seasons, he's tallied 53 and 68 tackles with 4 and 3 picks. Last night he was in on a handful of tackles like normal, but also made a fantastic fumble recovery right on the sideline in front of the Warren Central bench. To say it sucked the air out of the Warriors' sideline would be an understatement. They just had a big run and felt like they were on the verge of breaking the tie. Logan is consistent, shows up, and makes plays which is sometimes all you need in a player.     While Fry's future may be in Baseball, it doesn't stop him from being a leader for the Panthers defense. He's developed just about as well as anyone in the class and is a well-built and smart LB who likes to play downhill and physically. He's a nice 200lb and isn't afraid to stand behind his pads when making contact. He had a pick last night and got the ball back for the Panthers on the 28-yard line. Along with a handful of tackles, I liked Fry last night because he was sideline to sideline and 100% effort on every down.

Week 1 is in the books! Last night, we saw Snider's first game in 6A, as they took on Warren Central at Wayne High School. We knew coming in that both offenses were rebuilding, and it showed last night. Both teams struggled offensively, but both sides had good defenses that came to play. With the final of 15-0, we were hoping for more fireworks, but there was a bunch of action.