Class 3A Top DB Performances of Week 4

As we wrap up our weekly reports on Class 3A, we take a look this week at the top DB performances from the region. These DBs made vital contributions to their team's performances, coming up with turnovers in big situations, with several of these turnovers directly contributing to their team's victories. Today, we take a look at the 6 best DB performances from Class 3A in week 4!    [player_tooltip player_id='1532898' first='Maddox' last='Kelley'] has been one of the breakout defenders for Solon this season, and he played a huge part in the Spartans holding off Mount Vernon in week 4. In what was a defensive battle, Kelley recorded 7 tackles and 2 interceptions. Kelley did a great job in coverage, showing quick change in his direction, and maintaining his zone, in which he would be the recipient of two tip-drills that resulted in the ball landing in his hands. Kelley was a difference-maker in Solon's win on Friday night, and hopefully this will kickstart a strong run of success for Kelley moving forward.     Despite the loss in week 4, Eli Patterson was by-far the best player on Benton's team coming out of that game. Against Clear Creek Amana in week 4, Patterson finished with 6 tackles and 2 interceptions, while also leading his team with 3 catches for 30 yards and a touchdown. As one of the Deep Safeties, Patterson showed great closing speed as he had to run often 15 yards from the ball to get the ball-carrier as the Clippers ran the ball 42 times. But when the Clippers passed, Patterson showed great leverage and timing to make the interceptions during the game. Patterson should garner attention as a towering two-way threat moving forward.     Wahlert Catholic has propelled themselves to a 4-0 start, and Luke Welbes has been a great contributor on the Golden Eagles' secondary. Against Assumption in week 4, Welbes recorded 6.5 tackles and a pick, which he returned 49 yards to the house. Welbes' interception came off of a hail mary throw in which Welbes jumped the ball and took it down the left sideline to secure the win for the Golden Eagles. Welbes will look to add more interceptions in his senior season with Wahlert Catholic.     Max Burgmeier's size and athleticism fits the role of a LB/Safety hybrid, and he played a big role in week 4 as Central DeWitt claimed their first win of the season. Burgmeier recorded 4.5 tackles and an interception returned 22 yards for a touchdown. The pick was well executed, jumping a quick pass over the middle, in which he was able to maneuver to the outside and take it to the pylon. Burgmeier showed great vision, keeping his eyes forward on the play, deciphering where the ball would go, and being at the right spot to make the stop. Burgmeier has stood out as one of the leaders of the Sabers' defense this season, and should look to help turn things around for the team moving forward.     Carter Arends has been off to a hot start in 2024 with 4 picks through 4 games, and he added another on Friday night against Nevada, racking up 5.5 tackles and a pick in the loss. Arends played as a deep-zone coverage outside CB, and while the defense struggled to contain Nevada's passing game, Arends did a good job in shutting down his side of the field. Arends is a smaller athlete, but he's made a big imprint on the Bulldogs' secondary, and he should remain a leader of that unit moving forward.     [player_tooltip player_id='1279700' first='Broc' last='Heishman'] has been growing as a stellar WR prospect, but he's worked extremely well as a two-way threat, and his capabilities as a Safety showed on Friday night against Washington. Heishman recorded 2.5 tackles, each of which were behind the line of scrimmage, and he also recorded a 22 yard pick-six as he helped bring down Washington's offense to -3 total passing yards. With a 4.59 40 yard time, Heishman is a fast athlete, and it showed on Friday night as he was hard to contain from getting into the backfield, and his pick came off of a pass that hung in the air too long, in which Heishman jumped it and took it to the house. Heishman could see his stock grow greatly if he continues to excel on both sides of the ball.

As we wrap up our weekly reports on Class 3A, we take a look this week at the top DB performances from the region. These DBs made vital contributions to their team's performances, coming up with turnovers in big situations, with several of these turnovers directly contributing to their team's victories. Today, we take a look at the 6 best DB performances from Class 3A in week 4!