Deep Spartan Offense Overwhelms Creighton Prep 48-7

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Desmet started season off with impressive win at home Saturday, August 31st. The big boys upfront set the tone to allow multiple offensive skill players show off on the offensive side of the ball. Coach Merritt and company are eyeing another repeat of claiming the MCC and more this year. I highlighted six players who will shoulder the load for scoring major points. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#7 [player_tooltip player_id='285140' first='Dillon' last='Duff'] (QB, 2025)</strong>- was near perfect going 13 of 14 attempts for 270 yards and 4 touchdowns. This Kansas State commit showed poise in the pocket and delivered the ball with confidence all over the football field. He's a leader and it was evident on how he got all of his cast members involved in the win. Duff threw a few dots down the field and even some touch passes underneath that turned into big gains.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#10 [player_tooltip player_id='1124869' first='Nathan' last='Hatcher'] (WR, 2025)</strong>- reminds me of a shorter Cooper Kupp (LA Rams) with the ability to play big or get small in windows across the field. Hatcher finished with 9 catches for 181 yards and 2 TD's. Not a bad start for All-District receiver who is still uncommitted but wants to finish with a ring first and foremost. He is a threat after the catch as well and finish plays. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#17 [player_tooltip player_id='374501' first='Liam' last='Russo'] (TE/WR, 2025)</strong>- standing 6'6 with good hands and mobility is a problem. Russo had a pair of catches for 58 yards and a score. More impressive was his physicality and not being afraid to put paws on defenders to create space in the run game as well. He went up in the air for a catch that no one close to him could contest. Northern Illinois has a good commit in this kid. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#89 Waldo Schellenger (TE/WR, 2025)</strong>- Waldo has the biggest frame of the senior trio receiving core. He grabs your attention immediately with size, then gets more nods of approval by averaging 14.5 yards per reception. While Hatcher and Russo blow the tops of the defensive backfield, Schellenger will be playing where's Waldo in the trenches with the bigs and linebackers keeping the scheme honest. Big boy needs to be accounted for each play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#1 [player_tooltip player_id='849700' first='Jayden' last='McCaster'] (RB, 2026)</strong>- played a solid game by taking what the defense gave him and more. On 7 carries, McCaster just broke the century mark with 102 yards and a touchdown. He also added two receptions for 72 yards in which he took a check down swing route 55 yards to the end zone. McCaster is fast and blazed down the sideline like his back flap was on fire. All game, I liked his patience and explosive burst through holes to keep the chains moving. Jayden and Nathan went to state on the 4X100 team and with the same speed will keep check marks in the win column. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#27 [player_tooltip player_id='1598517' first='Cameran' last='Sharp']- (RB, 2028)</strong>- this up and coming back is one to look out for. Had and opportunity in Saturdays game and went 44 yards on only 3 carries. This was capped by a 34 yard touchdown before things got really ugly for Creighton Prep. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->