NMCC vs Hermann: Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HERMANN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1320104' first='Aiden' last='Eikermann'] </strong>2026 RB/LB<br>(6'2" 205)<br>- I was impressed with the potential I saw in watching Eikermann play as a sophomore in the playoffs last season, and he has improved both physically and with his skills as a player. Aiden is seeing more time as a fullback both running and catching the ball, with him getting the majority of the carries in the Bearcats win with 12 for 98 yards and two nice touchdown runs. He has good speed, is physical and a tough runner who can break a long run once he gets into the secondary. As a LB his uses the same physical tools to make plays sideline to sideline and plug the middle. He also added 6 tackles in helping to shut down the New Madrid offense for the most part.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kohlt Witthaus</strong> 2027 RB/LB<br>(6'1" 185) <br>- Another impressive RB/LB for the Bearcats was the sophomore Witthaus, who brings a lot of the attributes as Eikermann to the game. Kohlt is fast, physical and plays with a high motor and an attitude both on offense and defense. He added 77 yards rushing a touchdown offensively, while also having a sack and a couple of tackles on the defensive side of the ball. He has a bright future as he continues to develop and stay on the trajectory he is currently on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1117654' first='Daeden' last='Hopkins']</strong> 2025 TE/DE<br>(6'6" 225) <br>- The Mizzou commit did not have his typical game stat wise that he has the past couple of season, but his big time talent showed in his overall play whether it was his blocking on offense or putting pressure on the Eagles offensive backfield. Daeden has added 15-20 pounds and looks even more athletic and explosive. His starting QB was injured and out of the game, and the back-up wasn't 100% either and limited in his throwing ability. The home state Tigers are getting a good prospect to develop for their defensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nolan Mercier</strong> 2025 DB <br>(5'9" 165)<br>- The senior had a big game and made some clutch plays during the game, including a pair of interceptions to halt NMCC drives. Mercier has a good understanding of the game and made an impact with his play. He also added 3 tackles to go with his picks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cole Traub</strong> 2025 DB<br>(6'0" 185)<br>- Fellow senior DB Traub also stood out with his play on the day with an interception, a fumble recovery and 7 total tackles. Cole is a good athlete who sees plays unfold and has a real nose for the ball. He is also a good tackler he plays hard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>NMCC</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jakwon Jones</strong> 2026 WR/DB<br>(5'10" 160)<br> - Jones is a speedy receiver who was one of the bright spots for New Madrid on offense. He finished with 77 yards receiving on the day and really stood out on a drive that led to the Eagles only score. Jakwon does a nice job getting open and uses his quickness to his advantage. He can make plays in space. I can see him excelling in a good passing offense </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Charlie Ressono III </strong>2026 RB<br>(5'6" 155) <br>- The diminutive Resonno scored the only touchdown on the day with a 7 yard run and used every bit of his speed and quickness to get outside and into the end zone. Charlie runs hard and make the most of his opportunity against a very stingy Hermann defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1602911' first='Issiac' last='Smith']</strong> 2028 OL/DL<br>(6'4" 300) <br>- A player for the Eagles who impressed me the most was the big freshman Smith, who is big, agile, moves really well and showed good feet, quickness and physicality both as an offensive lineman and along the defensive line. He had some nice blocks, including against the D1 prospect Hopkins. He is still young and raw, but he is player to keep an eye on in the 2028 class in the state for the future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Malikai Hughes 2026 LB<br>(5'11" 195) <br>- The Eagles leading tackles is part of the Eagles '26 class that seemed to be making a lot of plays on the day. Hughes is a physical linebacker who can run and make plays. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->