Class 1A Top DL/LB Performances of Week 6

We continue our recap of week 6 in Class 1A by taking a look at our 4-4 front of the week, taking the top 4 defensive-linemen and the top 4 Linebacker performances that manned the trenches and made it difficult for offenses to try to maneuver through the box during the week.    [player_tooltip player_id='1850324' first='Raden' last='Meier']'s is a bit smaller for a DE, but his speed, elusiveness, and tenacity on the trenches has made it difficult for Fort Madison to contain on Friday night, as Meier finished the night with 4.5 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks in the blowout win. Meier used his speed to disrupt the passing game throughout the night, playing a big part in forcing the Bloodhounds out of rhythm all night, in which they wouldn't score until the 4th quarter. If Meier can build some more weight, he could become a potentially dangerous edge rusher.     Humboldt cruised to 5-1 to start the year with a shutout win over Charles City, and [player_tooltip player_id='1197447' first='Broedy' last='Hendricks']' pedigree as a budding prospect for the class of 2027 continued to grow with a strong performance in the win, recording 6 tackles and 3 TFLs. Hendricks certainly could build some more mass to better maneuver through the trenches, but Hendricks played well through contact, managing to move blockers back despite his size and getting off blocks using sheds and spins through the night as he posed to be a difficult defender to stop from getting into the backfield. Hendricks could very much become a future leader for the defense in the coming years.     Nevada's defense was unstoppable as they shut out Knoxville on the road in week 6. Among the standouts for the defense was Edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1242280' first='John' last='Nelson'], who finished the night with 4.5 tackles (4 solo), 1.5 TFLs, a sack, and 2 fumble recoveries in the win. Nelson's lean frame and lengthy wingspan suits well playing as a pass-rusher, as he utilized it well to gain leverage on his blockers as well as to getting to the ball twice after the ball was stripped. Nelson is another raw athlete who could become a premium prospect if he can bulk up some mass.     Another play that played very well on the line for Nevada's defense was Jaycee Rangel-Bello, who finished 2 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks in the win over Knoxville. Rangel-Bello is a small and stout lineman, with his size and sheer strength making him a perfect plug to attack the interior gaps, and he played a big part in limiting Knoxville to just 4 total rushing yards in the loss. Rangel-Bello certainly deserves attention for his presence and strong play on a defense that has now shut out each of their last 2 opponents.     The most effective player in the second level of defense for Humboldt has been Landon Halverson. In the shutout win over Charles City, Halverson recorded 7.5 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 2 sacks. Halverson was a game-wrecker, and he was particularly great in slowing down the run-game, breaking into the backfield with a quick first step, and the end result was limiting Charles City to 1.2 yards per carry in the win. Halverson has 10 TFLs through 6 games this season, and he's also co-leading the team in tackles (40.5), firmly establishing his role as a leader among the Wildcats' defense.     Sioux Center won their first game of the season on homecoming in a defensive battle with Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley, and Casey Jahn proved to be the difference maker in helping the Warriors win, recording 3.5 tackles and 2 interceptions to hold off the Nighthawks. Jahn played well in pass-coverage, and he did a great job at baiting the QB to throw his way, which proved critical in securing the Warriors the win. Jahn's size and big-plays under pressure could make him an underrated LB prospect moving forward.     Bishop Heelan dominated on the road against Carroll, and senior Will Pattee played a big part in the Crusaders shutting down the passing game. Pattee finished the night with 6.5 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, and 2 sacks. Pattee's smaller size and impressive speed made him a difficult player to block, and he forced a lot of pressure on the QB, which in turn resulted in several key mistakes that allowed Bishop Heelan to pull away in the 4th quarter. Pattee deserves recognition playing on an impressive LB group that the Crusaders have.     Solon lost their first game of the season in a heartbreaker against Benton. During the loss, junior [player_tooltip player_id='1842569' first='Tripp' last='Johnson'] delivered with his best performance of the season, racking up 10 tackles (All solo) and 2 TFLs. As one of the two Inside-Linebackers for Solon, Johnson showed great patience and vision in finding lanes to attack to get into the backfield to stop the run. After being more of a rotational piece during the first half of the season, Johnson may see a lot more playing time over the next few games as one of the primary starters in the middle of the defense.

We continue our recap of week 6 in Class 1A by taking a look at our 4-4 front of the week, taking the top 4 defensive-linemen and the top 4 Linebacker performances that manned the trenches and made it difficult for offenses to try to maneuver through the box during the week.