Football Friday: Key Players to Watch in Tonight’s Matchups

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's Football Friday! Today we are taking a look at some of the top players across the state that are set up for some big performances tonight! Be sure to tune in!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1525864"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67098887d8272"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1525864' first='Tyler' last='Pierce'] is a senior quarterback out of Boaz who has been playing some of his best ball yet this season. So far this year, Pierce has made a ton of impressive reads and passes that have allowed his team to move the ball play after play and win games week after week. Pierce has a talented arm and can deliver the ball accurately all over the field- he does a great job leading his receivers and placing the ball only where they can make a play on it. It's really impressive seeing Pierce in command of his offense- he has a great understanding of where he needs to go with the ball every time he drops back, doesn't let pressure affect him, and can make some really impressive throws both inside and outside of the pocket. It's been really exciting watching Pierce this season- he's completed 74-114 passing attempts for 1212 yards and 18 touchdowns to only 4 interceptions on the year. Boaz (4-2) is set up for a matchup tonight against Brewer (1-5) where Pierce is sure to make a bunch of big-time throws and plays. Be sure to watch him tonight- it's going to be a great game!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1006490"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67098887d82f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1006490' first='Jamarion' last='Matthews']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jamarion-matthews/"></a>&nbsp;is a super-talented defensive end out of Sparkman who has broken out this season in some big ways. Although Matthews has been highly productive throughout his career, he's looked completely unstoppable so far in his junior season. Matthews is a relentless pass rusher-he has a great motor, a wide variety of pass rush moves, and plays with a ton of speed, strength, and intensity. Against the run, Matthews is dominant as well- he does a great job using his size to close up gaps and frequently sheds off blockers to make plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. All of this has shown up on tape this season, Matthews has recorded 46 total tackles (30 solo, 23 for loss), 13.5 sacks, 14 hurries, and one forced/recovered fumble. Tonight, Matthews and Sparkman (3-4) are facing off against James Clemens (5-1) at home- this is going to be a huge matchup for a struggling Sparkman team to get back on track. Expect to see Matthews have a huge night- he's been unstoppable every week and it seems like no offense has found a way to counter him. Watch out tonight! Matthews is an exciting player who's set up for a huge game- make sure to keep track of him! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1314811"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67098887d8359"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1314811' first='Eldridge' last='Shelton']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/eldridge-shelton/"></a>&nbsp;is a dominant defensive lineman out of Wenonah who has been unstoppable throughout his senior season this fall. Shelton is an extremely reliable pass rusher who worked his way onto our radar over the past year, and this fall has featured some of his most impressive performances yet. Shelton is elite at rushing the passer- he has a lightning-quick first step, tremendous strength, and the ability to flatten offensive linemen on his way to the quarterback. Shelton is always in the backfield generating pressure, placing hits, and overall affecting how the opposing quarterback plays. As a run defender, Shelton does a great job setting the edge and is a very reliable tackler who doesn't allow for big runs on his side of the field. It's been super fun watching Shelton this season- he has already recorded 30 total tackles (22 solo, 18 for loss), 10 sacks, and one forced/recovered fumble. Tonight, Shelton and Wenonah have one of their most challenging matchups to date- Wenonah (5-1) is hosting Carver (3-1) in a massive game that will have huge implications on the rest of both team's schedules. Watch out for Shelton- he hasn't faced an offensive line that could slow him down yet this year- the game tonight is going to feature some electric matchups in the trenches!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1525885"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67098cf75853f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1525885' first='Trevor' last='Tillman'] is a super-talented athlete out of Cottonwood who has provided a ton of production at a variety of positions for his team- he's made his presence felt as a pass catcher, a ball carrier out of the backfield, and a returner. Although having talent at all three spots, Harper has really hit his stride as a pass catcher in Cottonwood's offense. Tillman plays with a ton of speed and quickness, can easily stretch the field, runs sharp routes, and does a lot of great things after the catch that have made him a tough-to-stop wide receiver. It's been easy to see Tillman's impact on his team this season- as a freshman, he has already recorded 8 carries for 57 yards and one touchdown, and 7 receptions for 119 yards and 3 touchdowns as well. Tillman has played well as a freshman and has been a large part of Cottonwood's success this season. Tonight, Cottonwood (7-0) is set to play Ariton (3-3) in what should be a really fun matchup between the two teams. Watch out for Tillman in this game, he's been an impact playmaker each week and is sure to make some great plays tonight!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->