Prime Time Performers: Blackman vs. Riverdale

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Warriors went into "The Inferno" last night and took down Blackman with a 24-7 region win. They needed big performances from several players to get the job done with the prospects mentioned below standing out the most! </h2>   Blaze vs. Warriors   Top Star Performer    The best player on the field Friday night was this future MTSU Blue Raider that produced two touchdowns on the night with one coming on the ground and the other coming through the air. Taylor provided a steady dose of fast and powerful runs that wore down the Blaze defense while also contributing in the pass game as well. This guy is truly a versatile athlete that brings a lot of value to the playing field. He might not have put up large numbers stat wise in this game but Taylor's presence at running back was very important in the Warriors big road region win over Blackman.    - - - - - - - - - -   Three Stars    Telin did what most quarterbacks do and that's manage the offense in an efficient way while making the right reads in what was a much needed region win. The Warriors senior signal caller was as steady as can be Friday night, doing everything that was asked of him while not trying to do too much. Telin did a nice job of reading the Blaze defense and making the right passes, reads. He also didn't try to force any passes and put his offense at risk for turnovers. It was a clean, efficient game from Telin and a quarterback performance that was key in the Warriors victory.    - - -    The Blaze big man did everything he could to make a difference in the trenches on Friday evening where he produced two sacks and made several plays versus the Warriors rushing attack. On several occasions throughout the game, the Warriors put a double or triple team on Roseman, trying to slow him down and while they occasionally won snaps, the future MTSU Blue Raider was still a game wrecker. The size and mobility that comes from Roseman is hard for opposing offensive linemen to handle. His improvement this season is definitely recognizable and a player that Power Four schools may start looking harder at as we inch closer to signing day.    - - -    Taking on the responsibility to cover Blackman's top receivers, Hicks did a nice job of keeping his side of the field locked down while contributing with some receptions on offense. It was his play on defense however that landed him among our “Three Stars” as I thought Hicks was impressive with his ability to flip his hips to stay path with his receiver and be right here to make a play on the ball or force the quarterback to throw away. His game play screams college upside, so I'm a tad surprised his recruitment hasn't taken off at this point but would certainly be a steal for whoever ends up taking a chance on him.    - - - - -   Helmet Stickers   (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='219450' first='Ethan' last='Carson'] - Blackman: I made it a point to watch Carson and see how he's progressed and let me tell you that Harvard is getting an absolute steal! The Blaze senior linebacker made several hard hitting plays throughout the game, including a sack early in the 1st half while displaying his athletic skill set on several occasions. Carson is a legit prospect that could become an FCS All-American during his time with the Crimson.    (DE/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='490634' first='Jomauri' last='Smith'] - Riverdale: Smith has packed on additional weight for his senior season and it showed up Friday night as he worked the edge very well. He forced the Blaze ball carriers to run inside on several occasions due to his physicality at the point of attack while showing nice range, forcing runs to the sidelines. He also showed flashes playing in space. It was an overall solid game from this under the radar linebacker.    (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1042282' first='John' last='Dragoo Jr'],  - Blackman: This senior wideout didn't produce a lot of stats in this contest but he stood out due to a tremendous touchdown reception in the 1st half and the willingness to block on the outside. Dragoo Jr, made one of the best catches I've seen this season, showing why he has potential for the next level. He has added more muscle and weight as well, so this Mid-TN wideout is beginning to look the part of a college guy.    ‘26 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1151463' first='Ayden' last='Emmons'] - Riverdale: This junior linebacker had one of his best games of the season Friday evening against the Blaze. He kicked off the matchup with a tipped pass interception in the 1st quarter then proceeded to make a ton of tackles versus the run. Emmons is a true middle backer that can continue to boost his college stock with progression made playing in space. If he can increase his athleticism and speed, college coaches will start paying attention.    (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1207785' first='Jayden' last='Guy'] - Blackman: Watching this senior receiver on Friday night, I can see why college coaches are taking an interest in him and it's due to his speed and playmaking abilities. Those traits flashed on several occasions last night, even with the Warriors secondary trying to blanket him. If Guy can learn the route tree while adding more weight, he could become a difference maker on the college level.    ‘26 (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1291569' first='Jaren' last='Hollins'] - Riverdale: This junior D-lineman doesn't show up big on the stat sheet but his play in the trenches last night was important in the Warriors road win over Blackman. Hollins is a wide bodied young man that eats up space in the middle and he did exactly that. He stacked blocks well to allow his backers to come in and make the tackle. Hollins does need to enhance his agility further but his run stuffing skills were on point.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/jhollins.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1535106" style="width:323px;height:auto" /></figure>