5 Standout Defensive Performances From The Sectional Round

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["829432"],"_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-673cd1fb4a972"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='829432' first='Damari' last='Simeon'] continues to establish himself as one of the premier defensive linemen in the region, and his performance in St. Augustine's upset win against Delbarton further solidified his reputation.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Simeon showcased his dominance as a run defender, consistently neutralizing blocks and using his exceptional hand placement and leverage to record multiple tackles for loss. What truly stood out was his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments. On a pivotal fourth-down play late in the game, Simeon devised a clutch tackle for loss that shifted momentum firmly in St. Augustine's favor, sealing the victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Standing out with a quick first-step burst, lower-body strength, and technical precision, Simeon overwhelmed opposing linemen throughout the game. His thick frame and explosive get-off make him a nightmare matchup in the trenches, and it's no surprise he's gained numerous offers since the start of the season. Simeon is an elite defensive force and a key player in St. Augustine's playoff success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17933927/673a8df3c1359c05ad09db8c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673cd1fb4ab60"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1279669"],"_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-673cd1fb4abbf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1279669' first='Akeem' last='Jones Jr.'] delivered a standout performance in St. Augustine's playoff win over Delbarton, showcasing his versatility and high motor on the defensive side of the ball. The active linebacker made his presence felt throughout the game, tallying two sacks and forcing a crucial fumble.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His ability to explode off the edge and consistently create pressure in the backfield significantly disrupted Delbarton's offensive rhythm. Additionally, Jones contributed effectively in run defense, displaying toughness and agility as he fought through blocks and made tackles in open space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What sets Akeem apart is his unique body type—lean and long-limbed—which resembles more of a safety or cornerback. In today's evolving defensive landscape, his athletic profile fits the mold of a modern hybrid defender who can play multiple positions.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As a member of the class of 2028, Jones has immense potential to become one of the state's top defensive players. His ability to seamlessly transition between linebacker, safety, and even slot corner makes him a versatile weapon to watch for in the years ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22610848/673b2180c1359c05ad0a5484' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673cd1fb4abf1"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1040416"],"_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-673cd1fb4ac46"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1040416' first='Blaise' last='Boland'] delivered a dominant performance for Toms River North in their playoff win against Rancocas Valley, making his presence felt all over the field. Boland consistently disrupted the opposing offense as an edge rusher, finishing the game with five quarterback pressures crucial in keeping Rancocas Valley's passing attack off balance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In addition to his impact as a pass rusher, Blaise recorded an impressive 11 tackles, including two for loss, further highlighting his ability to defend against the run and control the line of scrimmage. His relentless energy and high motor made him a critical factor in Toms River North's defensive success and solidified his role as a pivotal player in their front seven.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Nicolas Costa","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"230","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"5926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"St. Augustine","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673cd1fb4ac97"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nicolas Costa, a 6'4”, 230-pound edge rusher from the class of 2026, showcased his immense potential and disruptive ability in St. Augustine's playoff victory over Delbarton. Costa was a constant thorn in the side of the Delbarton offense, forcing two fumbles and recovering one, proving his knack for creating game-changing plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What stands out about Costa is his physical profile—his tall, long frame makes him a prototypical edge rusher, and his high motor ensures he is involved in nearly every play. His ability to use his hands effectively and his instincts to read and react made him a critical factor in neutralizing Del Barton's offensive threats. Costa's performance underscored his status as a rising star and a pivotal piece of St. Augustine's defensive front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/SunilSportsNews/status/1857946276886622486">https://twitter.com/SunilSportsNews/status/1857946276886622486</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1264830"],"_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-673cd8ea54a83"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nicolas Costa, a 6'4”, 230-pound edge rusher from the class of 2026, showcased his immense potential and disruptive ability in St. Augustine's playoff victory over Delbarton. Costa was a constant thorn in the side of the Delbarton offense, forcing two fumbles and recovering one, proving his knack for creating game-changing plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What stands out about Costa is his physical profile—his tall, long frame makes him a prototypical edge rusher, and his high motor ensures he is involved in nearly every play. His ability to use his hands effectively and his instincts to read and react made him a critical factor in neutralizing Del Barton's offensive threats. Costa's performance underscored his status as a rising star and a pivotal piece of St. Augustine's defensive front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><a href="https://twitter.com/SunilSportsNews/status/1857946276886622486">https://twitter.com/SunilSportsNews/status/1857946276886622486</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->