Defensive Standouts: More Tackling Machines Still in the Playoffs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Matteo Bernardi | LB | 2025 | [player_tooltip player_id='1640270' first='St.' last='Augustine'] | @MteoAB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 76 tackles, 3.0 TFL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Second on the team in total tackles, Bernardi is a steady presence on [player_tooltip player_id='1640270' first='St.' last='Augustine']'s defense. At 6-1, 210 pounds, he combines good size with a relentless motor and sound tackling fundamentals. His consistency makes him a key leader for this unit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gregory Robinson | ATH | 2025 | Cardinal Mooney | @gregory_lll</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 67 tackles, 16.0 TFL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robinson's ability to wreak havoc in the backfield is evident with 16 tackles for loss. His athleticism and instincts make him a disruptive force and one of Cardinal Mooney's most impactful players on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Antonio Vasquez | LB | 2025 | Gadsden County | @AntonioVa25</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 71 tackles, 11.0 TFL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vasquez is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker who excels at diagnosing plays and attacking gaps. His 11 tackles for loss highlight his knack for making big plays when his team needs them most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Noah Hodge | LB | 2026 | Nease | @Noah_hodge22</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 96 tackles, 8.0 TFL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hodge has been a tackling machine for Nease, leading the charge as a rising junior. His instincts and quick reaction time allow him to consistently be in the right place at the right time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1681579' first='Maxwell' last='Reid'] | LB | 2027 | West Boca | @m8xwell__</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 71 tackles, 27.0 TFL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reid's 27 tackles for loss jump off the page. The rising sophomore is already showcasing a high football IQ, a lightning-quick first step, and the ability to read offenses like a seasoned vet. His disruptive style makes him a future star.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ben Zarkiewicz | LB | 2025 | Venice | @BenZarkiewicz</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 115 tackles, 5.0 TFL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zarkiewicz has been Venice's defensive anchor, racking up 115 tackles this season. His physicality and leadership make him an invaluable asset, especially in high-pressure situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quimaine Myers | LB | 2025 | Jones | @Quimainemyers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 101 tackles</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Myers is the definition of a workhorse on defense. With over 100 tackles, he's a consistent presence in the middle of the field, showcasing great vision and the ability to finish plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gavin James | LB | 2025 | Lincoln | @JamesGavin_10</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 62 tackles, 9.0 TFL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James is a reliable tackler with a knack for slipping through blockers to disrupt plays in the backfield. His nine tackles for loss are proof of his aggressive and instinctive play style.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chauncey Warren | LB | 2025 | Lincoln | @warrenChauncey1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 62 tackles</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warren has been a steady contributor for Lincoln, tallying 62 tackles with his strong motor and fundamental approach to the game. His ability to take on blockers and shed them makes him a key defensive piece.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->