Milford Mill vs. Loyola Blakefield: Top Defensive players

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After watching this past weekend's game between Milford Mill and Loyola Blakefield, Prep Redzone brings you the top defensive performers from the game. Loyola Blakefield held off Milford Mill late to come away with a 27-20 win to end its regular season on a good note. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note: This isn't necessarily based on numbers, but more so on impact on the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Da'Rel Mercer | Linebacker | 2026 | Milford Mill</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Made several tackles, including a 5-yard loss on Loyola's second goa-line attempt, demonstrating excellent gap-shooting ability and timing, which disrupted Loyola's offense significantly. He ended up with four total tackles (all solo, 2 TFL) and a sack. Part of a front-seven that made life hard for Loyola Blakefield's running backs all game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1314846' first='Jesse' last='Legree'] | Defensive Back | 2026 | Loyola Blakefield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Consistently strong in pass coverage, breaking up multiple passes and providing solid support in both short and deep coverage situations, especially in critical fourth-quarter moments. He breaks on the ball with impressive quickness and was part of a Loyola Blakefield defense that held Milford Mills' receivers in check for the most part. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='279149' first='Darius' last='Collins'] | Defensive Back | 2025 | Milford Mill</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Played well in coverage, breaking up a few important passes, including one in the red zone, helping to prevent Loyola from scoring on multiple occasions. He finished with three total tackles, three pass deflections, and a forced fumble. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580008' first='Derek' last='Seiss'] | Edge | 2025 | Loyola Blakefield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Demonstrated versatility by making key tackles in the backfield, including a few open-field tackles to stop Milford's gains. His consistent presence limited Milford's running game. The impressive thing about it is that he was a key contributor for the Dons on offense too. Solid against the run and pass this game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Malik Samms | Linebacker | 2026 | Milford Mill</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Made some key tackles and provided effective coverage against Loyola's passing game, helping to prevent big gains downfield. Ended up with six tackles (five solo) and two pass deflections. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HONORABLE MENTIONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brady Murn | Defensive Back | 2026 | Loyola Blakefield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Made a crucial interception in the third quarter. He broke in front of the receiver on what looked like a dig-route and came up with a key turnover for the Dons. He was also involved</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='272981' first='Luke' last='Marsalek'] | Defensive Lineman | 2025 | Loyola Blakefield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marsalek recovered a fumble first quarter, giving his team great field-position in Milford's territory. He also had a nice stop in the third quarter on a 2nd-and-9, making sure the runner made no gain. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1312934' first='Khary' last='Adams'] | Defensive Back | 2026 | Loyola Blakefield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Responsible for a few tackles, including a few in coverage. He also contributed as a kick returner (had a nice 15-plus yard return) and caught a couple of passes (one for six yards and another for 11 yards) on Milford's side of the football field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->