VISAA Division 1 Championship Preview – Benedictine

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Saturday will be the Division 1 State Championship game for the VISAA football playoffs at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Riverbend+High+School/@38.2944198,-77.5819319,2500m/data=!3m2!1e3!5s0x89b6bf9068d2c085:0x30a0f041e6082ae6!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b6bf9083b0be43:0xa7b4b6f3a493ed44!8m2!3d38.2951896!4d-77.575414!16zL20vMGgyc2g5!5m1!1e2?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTEwNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Riverbend High School</a>. The top seeded <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/07/przva-team-preview-saint-michael-the-archangel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St. Michael the Archangel</a> will host a neutral site game versus Benedictine. St. Michael the Archangel is 9-1 on the season and Benedictine 8-3. Versus common opponents on the season, both teams went undefeated. These teams faced off on August 31 earlier this year, and St. Michael came out with a <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/8-31-2024/football-24/benedictine-vs-st-michael-the-archangel.htm?c=xcLStcEPj0afH0Jlh-MRHA#tab=videos&amp;schoolid=" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">41-32 victory</a>. We should be in for a great game this weekend as they rematch for the championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>View this year's VISAA Division 1 playoff bracket <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/tournament/ojFgeRMDEe-A2Aqb9tl3hA/qEYTkxMDEe-A2Aqb9tl3hA/football-24/2024-visaa-state-football-playoffs-division-i.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prep Redzone's First Virginia Player Showcase coming January 12, 2025</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We will be hosting our first&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/10/prep-redzone-stock-up-showcases-are-back-this-winter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stock Up Showcase</a>&nbsp;on January 12, 2025 in Harrisonburg, VA! At our events, we have the drills ran by college coaches, so you will be able to meet and perform in front of those who will recruit you. The showcase is&nbsp;<strong>open to any class of 2025-2028 players</strong>. Group discounts of 3 or more signing up together also apply! Feel free to send&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GoLions1934" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">myself</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/carljfred" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carl</a>&nbsp;a DM on X if you have any questions. You can register for the showcase&nbsp;<a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/1329/register/virginia-stock-up-showcase" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. Use discount code&nbsp;<em><strong>LaingPRZ2024</strong></em>&nbsp;for $10 off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Players to Watch</span></strong></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Benedictine Cadets</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["324007"],"_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-6734dade1cd65"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This game is a chance for Carson to cement his legacy going against the highly talented St. Michael's defensive backs, and I believe he has the ability to do so. He displays a very strong arm to effortlessly throw the deep ball. He shows good poise in the pocket with good balance in his set drops. He throws with accuracy, leading his receivers in their routes. He has the athleticism to move round the pocket and to run the ball as well if needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18166511/Carson-Lambert?_gl=1*ypl9to*_ga*MTY5NDMwNTU3LjE3MDAwNzg3NTI.*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTczMTUwNjc1Ny43OTMuMC4xNzMxNTA2NzU3LjAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/CarsonLambert_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18166511/671052820e20d9511c426c72' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6734dade1cef5"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1177761"],"_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-6734dade1cf42"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">JoJo is an explosive play waiting to happen anytime he touches the ball. When a play is needed, JoJo is who Benedictine looks to. I covered him in the offseason highlighting his good route running and athleticism that you will want to read <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/class-of-25-26-prospects-to-know-from-twitter-film-analysis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. These have been on display this season. He is also playing safety on defense this year. Safe to say he was a great addition to Benedictine&nbsp;this season after transferring in from Goochland. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17959317/Jojo-Johnson?_gl=1*1309ibd*_ga*MTY5NDMwNTU3LjE3MDAwNzg3NTI.*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTczMTUwNjc1Ny43OTMuMS4xNzMxNTA3NDQxLjAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/jojo_johnsonnn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17959317/66d4f8a08b617103bf85bf60' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6734dade1cf67"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["853791"],"_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-6734dade1cfa8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Maddox is one of the best offensive tackles in the state and mans the left tackle position for Benedictine. He moves very well on the field for his size and can bend. He can be utilized in Gap and Zone schemes. Has the athleticism to get to the second level and block linebackers. Very good pass protection and anchor. He will be key to their success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14316034/Maddox-Cochrane?_gl=1*1rudqdt*_ga*MTY5NDMwNTU3LjE3MDAwNzg3NTI.*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTczMTUwNjc1Ny43OTMuMS4xNzMxNTA5MTUwLjAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/maddoxcochrane_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14316034/66faee173477efb85407b39a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6734dade1cfcc"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1231331"],"_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-6734dade1d012"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Doug is a mauler of a run blocker at left guard for Benedictine. He has good strength and leg drive that allows him to over power his defender. He has good use of hands to latch on to defenders with good grip strength. Has the athleticism to pull block and get to the second level. He, alongside left tackle <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/maddox-cochraane/"><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/maddox-cochraane/">Maddox Cochrane</a></a>, makes a great combination for Benedictine's offensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16437195/Doug-Clevert-III" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/DougClevertIII" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16437195/67341a4fe1560e88eaef8834' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6734dade1d033"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["853804"],"_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-6734dade1d06f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">JeJuan is a stacked linebacker for Benedictine, and he is a stout run defender in the middle of their defense. He reads the offense quickly and attacks his assignment. He has good angle processing and range allowing him to cover outside and inside runs. Solid against the pass in zone coverage and does have the ability to rush on the blitz.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11874451/JeJuan-Hutchins?_gl=1*1bdl9xt*_ga*MTY5NDMwNTU3LjE3MDAwNzg3NTI.*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTczMTUxMTMzMC43OTQuMC4xNzMxNTExMzMxLjAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/HutchinsJeJuan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11874451/66f5e02ceb3acd664ff14e38' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6734dade1d08e"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1297640"],"_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-6734dade1d0ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If St. Michael plans to run up the middle, they are going to have to go through Yeshua. Yeshua's size of 6'1" 300 lbs jumps out right away as he is larger than most anyone he will face. However, his athleticism sticks out as well. He displays a quick first step and has good use of hands to engage offensive linemen and create leverage. His strength allows him to penetrate and collapse the pocket on pass rush, and he is a stout run defender. Be on the lookout for Yeshua this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18210068/Yeshua-Matalatala" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/YMatala58" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1231591"],"_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-6734dade1d108"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ahmad is a defensive end with elite height and length. He can set the edge on the defense and hold his ground. Displays good lateral agility in run defense with good ability to engage and separate from blocks. He can be pushed inside to rush against guards and utilize his strength to collapse the pocket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16218472/Ahmad-Thiam?_gl=1%2A12a1t47%2A_ga%2AMTY5NDMwNTU3LjE3MDAwNzg3NTI.%2A_ga_29LPHS2HWC%2AMTczMTUxMzgxOS43OTUuMS4xNzMxNTE2NDEyLjAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/AhmadThiam2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16218472/66fb57f4d577bf871b6ec8d8' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6734e26e4f0bb"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;to claim your Prep Redzone Prospect Index profile.<br>Follow me on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GoLions1934" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@GoLions1934</a>&nbsp;for further content |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneVA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzoneVA</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzone" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzone</a>&nbsp;| Virginia Scout&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/carljfred" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@carljfred</a></em>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<em>View my previous Prep Redzone articles&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/author/cole-laing-author/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->