VISAA Division 2 Championship Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saturday will be the VISAA Division 2 Championship with Blue Ridge hosting North Cross. These two foes regular season matchup was canceled due to the hurricane the week they were scheduled. We are in for a great one on Saturday in a game that is filled with many college level prospects on both teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>View this year's VISAA Division 2 playoff bracket&nbsp;<a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/tournament/ojFgeRMDEe-A2Aqb9tl3hA/qEYTnBMDEe-A2Aqb9tl3hA/football-24/2024-visaa-state-football-playoffs-division-ii.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"><strong>Prep Redzone's First Virginia Player Showcase coming January 12, 2025</strong></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"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Players to Watch</span></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Blue Ridge Barons</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1232713"],"_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-6736c4248c6b9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Luke leads Blue Ridge's offense as the QB. I was able to watch him earlier this season, and he ran their offense efficiently. He has solid arm strength and good accuracy. He has good athleticism which allows him to move in the pocket and extend plays outside of the pocket. He has had a great season and is a big part of Blue Ridge's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16581844/Luke-Wuhrer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/LukeWuhrer01" 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":["1231454"],"_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-6736c4248c79d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I have written on Demetrius a number of times now, and he is one of my favorite linebackers to watch. He is a leader on the field manning the middle of the Baron's defense. He is all over the field and has <a href="https://x.com/Demetrius_52/status/1855698455907475525" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">89 tackles</a> on the season. Be sure to check out <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/demetrius-allen-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">his profile</a> and read what I have written on him previously. Be sure to keep an eye on him during the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16491656/Demetrius-Allen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/Demetrius_52" 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":["1297736"],"_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-6736c4248c96d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cory is an outside linebacker for Blue Ridge who excels in pass rush. He has a quick first step that allows him to create up field burst and leverage against offensive tackles. Good use of hands to keep hands out of his chest. He displays a good pass rush plan with very good bend to dip around the OT on the outside and displays a quick inside step and spin move to rush inside. Very good finish on his pass rush to put pressure on the QB to make a sack or force an incompletion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19542385/Cory-Shorts?_gl=1%2Awat7gs%2A_ga%2AMTY5NDMwNTU3LjE3MDAwNzg3NTI.%2A_ga_29LPHS2HWC%2AMTczMTY0MTUwMi43OTYuMS4xNzMxNjQyMDgwLjAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/Coryshorts20" 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":["1231305"],"_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-6736c4248c8fd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tristen is a big wide receiver who can beat you with his size and physicality, but I also really like the route running he displays. He has good foot quickness and short area movement that he utilizes to separate from the DB and provide an open target for his QB. Blue Ridge will likely need him to make some key plays this week to win the game, so be sure to keep an eye on him. He has <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/10/virginia-recruiting-report-5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">picked up some offers</a> to play in college, but more schools ought to be looking at him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19542386/Tristen-Fitzpatrick?_gl=1*8yhj0q*_ga*MTY5NDMwNTU3LjE3MDAwNzg3NTI.*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTczMTY0MTUwMi43OTYuMS4xNzMxNjQxNzEwLjAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/trisfitz2?lang=en" 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":["1230170"],"_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-6736c4248c9d1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Darius is an elusive running back for the Barons. I really liked what I saw of him when I saw Blue Ridge play <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/10/st-annes-belfield-vs-blue-ridge-game-report/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earlier this year</a>. He can run both Gap and Zone schemes and is fast enough to stretch the field in outside runs and patient and physical enough to run between the tackles. Has good burst and open field speed that allows him to get past the second level and create explosive plays. He will need to have a big game this week for Blue Ridge to take home the title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17277620/Darius-Stafford?_gl=1%2A10y002j%2A_ga%2AMTY5NDMwNTU3LjE3MDAwNzg3NTI.%2A_ga_29LPHS2HWC%2AMTczMTY0MTUwMi43OTYuMS4xNzMxNjQyMDgzLjAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/Dariusgetswavy" 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":["1231552"],"_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-6736cd6688458"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Izayk is an athletic cornerback for Blue Ridge who covers the outside receivers. He has a quick backpedal and good change of direction and hip fluidity that allow him to keep good coverage on his routes. He has good zone processing and will jump routes to intercept the ball. He will have his hands full in this game and will be a key piece to the Baron's success. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14470317/Izayk-Dolo?_gl=1%2Am5omh6%2A_ga%2AMTY5NDMwNTU3LjE3MDAwNzg3NTI.%2A_ga_29LPHS2HWC%2AMTczMTY0MTUwMi43OTYuMS4xNzMxNjQyNzI1LjAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/_izayk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">North Cross Raiders</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["853090"],"_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-6736cd66884db"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jaziel is a playmaker on the field playing wide receiver/running back and defensive back. He has elite athleticism making effortless change of direction cuts, fluid hips, and speed. He will be a key feature to North Cross game plan on offense to get the ball in his hands. On defense, he will lock down anyone who lines up against him. Beyond that, what I like is his willingness to do the dirty work of blocking on offense and playing physical against the run on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14709179/Jaziel-Hart" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/Zielhart" 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":["212459"],"_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-6736cd668853e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Our top ranked DB in the class of 2027, Jase is quickly making a name for himself. He has elite athletic traits of change of direction, explosiveness, and lateral movement. These traits, along with his quick ability to read and process the field, give him very good range to cover the field from his safety position. He has very good ball skills to disrupt the pass and plays with physicality. Be sure to read what my colleague Carl <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/06/2026-virginia-rankings-review-defensive-backs-1-5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>wrote about Jase</em></a> as well earlier this year. So far he has six Division 1 offers and more will come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17947199/Jase-Rhodes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/jase_rhodes2026?lang=en" 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":["1232720"],"_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-6736cd66885a0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Daniel is a Wide Receiver/Tight End who is a dependable target for his QB. He receives favorable matchups and takes advantage of them with his solid route running and separation quickness. He had good hands to make the catch. His film shows him mainly aligning as a wide receiver, but he can play in the in-line TE position for run blocking. He is a quality piece to their offense and could be called upon to make some key plays in this game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11512793/Daniel-Skoog" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/Danielskoog21" 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":["853102"],"_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-6736cd66885fd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Our fifth ranked defensive lineman in the class of '26 is a force on North Cross's front. He plays with very good strength and power, with a quick step that allows him to engage offensive linemen with his hands and keep them out of his chest. He has good lateral movement allowing him to shed blocks and defend the run. Has the power to push the pocket in pass rush while also displaying finesse to get around the offensive lineman. Don't sleep on his offensive line film either at his Right Tackle position. Expect him to be making an impact in this game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14435890/Nathan-Hayes?_gl=1*1xttnra*_ga*MTY5NDMwNTU3LjE3MDAwNzg3NTI.*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTczMTY4NjU4Ny43OTguMS4xNzMxNjg3NTk3LjAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/NateHayes56" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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 -->