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Game-Changers: Defensive Heroes Who Defined the Championships

Game-Changers: Defensive Heroes Who Defined the Championships
Robert Davis
Robert Davis December 10, 2024 @ 05:15 PM
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In this article:

Trey Scheler
Trey Scheler 6'2" | 185 lbs | ATH | 2026
CO
Grant Statz
Grant Statz 5'8" | 190 lbs | EDGE/RB | 2025
CO
Hayden Gustafson
Hayden Gustafson 5'10" | 165 lbs | WR/DB | 2026
CO
Dane Gray
Dane Gray 6'5" | 220 lbs | DL/OL | 2025
CO
Dwight Johnson
Dwight Johnson 5'10" | 165 lbs | DB | 2025
CO
Casey Midcap
Casey Midcap 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB | 2025
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is that time again and now is the time to hurry and sign up! The Stock Up Showcase is back! Make sure you use code: DavisPRZ2024 to get money off of registration! This is your chance to get the recognition you want and also go against the top players in the state! Now is the time to show up and show out!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1577206"],"_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-6758cb74c2eca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson proved to be an impactful defensive back for Cherry Creek High School, finishing the game with five solo tackles, eight assisted tackles, and one tackle for loss. His ability to fly around the field and make plays was evident as he consistently rallied to the football and provided critical support in the run game. Johnson's vision allowed him to anticipate plays, positioning himself to make open-field tackles and even get behind the line of scrimmage to bring down ball carriers. Whether in pass coverage or run defense, he showcased his versatility and high motor, making himself a key factor in Cherry Creek's defensive success. Johnson's ability to read plays and react quickly made him a player offenses had to account for on every snap, cementing his status as a defensive standout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1577211"],"_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-6758cb74c2f5f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gray delivered a dynamic performance for Thompson Valley, recording two solo tackles, seven assisted tackles, and a crucial interception. Known for his relentless effort, Gray demonstrated his ability to get off blocks and rally to the football, consistently disrupting plays near the line of scrimmage. His interception highlighted his impressive hands and awareness, as he stepped up in a big moment to turn the tide of the game. Gray's high motor and ability to be everywhere on the field made him a constant headache for the opposing offense. With his knack for causing chaos and making critical plays, Gray has the tools to make an impact at the next level, where his versatility and tenacity will undoubtedly shine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1577241"],"_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-6758cb74c2fcc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gustafson showcased his all-around defensive abilities for The Classical Academy with seven solo tackles, four assisted tackles, and an interception. A defensive back with a relentless motor, Gustafson excelled in open-field tackling and consistently rallied to the football, putting himself in the right position to make plays. His interception was a testament to his great hands and ability to read the quarterback, while his high-energy approach allowed him to get involved in nearly every defensive stop. Gustafson's performance highlighted his versatility and playmaking ability, making him a player to watch heading into the offseason and a rising star for next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["268211"],"_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-6758cb74c3036"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Midcap was an absolute force for Wray High School, turning in a standout performance with 10 solo tackles, seven assisted tackles, one tackle for loss, a forced fumble, and an interception. Midcap's ability to affect the game in multiple ways was unmatched, as he flew around the field making plays both in the run game and in coverage. His versatility allowed him to drop back, come away with an interception, and then quickly transition to stuffing the run and causing disruption near the line of scrimmage. Playing with relentless energy and a never-quit attitude, Midcap looked unstoppable, and his commitment to Drake University ensures they are getting an elite talent who plays with passion and determination.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1577296"],"_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-6758cb74c309a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Statz delivered a heroic performance for Haxtun in the 8-man championship game, recording 10 solo tackles, 19 assisted tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack. Statz played like a man on a mission, showing an unmatched ability to rally to the football and make critical stops. His ability to meet ball carriers in the backfield and bring down the quarterback when called upon showcased his ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage. Statz's relentless energy and knack for making big plays made him a standout in the championship game, and while he may fly under the radar, his performance solidified his place as one of the most impactful players on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1577305"],"_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-6758cb74c3101"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Scheler put on a show for Cheyenne Wells in the 6-man championship game, racking up 14 solo tackles, four assisted tackles, one tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery. Playing with a sense of freedom and intensity, Scheler flew around the field with purpose, consistently meeting ball carriers in a hurry and preventing big plays. His ability to read the game and provide run support was critical, as he rallied to the football and delivered key stops when his team needed them most. Scheler's high-energy play and field awareness make him a player to watch in the six-man football league next season, as he continues to establish himself as a defensive leader.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

It is that time again and now is the time to hurry and sign up! The Stock Up Showcase is back! Make sure you use code: DavisPRZ2024 to get money off of registration! This is your chance to get the recognition you want and also go against the top players in the state! Now is the time to show up and show out!

Dwight Johnson

Dwight Johnson

CO
DB
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 165
POS DB
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Dwight
Johnson DB
Class
2025
Height
5'10"
Weight
165
HS
Cherry Creek
|
CO
Game-Changers: Defensive Heroes Who Defined the Championships
Johnson proved to be an impactful defensive back for Cherry Creek High School, finishing the game with five...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Dwight Johnson

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Cherry Creek
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Northern Colorado
Dane Gray

Dane Gray

CO
DL/OL
HEIGHT 6'5"
WEIGHT 220
POS DL/OL
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Dane
Gray DL/OL
Class
2025
Height
6'5"
Weight
220
HS
Thompson Valley
|
CO
Game-Changers: Defensive Heroes Who Defined the Championships
Gray delivered a dynamic performance for Thompson Valley, recording two solo tackles, seven assisted tackles, and a crucial...
Written by Robert Davis
Northern Colorado
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Dane Gray

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Thompson Valley
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Hayden Gustafson

Hayden Gustafson

CO
WR/DB
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 165
POS WR/DB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Hayden
Gustafson WR/DB
Class
2026
Height
5'10"
Weight
165
HS
The Classical Academy
|
CO
Game-Changers: Defensive Heroes Who Defined the Championships
Gustafson showcased his all-around defensive abilities for The Classical Academy with seven solo tackles, four assisted tackles, and...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Hayden Gustafson

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: The Classical Academy
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Casey Midcap

Casey Midcap

CO
QB
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 185
POS QB
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Casey
Midcap QB
Class
2025
Height
6'2"
Weight
185
HS
Wray
|
CO
Game-Changers: Defensive Heroes Who Defined the Championships
Midcap was an absolute force for Wray High School, turning in a standout performance with 10 solo tackles,...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Casey Midcap

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Wray
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Grant Statz

Grant Statz

CO
EDGE/RB
HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 190
POS EDGE/RB
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Grant
Statz EDGE/RB
Class
2025
Height
5'8"
Weight
190
HS
Haxtun
|
CO
Game-Changers: Defensive Heroes Who Defined the Championships
Statz delivered a heroic performance for Haxtun in the 8-man championship game, recording 10 solo tackles, 19 assisted...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Grant Statz

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Haxtun
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Trey Scheler

Trey Scheler

CO
ATH
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 185
POS ATH
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Trey
Scheler ATH
Class
2026
Height
6'2"
Weight
185
HS
Cheyenne Wells
|
CO
Game-Changers: Defensive Heroes Who Defined the Championships
Scheler put on a show for Cheyenne Wells in the 6-man championship game, racking up 14 solo tackles,...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Trey Scheler

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Cheyenne Wells
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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Rankings

472 Players Ranked

  • 1
    Tufanua Ionatana “T.I.” Umu-Cais

    Tufanua Ionatana “T.I.” Umu-Cais

    Cherry Creek

    Washington (WA)
  • 2
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    Deacon Schmitt

    Windsor

    Oklahoma
  • 3
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    Heritage

    UCLA
  • 4
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    Kannon Smith

    Valor Christian

    USC
  • 5
    Mason Bandhauer

    Mason Bandhauer

    Fort Collins

    Iowa State
View Full Rankings

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