Gateway to the West 14U: Best Game Managers

The Gateway to the West 7v7 Tournament is one of the premier 14U football events in the Midwest, bringing together top young talent for two days of high-intensity competition. With teams from across the region, this tournament is a proving ground for rising athletes looking to showcase their skills in a fast-paced, pass-heavy environment. While speed and athleticism often steal the spotlight, the true difference-makers are the players who control the flow of the game—those who lead their teams with poise, precision, and smart decision-making. This evaluation highlights the athletes who excelled in game management, demonstrating the ability to keep their teams organized, adjust to in-game challenges, and dictate the tempo when it mattered most.    Mario Sciorrotta is a dynamic two-way player for Level Up Gold, excelling at both running back and linebacker. Although not your traditional game manager, Sciorotta was able to dictate the flow of the gam with ease. With great speed and impressive agility, he can burst through gaps on offense and change direction quickly to evade defenders. On defense, his range and instincts make him a true asset, acting as a blanket over the middle of the field by shutting down passing lanes and tracking ball carriers with ease. His combination of athleticism and field awareness allows him to be a playmaker on both sides of the ball, making him a versatile weapon for his team.     Nick Stupp is a poised and intelligent quarterback who consistently displays high-level decision-making and command of the offense. As the leader of the Level Up Gold squad, Stupp excels in game management, keeping drives alive with smart throws and a calm presence under pressure. His ability to read defenses and make calculated decisions stands out, rarely forcing passes and often putting his playmakers in a position to succeed. While he's composed in short and intermediate situations, Stupp is also fearless when the opportunity arises to stretch the field, showing confidence and touch on deep balls. His blend of football IQ and willingness to take strategic shots downfield makes him a reliable and dangerous QB at all levels of the game.     The Caine Arellano quarterback displays excellent touch on his passes, consistently delivering well-placed balls with the right amount of loft and velocity. His ability to throw accurately to out routes is particularly impressive, showing great timing and precision to hit receivers in stride near the sideline. His footwork is another strong point, as he maintains a balanced, square stance in the pocket, allowing him to step into throws with confidence. With his fundamentals well-refined, he showcases strong mechanics and poise, making him a reliable passer in a structured offense.     Connor McCrea is a poised and confident quarterback who excels as a game manager and leader for the talented Sioux Falls Sharks. He shows a natural command of the offense, keeping the team calm and focused in high-pressure moments. One of his standout traits is his ability to deliver accurate throws into tight windows while on the run, showcasing both field awareness and arm talent. McCrea consistently makes smart decisions, rarely forcing the ball, and displays a mature understanding of situational football. With a deep supporting cast around him, he elevates the play of those around him and keeps the offense moving efficiently and with purpose.     [player_tooltip player_id='1646428' first='Carter' last='Vrana'] is an impressive quarterback with strong potential. He showcases good speed on his passes, which helps him deliver the ball with velocity and precision. Vrana's ability to put balls into tight windows is particularly notable, as he consistently displays excellent touch, threading passes into small baskets and fitting them through tight coverage. Additionally, his size is an asset, especially for his age, giving him an advantage when navigating the pocket and scanning the field. Overall, Vrana's combination of speed, accuracy, and physicality positions him as a strong quarterback prospect with plenty of upside.

The Gateway to the West 7v7 Tournament is one of the premier 14U football events in the Midwest, bringing together top young talent for two days of high-intensity competition. With teams from across the region, this tournament is a proving ground for rising athletes looking to showcase their skills in a fast-paced, pass-heavy environment. While speed and athleticism often steal the spotlight, the true difference-makers are the players who control the flow of the game—those who lead their teams with poise, precision, and smart decision-making. This evaluation highlights the athletes who excelled in game management, demonstrating the ability to keep their teams organized, adjust to in-game challenges, and dictate the tempo when it mattered most.