PRZ PAClassic: DX 18u Top Performers

It was a cold and blistering weekend in Southern Pennsylvania, but that didn't stop athletes and fans from showing up in record numbers for the PRZPA Classic 7v7. Despite the weather, the event saw an all-time high turnout for the state, setting the stage for a weekend full of high-level competition. I had the chance to cover and follow all of the 18U teams representing New Jersey, each bringing their own energy, talent, and standout performances. Let's kick things off with a closer look at DX 18U—a team stacked with promise and high-caliber prospects.    Jake was a standout over the weekend, showcasing exactly why he's one of the most reliable tight ends on the field. A big-bodied target who towers over the competition, he used his size and impressive leaping ability to consistently out-jump defensive backs and make key plays across the middle. With strong, dependable hands, he rarely let a pass slip through once it touched his fingertips. Jake quickly became one of the quarterback's favorite and most consistent targets—especially near the red zone, where his physical presence and ability to win contested catches made him nearly unstoppable.      Arguably my favorite New Jersey cornerback of the 7v7 weekend, Carl put together one of the most complete performances of any defensive back in attendance. While he may not have the size that immediately jumps out, his game is built on elite instincts, crisp footwork, and a deep understanding of coverages. Whether in man-to-man situations—where he stuck to receivers like glue—or in zone, where he seamlessly passed off routes and read the quarterback's eyes, Carl was always a step ahead. His physicality at the line of scrimmage stood out, consistently jamming receivers and disrupting timing from the snap. What truly separated him was his discipline and awareness—he never panicked, kept his head on a swivel, and refused to give up ground. Over the games I saw of DX, not a single pass was completed in his direction, a testament to his lockdown ability and football IQ. Carl didn't just show up—he dominated.     Jeremiah was one of the most dynamic and versatile athletes on the field over the weekend. A tall, athletic receiver, he ran the full route tree with precision, creating separation at every level and quickly becoming one of quarterback Anthony's favorite targets. Whether it was a deep shot down the sideline or a quick break across the middle, Jeremiah delivered with reliable hands and smooth route-running. But his impact didn't stop on offense—he also lined up as a cornerback on the opposite side of the ball, where he came up clutch with a key pass breakup to prevent the opponent from taking the lead late in the game. His two-way presence and ability to shine in critical moments made him undeniably one of the top players on his team.     Anthony impressed all weekend with his quick release and ability to get the ball out fast, keeping the offense in rhythm and consistently moving the ball down the field. He showed a calm command of the game, reading defenses well and finding open windows with smart, decisive throws. One of his best moments came on Saturday morning when he dropped a perfectly placed deep ball to the outside—unfortunately, it was dropped, but the throw itself was a thing of beauty. His pocket awareness and ability to shift around to create throwing lanes stood out, making him a steady and reliable leader for his team's offense.     Christian played a key role in DX's defensive success over the weekend, holding it down at safety with poise and athleticism. One of his biggest moments came during a crucial point-after attempt on Saturday, where he broke up a pass in the corner of the end zone to help seal the win for his team. He showed great speed getting to the ball, excellent anticipation, and consistently prevented receivers from getting over the top. With solid size for a 2027 prospect and a strong feel for the game, Christian looked comfortable as the last line of defense and proved he can step up in big moments.     A tall, reliable wide receiver, [player_tooltip player_id='910873' first='Anthony' last='Forte'] made a significant impact throughout the weekend. He was particularly effective on curl routes, coming back to the ball with great timing and securing catches even when under pressure. Lining up wide, he quickly became a go-to target for the quarterback, especially in critical moments when the clock was ticking down. His ability to consistently generate 5-10 yards per play made him a steady presence, someone the QB could always count on to move the chains and keep the offense on track.

It was a cold and blistering weekend in Southern Pennsylvania, but that didn't stop athletes and fans from showing up in record numbers for the PRZPA Classic 7v7. Despite the weather, the event saw an all-time high turnout for the state, setting the stage for a weekend full of high-level competition. I had the chance to cover and follow all of the 18U teams representing New Jersey, each bringing their own energy, talent, and standout performances. Let's kick things off with a closer look at DX 18U—a team stacked with promise and high-caliber prospects.