6A- Region 2 Preview: Mountain Ridge

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2024 record: 5-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Key Games:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday, October 3- at Herrimen<br>Friday, October 17- Westlake<br><br>These games could decide who wins Region 2. September is an easy stretch for them, and come October, they could very well be in the hunt for taking the region, and these games could be critical for the season.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Hardest Games:<br>Friday, August 15- at Skyridge<br>Friday, August 22- Lehi<br>Friday, August 29- at Davis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is a brutal August for them, and even if they lose all three, they are set up to roll in September and ride that momentum into October.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Outlook:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If Mountain Ridge can figure out the QB position, they could take the region and make a deep postseason push.<br><br>Key Players:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["944759"],"_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-689093122495f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hunt is someone who has caught my eye this offseason. He's looked good when I went to visit Mountain Ridge this offseason and during the offseason showcases. He is a tall, lanky signal caller who throws a good intermediate ball. His placement is good, and he moves well around the pocket. He should enter the season as QB1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1694164"],"_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-6890931224a07"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hooper is an elite prospect. He has a good frame and should fill into it nicely. It's likely that he starts the season on Thursday nights, but I would not be surprised after a slow start in August, that he gets asked to suit up in September and if Mountain Ridge starts the season slow, and the offense is stagnant, that they pull the trigger and insert their dynamic freshman and give him the keys to the kingdom. He has a quick delivery, showcases good arm talent, throws a good deep ball, a tight spiral that is friendly to receivers, and his ball placement is precise. He is set up to potentially see varsity reps and be the guy next season with at least three years of varsity film. He's a Power-Four athlete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1579933"],"_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-6890931224a66"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ofisa is a good athlete and a two-way player with good size. He's the returning leading rusher. Ofisa is a physical runner with good vision and contact balance. He does a good job at getting to the second level and finishing off his run. He's part of the pass game and showcases soft hands. This offseason, I've seen him work as an edge rusher, and he's looked crisp. He's quick off the line, has good bend at the hip, can get under the pads of the lineman, and has the strength to disengage and use his closing speed to pursue the quarterback. He should continue to be a two-way player for them as he's too good on both sides of the ball to be kept off the field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1562675"],"_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-6890931224aae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cunningham is best in the slot, but can work out wide. He is a twitchy receiver with good lateral movement and does well making defenders miss. He's caught my eye this offseason during the showcases, and was a player who kept getting open and making plays. He'll be one of the leading receivers this year and is a player who is set up for a fantastic final season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1514662"],"_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-6890931224af0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It's possible Renteria starts the season on Thursday nights, but he is too talented not to dress for varsity. I expect him to suit up on Friday nights around September and be inserted into the rotation, and it would not shock me if he were part of the core receivers and getting significant playing time. He is a great athlete, is twitchy, and creative with the ball in his hands. He has good lateral quickness and hip fluidity to go along with good footwork and the ability to create separation. He's a player you want in space where he can create and make defenders miss. I'll be hard-pressed to find a better receiver in that room. Future Power-Four offers are coming his way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1562672"],"_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-6890931224b2f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dumas is an athletic tight end with good size for the position. He showcases good hands and has the power to fight through contact and gain additional yards after the catch. He has a good catch radius and moves well. Dumas is set up for a fantastic final season and should be a safety blanket for his signal-caller. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["872553"],"_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-6890931224b6f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">DeJong is an exceptional athlete and is expected to be a two-way player this year. He has great size and frame and should be able to add on some additional weight. Offensively, he showcases good footwork, has good hip fluidity, and is a natural hands catcher who is strong at the catch point. During the West showcase, he was chosen as the receiver for Mountain Ridge during the QB skills. That shows the athleticism that he brings; while the other teams used their WR1, he was the one selected. Defensively, he uses his athleticism and has good reactionary skills; he doesn't get lost in coverage or in space and does well in zone coverage. He is best suited to be an attacking backer and might end up being a hybrid on-ball backer and edge rusher in key passing situations. Great upside and should garner Power-Four offers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1587979"],"_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-6890931224bad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stockebrand has a good size and frame to be a blindside tackle. He is quick off the line, has a good, strong base, and moves well laterally. His hands are quick, and he uses good technique and doesn't get out of position or overreach. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1233630"],"_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-6890931224beb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jacobson has good size and is a versatile lineman. He can be used as a tackle but is best as an interior offensive lineman and can use his footwork to pull and get to the second level on run blocks. He moves well, is light on his feet, and has good physicality to his game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402748"],"_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-6890931224c28"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brown is a versatile defensive lineman who can line up anywhere along the line. He showcases good strength and physicality. As an interior rusher, he uses his leverage to his advantage and get under the pads of his blocker and can advance forward and create havoc. As an edge rusher, he does well disengaging his blocks and getting to the ball carrier. He'll likely be kept as an interior lineman and he does well against the run and holding up against lineman that outweight him 50+ lbs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284189"],"_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-6890931224c65"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Branan is an exciting edge rusher who has a quick first step off the line, shows good hip bend, and can get under the pads of his blocker and has the hand strength to fight off his man and pursue the ball carrier. He brings a lot of experience to the defense and will be one of the key players along the front line. He is primed to flirt with double-digit sacks this year and garner multiple late offers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1562683"],"_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-6890931224ca2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Washington has great size and frame and will be best as a press-man corner or a box safety. He's done well this offseason in showcases and at camps. He has good hips, does well with twitchy receivers. He is starting to understand how to play with his frame, and it will be exciting to watch him put it all together this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1634889"],"_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-6890931224cdf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Whitaker is a versatile safety who can be interchangeable. As a box safety, he isn't afraid to get dirty in run support and take on players who outweigh him 30+ lbs. As a deep safety, he showcases good range and closing speed. He does a good job finishing off plays, and the defensive back unit will be needed to take the next step forward with the pass-heavy 6A teams, and he'll be up for the task.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That was our look at Mountain Ridge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->