Fond du Lac vs Marquette: Recap and Recruits of the Game

It felt indescribable finally being back out on the sideline covering the best talent in WI live and in-person! The Week 2 slate gave me plenty of options to pick through. Big time matchups, deep rosters, and teams looking to establish themselves among the best in the state with 2-0 records. In the end, I felt very drawn to the Fond du Lac vs Milwaukee Marquette matchup. Both teams have a deep stable of senior talent leading the way and they are both also very well supplemented by junior talent that college recruiters are starting to get to know more in-depth. It felt like the right choice after the game too. If you are a fan of physical, hard-hitting, fight for every yard type of football then this game was built in a lab for you. Make sure to read through the recap for a taste of the violence. Then make sure you drop to the bottom half of this article and familiarize yourselves with the primetime performers from the night that college recruiters need to have on their radars. Let's get after it!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Recap</h2>   If defense truly does win championships then Fond du Lac and Marquette both could be in store for seasons that last into November. These two teams entered this game like a pair of heavyweight boxers, and they were going to be throwing their best punches at each other. It was so impressive watching how consistently the Cardinals and Hilltoppers played team defense. 11 guys doing their job, trusting their teammates to do their's, and everyone pursuing to the football. It led to both defenses not giving an inch. The first game-changing spark came late in the opening quarter when sophomore LB [player_tooltip player_id='1865234' first='Brady' last='Schmidt'] of Fondy jumped in front of a pass for an INT, returning it deep into Marquette territory. The Hilltoppers weren't going to break, though. They locked in a forced Fondy to kick a field goal for the 3-0 to end the first quarter.   The defenses continued to trade blows against each team's rushing attacks. Things looked like they were starting to go Marquette's ways as they got right to the goal line midway through the second quarter. But on 4th & goal the Cardinals defense stood their ground and stuffed the rushing attempt for the turnover on downs. Fondy's front seven was so dominant all night long. On that particular play it was guys like OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='1220751' first='Sam' last='Vokes'], LB [player_tooltip player_id='1865234' first='Brady' last='Schmidt'], and DL/TE [player_tooltip player_id='1801572' first='Adrian' last='Johnson'] who made the key stop. The poise of these two teams was also extremely noteworthy. Especially for so early in the season. Neither let the momentum swing too far away from themselves the entire first half. The Hilltoppers of Marquette quickly swung things their way after the turnover on downs when they got a hand on a punt. That play set Marquette up in prime scoring position, but Fondy again held strong and kept Marquette to a 35 yard field goal to tie things up going into the half, 3-3.   The second half carried the same physicality and violence as the first half, but there was difference the deeper we went into the half. It was clear that the Fond du Lac OL and starting RB [player_tooltip player_id='700028' first='Mason' last='Henschel'] were starting to wear down the Marquette run defense. They were starting to see some cracks and finding more daylight to attack. Things really opened up for Fondy when [player_tooltip player_id='700028' first='Mason' last='Henschel'] knifed through the front seven and raced down the sideline for a 52 yard gain. A few plays later we got our first TD of the game when Mason punched it in on the goal line for the 10-3 lead. The momentum looked to finally be staying to one side as Fondy DB Jaah Allen secured an INT for the Cardinals, putting Mason and the rushing attack back on the field.   After another big gain, Mason went in untouched for his second short TD of the game to start the 4th quarter and open up a cushion, 17-3. The momentum and defensive dominance continued for the Cardinals as they grabbed a 3rd INT, this time by Caden Umentum. There was one final glimpse of hope for the Hilltoppers when DB Amillione Johnson quickly gave the ball back to the Marquette offense with a pick of his own. Unfortunately, the drive ended on a turnover on downs inside Cardinals territory and that would seal the game. If it wasn't enough, the Fondy defense made sure it was on their next drive when standout edge defender [player_tooltip player_id='1733711' first='Guardian' last='Harris'] reeled in an INT for the defense's 4th of the game! It was an amazing effort and display of force by the Fond du Lac defense and rushing attack. They controlled the game, stayed poised, and kept chipping away until they started breaking through. Congratulations to Fond du Lac on a great team win!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recruits of the Game</h2>    Stats: 46 Carries, 302 Yards, 2 TDs   I have been sleeping on the Fond du Lac starting RB. That is very clear after watching him ball out in person. The 6' 185 lbs RB, along with his OL, took over this game in the second half. Mason fit the need for this game perfectly. He is a physical runner who has no problem battering into the defensive front over and over because he knows eventually he will break through. And break through he did in the second half, ripping off multiple long carries to change this game. That grind-it-out, fight for every yard mentality is made possible by his low center of gravity and balance. It was a great showing of consistency and power by Mason.     The entire OL can be included in this chunk, but starting LT [player_tooltip player_id='1220751' first='Sam' last='Vokes'] is the best of the bunch. He has a strong, thick frame that projects more to the interior at the next level. However, Sam did well out at OT. He is quick on his feet, whether that be getting to proper body positioning, leverage, second level, or mirroring pass rushers. The forceful OT shines in run blocking where he runs over and bulldozes DL with his ability to get underneath opponents and drive them off the ball. Sam stood out in a game that focused around the trench battles.     Stats: 2 Tackles, 1 INT   Guardian is developing into a special recruit and talent. He has a great frame that is still filling out. A frame with length and active hands that allowed him to create separation that he can use to defeat blocks. He has the power to do the dirty work setting the edge against the outside run game. The 2027 edge separates himself with his impressive athleticism. While he is dominant attacking downhill, Guardian is not lost dropping into coverage. He can slide and change direction surprisingly easily. That was demonstrated on his 4th quarter INT. Guardian is very versatile and developing into a legitimate three down LB.     Stats: 3 Receptions, 34 Yards   I was very excited to get eyes on the Top 10 senior TE, and loved what I saw. The focus of the night was running the football, and Adrian was a huge contributor in the team's success there. He was like an extra OL for the Cardinals. Adrian flies out of his stance, turns that quickness into power, plays with a low pad level, and ran his feet through his blocks leading to plenty of movement in the trenches. Adrian also stepped up as a receiver. He impressed me with how quickly he gets out of breaks and used that to create separation on all three of his receptions. Johnson is big, strong, yet also has the balance and fluidity to be a weapon downfield. A traditional TE recruit that more need to get their eyes on.     Stats: 4.5 Tackles, 1 INT   Brady was new to my radar coming into the game, but the sophomore wasted very little time grabbing my attention. His awareness, and mobility helped him secure a 1st quarter INT that eventually led to the first points on the board. Brady made his biggest impact against the run game, though. He has a stout frame that was able to consistently pick through the mess within the front seven while closing on the ball carrier. Brady has a solid ceiling to go after over the next few years of HS ball. I'm excited to watch him develop and see more tape from the '28.     Stats: 4.5 Tackles, 2 TFLs   Tyvon flashed throughout the night. It is clear that the impressive weight room numbers from the offseason are translating to the field. He was driving OTs into the backfield or shedding blocks and making stout tackles. The junior DL consistently found ways to get into the backfield and cause disruption, even if he didn't make the tackle. Ty is a violent DL who plays with his hands, leverage, and the mentality needed to live in the trenches.     Yards were not easy to come by for RB1 vs the Fondy defense, but Tommy still flashed his exciting talents multiple times last night. Tommy has that special ability to make something out of nothing. So many times it looked like he had nowhere to go, but with his elite agility and elusive running Tommy was able to create space and open up slivers of daylight to slip through thanks to that explosive acceleration. Even at his size, Tommy does really well running between the tackles because of that ability to make you miss or give himself the angle or a step to beat defenders. The standout RB is uncommitted, so don't miss out on him!     Another athlete who put himself on my radar for the first time was Marquette DL Thomas Ratnayake. Thomas has a huge frame that carries very little excess weight. He has plenty of muscle packed onto him. That strength showed up over and over as he could get penetration with bull rushes or by quickly tossing OL to the side. Thomas also comes out of his stance with explosive violence and did well to get hands on and use his power to force separation from the OL. I'm very excited for what Thomas can develop into over the next year.     Ian played center last season, but this year it looks like the junior has slid out to left tackle for Marquette. The junior fits the role well. He has a large frame with length that gives him room for error vs speed rushers. Ian moves pretty well on his feet, both when getting depth in pass pro or when mirroring counter moves. The big man also flashed the ability to quickly overwhelm a DL or edge defender in the run game. No doubt, Ian is one of the OL to know in a very deep WI Class of 2027.     Kadre and the Marquette defense didn't face much passing attack, but Kadre was still able to stand out. He showed off his range to cover ground and fill against the run game. I loved the aggressive mentality he plays with when filling against the run. He closes at 100 mph and doesn't look to slow down as he runs through the ball carrier. Kadre has the speed to roam the field and also has the quickness to be able to cover man to man. Kadre is definitely a top DB to know in the Class of 2027.     Marquette didn't have a ton of success through the air, but I can't talk about top recruits in this game and not mention who I believe to be the top WR in the game. Christian has the long frame and matching large catch radius. He was able to make an impact in the short passing game, showing that he can get quick releases, find soft spots, and settle in while giving his QB an easy target. After the catch the big man does run tough for yards after the catch and after contact. Don't overlook this kid.     We end with a senior edge defender that is looking like a legitimate steal for a college program. Luke has length, a thick and strong frame, and athleticism that flashed on several plays where I was focusing my attention on him. As a pass rusher, Luke has a very effective first step and acceleration to win with speed around the loop. He pairs the speed with quick hands. It was impressive watching his range from the edge too. He could line up wider and still get into the backfield to bring down the RB for a loss. His range, size, and power is deserving of far more attention. Coaches, check him out!

It felt indescribable finally being back out on the sideline covering the best talent in WI live and in-person! The Week 2 slate gave me plenty of options to pick through. Big time matchups, deep rosters, and teams looking to establish themselves among the best in the state with 2-0 records. In the end, I felt very drawn to the Fond du Lac vs Milwaukee Marquette matchup. Both teams have a deep stable of senior talent leading the way and they are both also very well supplemented by junior talent that college recruiters are starting to get to know more in-depth. It felt like the right choice after the game too. If you are a fan of physical, hard-hitting, fight for every yard type of football then this game was built in a lab for you. Make sure to read through the recap for a taste of the violence. Then make sure you drop to the bottom half of this article and familiarize yourselves with the primetime performers from the night that college recruiters need to have on their radars. Let's get after it!