PRZ Alabama’s Game of the Week: Jackson (4A) vs Saraland (6A)

WE ARE BACK! To kick this season off, we're previewing one of the most highly anticipated games of the season as Jackson (4A) faces off against Saraland (6A).   Jackson and Saraland both have incredibly talented rosters, so we're diving in and watching some of the prospects we think could have big performances this week.   There's a lot to be excited for, so let's dive in!   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">OFFENSE</h1>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">JACKSON</h3>    [player_tooltip player_id='350449' first='Landon' last='Duckworth'] has put together a legendary career at Jackson and looks to repeat the same championship-level success this fall.   “Duckworth has terrific arm strength, delivers the ball with excellent touch, and can deliver accurate passes all across the field. In addition to his arm talent, Duckworth has an elite ability to read defenses and does a great job utilizing his mobility to his advantage.   Whenever Duckworth gets pressured or sees an open lane, he has the speed and elusiveness to extend and make the most out of broken plays.“   Duckworth had another huge year this fall, throwing for 3439 yards, 39 TDs, and only 10 INTs, with another 648 yards and 12 TDs on the ground as well.   Duckworth is committed to South Carolina and is set up for another huge year this fall:      [player_tooltip player_id='928038' first='Keeyun' last='Chapman'], a North Carolina commit, has been one of Duckworth's top targets over the last few years and has a big week ahead.   “Chapman presents a matchup nightmare for defensive backs- he consistently uses his size to outmuscle opposing defensive backs to easily rip the ball out of the air for some impressive contested catches.   In addition to his size, Chapman has some seriously impressive speed he uses to stretch the field and make big plays through the air. He can attack multiple levels of the field with his quickness and route running, but is especially a threat over the top- it's really impressive seeing how versatile of a wide out he is.“   Chapman ended last season with 51 receptions for 1332 yards and 19 TDs.   Watch out for Chapman this week, he's a complete WR who can hurt defenses in so many ways.     <h3 class="wp-block-heading">SARALAND</h3>    [player_tooltip player_id='472861' first='Jamison' last='Roberts'] is a talented junior QB who's taking over the starting spot for Saraland this season.   “Roberts has some serious arm talent and throws the ball really well- he has a quick release, plenty of arm strength, and the accuracy to hit his WRs anywhere on the field. Roberts can complete some seriously impressive throws- consistently fitting the ball into tight windows, making tough throws on the run, and taking the tops off of defenses with his ability to push the ball downfield.   Roberts is also really athletic and can make a lot happen with his legs. He's fantastic at avoiding pressure when the pocket collapses and uses his speed and mobility to outrun pass rushers, never putting drives in jeopardy.“   Roberts has already picked up offers from several D1 programs.   It'll be exciting watching him start this week. He's a talented QB who's shown a ton of talent in his first two years; now we get to see how he'll perform against one of the best teams in the state.      Deshawn Spencer is an explosive WR who's been one of the top targets in Saraland's lineup over the last two seasons.   “Spencer has some fantastic speed and acceleration; he can easily outrun entire defenses and makes it look effortless. Paired with his speed, Spencer is extremely elusive- he frequently makes defenders miss in the open field and has a ton of different moves that allow him to break away for huge runs.   Spencer also plays with a lot of physicality- he doesn't shy away from contact, can withstand some big hits, and is a physical runner between the tackles.“   Earlier this summer, Spencer committed to Duke.   It's hard for any defense to contain a WR like Spencer. Jackson will have to find a way to slow him down; he can break off game-changing plays at any moment.     <h1 class="wp-block-heading">DEFENSE</h1>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">JACKSON</h3>    [player_tooltip player_id='1314954' first='Demetrius' last='Wilson'] is one of the most dominant DL in the state and has a huge season in front of him.   “At 6'3 290, Wilson is massive and gets great penetration on the LOS every single snap, no matter what offenses are trying to do. He explodes off the line, has violent hands, and can completely overwhelm OL with his combination of speed and power.   Wilson commands so much attention up front and still finds ways to work into the backfield to create plays for loss. He's a dominant run defender who eats up space, closes up rushing lanes, and finds his way to the RB every single carry.“   Last fall, Wilson recorded 81 total tackles (50 solo, 20 for loss), 4 sacks, 8 hurries, and one FF/FR.   Wilson has picked up a lot of D1 attention this offseason.   In my opinion, Wilson is one of the best run defenders in the state. Saraland will have to find a way to contain him up front.      [player_tooltip player_id='401109' first='Jamarrion' last='Gordon'], a North Carolina commit, is a lockdown DB that could present some issues for Saraland's passing attack this week.   "Standing at 6'1 160, Gordon has great size and athleticism that allow him to press pass catchers at the line of scrimmage, disrupt routes, and limit separation on almost every single play.   Gordon's ball skills are also a major part of his game- he has a great set of hands he uses to contest passes, which helps him rack up INTs and PBUs. Gordon is also a reliable run defender who's not afraid to step up and make tackles in the open field and behind the line of scrimmage.“   Gordon had another great season last fall, ending the year with 39 total tackles (29 solo, 4 for loss), one sack, 3 INTs, and 4 PBUs.   Saraland might want to look away from Gordon this week. He's a lockdown DB who thrives off his ability to make plays on the ball. We're going to have to lock out for him this week.     <h3 class="wp-block-heading">SARALAND</h3>    [player_tooltip player_id='1637098' first='Lawardrick' last='Jones'] is a talented piece of Saraland's secondary that Jackson will have to watch out for this week.   "Jones is a versatile DB who can line up and produce all over the field. He thrives off his physicality, is great at defending the run, and provides lockdown coverage outside on some talented WRs. Jones is great in press man- he wears down WRs at the line of scrimmage, isn't easily beat downfield, and has the ball skills to come away with some impressive picks/PBUs.   Jones is terrific at coming down from the secondary and making plays against the run- he's great in pursuit, easily fights off blocks, and is a reliable tackler who doesn't allow for any additional yardage after making initial contact. Jones brings the same impact to special teams, consistently flying downfield to tackle returners on kickoffs."   Last fall, Jones recorded 22 total tackles (8 solo, 2 for loss) and one INT.   Jones lists offers from West Virginia, UNA, and others.   Jones is a talented defender set up for a huge senior season. I'm excited to see what he does this week against Jackson; they'll have to look out for him.      [player_tooltip player_id='1660603' first='Jakari' last='Harris'] is a talented LB who can attack the run and pass at a really high level.   "You can tell right off the bat that Harris is a highly intelligent and instinctual defender on this Saraland defense. He reads and reacts to opposing offenses within milliseconds of the ball snapping, consistently flying to where the play is headed to disrupt and come up with stops.   Harris is a heat-seeking missile. He's highly athletic, can make sideline-to-sideline plays, and has the tackling skills to ensure the ball carrier won't gain any extra yards after he makes contact. Harris also has some impressive skills out in coverage and as a blitzer, making him an every-down threat to opposing offenses."   Harris recorded 88 total tackles (37 solo, 11 for loss), 2 sacks, 3 hurries, 2 PBUs, and one FF last season.   Harris has been picking up D1 interest from some talented programs at the next level.   Watch out for Harris this week. He's a versatile defender that Jackson will have to watch out for, especially when it comes to their run game. He can get downhill and make plays with the best of them.

WE ARE BACK! To kick this season off, we're previewing one of the most highly anticipated games of the season as Jackson (4A) faces off against Saraland (6A).