Ashwaubenon vs Appleton West: Recap and Recruits of the Game

I started my conference play coverage with a trip out to Ashwaubenon to cover the 1-1 Jaguars hosting the 2-0 Appleton West Terrors. Getting a hot start in conference is such a boost to every team's season that either keeps momentum rolling or can spark a run that can turn a season around. For these two teams in particular, having that 1-0 start in an absolutely loaded conference made this potential W even more important. The big dogs that I came to see stepped up too. There was no shortage of big plays in this Friday night showdown, but were they even split between the two? Make sure to read the recap to find out, then jump to the bottom to learn more about the top recruits in this game and the traits they build their game around. Let's get into it!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Recap</h2>   The game started off very evenly matched. Ashwaubenon seemed to have the size/strength advantage position to position, but Appleton West fielded plenty of speed and quick twitch athleticism that was finding ways to make plays. It wasn't until midway through the first quarter that the scoring started. It was Ashwaubenon QB [player_tooltip player_id='1801918' first='Sawyer' last='Walton'] who got things rolling when he kept the ball around right tackle on a read option and easily run the race to the corner for the 7-0 lead. That was a hint of things to come, but as the game went on it would become Walton's arm that was the key piece to the outcome of this game.   The first half was a tough battle. Each team found room to move the ball between the 20s, but getting into the endzone was proving to be a tough task. It was Ashwaubenon who would light up the scoreboard again, this time from 25 yards out via a field goal kick. Following the field goal we saw more major sparks fly as the kick off unit was able to force the returner to fumble the ball away. That gave the Jaguars of Ashwaubenon a great chance to add to their lead just before halftime. That is exactly what [player_tooltip player_id='1801918' first='Sawyer' last='Walton'] and his offense did. The senior QB dropped back and looked deep over the middle, delivering a beautiful pass to his receiver for the 17-0 halftime lead.   It was clear that the second half would need to be highlighted by Appleton West and their explosive offense if we were going to see things tighten up. QB [player_tooltip player_id='1620347' first='Connor' last='Navis'] looked ready to find a way into the endzone after creating big plays in the first half with his arm, but having no points to show for it. That changed on their opening drive of the 2nd half when he went deep downfield to WR Bennett Nelson. Nelson did a spectacular job going up and getting it at the high point and then accelerating quickly back to top speed and pulling away to the endzone. Unfortunately for the Terrors, that spark wasn't able to turn things up for the defense as Ashwaubenon again marched down the field. Once again it was QB [player_tooltip player_id='1801918' first='Sawyer' last='Walton'] who would roll out right and find his man for the easy connection and run in for the score. The 24-8 lead wasn't slowing down the Jaguars either. They quickly got back onto the field and Walton went right back to work. They marched down the field until Walton dropped back and drove a dime into his receiver for the 30-8 lead.   Things did slow down more in the 4th quarter as the Jaguars started to lean more and more on RB1 Abel Schubring and his physical running to kill the clock. Even so, the dominance wasn't over as Ashwaubenon would add one more TD on a beautiful connection from QB [player_tooltip player_id='1801918' first='Sawyer' last='Walton'] to WR Jaxson Beaumia. That is where things would settle, with Ashwaubenon winning 37-8 and earning that coveted 1-0 conference start and putting them at 2-1 overall. I won't be surprised to see either team work their way to a playoff berth later this fall as they continue to figure out what works best for themselves. Coaches, I recommend keeping an eye on these teams and the kids we will talk about next.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recruits of the Game</h2>    Stats: 13/16, 175 Yards, 4 TDs, 5 Carries, 18 Yards, 1 TD   No doubt about it, the player of the game was senior QB [player_tooltip player_id='1801918' first='Sawyer' last='Walton']. Every time his offense needed a big play it was Sawyer that stepped up. There is a lot to take note of when it comes to the under the radar recruit. He has the big, sturdy frame. The senior flashed an arm that can win with power/velocity or touch. His decision making and accuracy flashed on every pass attempt. We saw the mobility and the ability to throw on the run. You couldn't draw up a better night for the senior QB. Don't sleep on this kid. I can see him slinging the rock in the WIAC a few years from now very easily. Check him out.     Stats: 22 Carries, 163 Yards, 3 Receptions, 20 Yards   This game was my introduction to the junior running back. Abel is one of those kids you want getting off the bus first. He has a massive frame, especially for the RB position and it is filled out and loaded up with power. Abel plays exactly how you would expect him to also. The junior is going to punish defenders. He flashed the ability to get skinny through gaps and play with quick feet, but he was at his best when he could get that forward lean, run behind his pads, and force his way over defenders. The junior RB also flashed an effective stiff arm on top of it. Abel perfectly fits the idea of a workhorse back or the thunder in a thunder-lightning duo. You better strap it up tight when you try to bring this kid down.     Stats: 3 Receptions, 57 Yards, 2 TDs   Jaxson proved to be an explosive weapon for the Ashwaubenon offense. He not only is the big play threat, the senior is also the team's leading receiver in receptions showing that he can be the go-to guy. The senior receiver thrives with his quickness. His big plays demonstrated how quickly he could create space from DBs as he would reel in passes easily thanks to not having a DB close to him. His quick feet and burst to top speed give him the ability to win with route running. It was an electric game for the Jaguars WR1.     Stats: 5.5 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 2 TFLs   One of my favorite athletes from this game was edge rusher Seneca Nooyen. The junior OLB was a problem for the opposing OL as he was able to get into the backfield more and more as the game situation called for more and more pass attempts. Seneca showed off an explosive first step and the ability to turn speed to power at the point of contact with OTs. The junior edge rusher also did well to have a plan to counter off his initial rush move. Seneca was a disruptive force off the edge that the Jaguars will need as the conference season rolls on. Coaches, keep an eye on the defender.     Stats: 370+ Yards of Total Offense   It was great to get a fresh look at the impressive IOL out of Ashwaubenon. Tate looks more and more like a next level OL as the weeks go by. This week the junior demonstrated his excellent balance of athleticism/range and power. In the trenches he was so quick off the line and getting in position to wall off his man from the football. That quickness wasn't just in those short areas, though. He effectively pulled across the formation and attacked level two defenders too. As the game went on the big man's run blocking helped put this game away too. Keep this kid on your radars.     Stats: 370+ Yards of Total Offense   A big time gem of an OL that more should be talking about and looking into is the 6'7" 315 lbs senior [player_tooltip player_id='1658979' first='Jaxsen' last='Siudzinski']. The senior OT has an elite frame with all the length you could ask for. Just as important, Jaxsen moves well at that size. He had no trouble getting depth in his pass set to stay square in front of speed rushers. The senior used his size to his advantage very well. And you won't be surprised to hear that the big fella was able to create a positive surge in the trenches during run plays. The senior holds a pair of D3 offers, so far. Tap into his film from the season so far. He is well worth a look.     Stats: 12/23, 191 Yards, 1 TD/1 INT   It was a tough night for the junior QB overall, but that is going to happen. Connor did a great job of competing, though. He delivered on several big passes that moved the offense up and down the field. Things just couldn't come together to finish drives off. Individually, Connor showed really impressive accuracy on his deep ball. He was't afraid to let it rip and Connor knew exactly where he should put it for his big play receiver to go up and get it. Connor was mobile in the pocket too until he got banged up, but even then he never missed a snap and found ways to stay alive when pressure was getting through. Navis is putting together a very strong early season with 11 TDs to 1 INT. Don't sleep on him.     Stats: 10 Receptions, 192 Yards, 1 TD   Bennett was the top WR of the night on either side of the ball. Despite being the focal point of the passing game he was still able to deliver a huge performance. The junior wideout is a long, lean target that can go up top and take the ball off the top shelf. His ability to attack the ball in the air led to big play after big play down the sideline. That ball tracking and timing were equally impressive to his speed. Pairing his ball skills and size with the speed he brings creates a very noteworthy recruit and someone coaches should have their eyes on as they learn about the Class of 2027.     Stats: 3 Receptions, 26 Yards, 6 Tackles, 2 TFLs   The top two-way player in the game was DB/WR [player_tooltip player_id='1801848' first='Parrion' last='Peace']. The senior ATH is an explosive athlete who possesses the quick twitch athleticism and agility to be able to run crisp routes or play man coverage. Plus he has the overall speed to run deep with a man or pull away with the ball in his hands. That natural athleticism has also helped him stand out on the basketball court too during the offseason. Parrion did really well at safety with play recognition and being quick to attack the ball. Definitely a hidden gem to take a look at.     Stats: 5 Tackles   The stat sheet isn't crazy, but Aidan caught my eyes multiple times throughout the night. He has a solid frame at 5'11" 185 lbs. The senior plays safety for West and did well finding the ball, aggressively filling and closing on the ball, and making tackles. He has the physicality to continue his career at the next level. It was great to get to watch him live after having him as one of the players on our Watch List.     Stats: 9 Carries, 32 Yards   We didn't get to see the explosive runner, Charlie Blevins, with the football much in this week's battle. The game script took him out of the game, but early on we did get to see the glimpses of excitement. Charlie wins with his quickness and short area explosive bursts. He can pick through traffic quickly and capitalize on small gaps of daylight. He did well on his few carries showing off that ability to play in traffic and quickly utilize any room his OL made for him. This is a kid I will be watching more as the season goes on.     Stats: 250+ Yards of Total Offense   My top OL for Appleton West was [player_tooltip player_id='1617015' first='Ian' last='Espinoza']. The IOL looked like a steal of a recruit as I watched him battle in the trenches. Ian has a stout frame with an anchor that could set and not give an inch to DL trying to win with power. He impressed me more with the mobility he has. Ian made it look easy reaching a DL or getting up to level two. There were even plays he was able to land a block on the safety. The big man plays with that next level athleticism you look for while also not sacrificing strength. He will be a riser on our boards at the end of the season.

I started my conference play coverage with a trip out to Ashwaubenon to cover the 1-1 Jaguars hosting the 2-0 Appleton West Terrors. Getting a hot start in conference is such a boost to every team's season that either keeps momentum rolling or can spark a run that can turn a season around. For these two teams in particular, having that 1-0 start in an absolutely loaded conference made this potential W even more important. The big dogs that I came to see stepped up too. There was no shortage of big plays in this Friday night showdown, but were they even split between the two? Make sure to read the recap to find out, then jump to the bottom to learn more about the top recruits in this game and the traits they build their game around. Let's get into it!