Ladue vs Hazelwood West: Defensive Difference Makers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I gave you a look at the impact player on offense for the game between Ladue and Hazelwood West, now I take a look at the difference makers on defense for both schools. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LADUE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='604213' first='Mason' last='Marden']</strong>, LB 2026<br>(6'3" 225) Arizona State commit who is on track to set the schools record as it's all-time leading tackler, came out and made his presence felt early with some big hits and big stops, including being part of a safety to help stop the Wildcats. Mason is a big linebacker with speed who is like a missile flying to hit ballcarriers and putting pressure on the opposing quarterback. He played his typical strong game and helped shut out the Wildcats offense in a 39-0 win. Marden is having other schools coming to try and recruit him still, but he made it clear that he has shut down his recruitment and remains solid to ASU, who has has taken a couple of game visits to this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Josh Brown</strong>, CB 2027 <br>(5'9" 145) Was a new face from last year to the Rams varsity defense, and he had himself a big game just in the first quarter with not one, but two pick six interceptions for touchdowns. Brown has good speed and showed good skill and ability to make reads and get a job on the ball to make the picks, and then speed to sprint into the end zone. While not a big corner, he played big against the run and showed he was physical as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1287867' first='Gus' last='Logan']</strong>, S 2028<br>(6'2" 180) played lights out at his safety position and role as the quarterback of the defense. Gus has played QB along with safety since I first saw him in middle school, and has been one of the top players in his class the past couple of years, including in 7v7 with Boom Football, where he first showed his promise as a defensive back. Gus has good size, speed and covers a lot of ground to make plays against both the pass and the run. He has good ball skills and uses his IQ and understanding of offense to his benefit. A future college prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>HAZELWOOD WEST</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mark Jackson</strong>, CB 2028<br>(6'0" 178) Was mentioned among the impact players on offense, and is mentioned again because the versatile and talented sophomore was among the Wildcats top defensive players. Jackson showed lockdown cornerback skills against opposing receivers, including a future D1 player, with a highlight real one-handed interception to prevent another Rams touchdown when it looked like they would score for sure. He has a great understand of the game and how to make plays using impressive athletic ability. A player to watch over the next two years. Reminds me a little of Jabarri Lofton who played at Hazelwood West last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Darian Anderson</strong>, EDGE 2027 <br>(6'2" 195) Is another talented young athlete for the Wildcats who did a good job putting pressure on Ladue's quarterback and being disruptive in the backfield. Anderson also showed the ability to disrupt passing lanes and get his hands up and bat down throws. He finished the game with 7 total tackles and a sack against a good offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1726906' first='Nolan' last='Ball']</strong>, OLB 2027<br>(6'2" 180) Was similar on the opposite side of Anderson. They are similar in size and athleticism with the ability to make plays and stick with the best athletes the Rams had. Ball also had a sack in the game to go along with his 5 total tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->