Palisades at Chambers - Defensive Standouts

The Palisades Pumas defeated the Chambers Cougars 14-7 this past Friday Night, a game that was definitely a matchup of two of the better defenses in the Charlotte area. What was also proven is that these are two good teams that should make some noise in the state playoffs later this season. Both defenses forced multiple turnovers in this one, were fast to the football, and rock solid at all three levels. Let's take a look at some standouts from both teams here.    Dru was getting to the ball with some impressive speed and pursuit in this game, and it's something he's been doing consistently so far in his senior year. Watching him in this game, Dru is trusting his eyes and not hesitating when windows open in the running game. I don't have a tackle count for him in this one, but he has to be in the double-digit range for sure. Dru tackles well and looks to be a defensive leader for a strong defensive unit overall.     Playing the EDGE role, I thought Josh had a good game in this defensive struggle for both teams. Against a talented dual-threat quarterback, I thought Josh did a good job of keeping his pass rush integrity and always funneled the quarterback back inside to where his teammates were there to help contain him. Josh also ended the game, picking up a sack on the final play before Chambers could throw a potential Hail Mary pass for a touchdown. Josh also had 6 tackles and 3 tackles for loss for a good all-around game.     I know Kyle, or KJ as he goes by, is listed at 6'1, but up close, it certainly appears he's bigger than that listing. Chambers didn't really challenge the Pumas' secondary much, but when they did, KJ was in the middle of the action. KJ had a nice interception off a deflected pass in the first half, which he was in the right spot at the right time. KJ almost had a 2nd INT on a pass thrown under pressure that just glanced off his hands. The James Madison commit is off to a great start for the Pumas in his senior season.     I didn't know much about Jaydin coming into this one, but as the game went along, I kept seeing #29 making plays defensively, so I had to get to know him quickly. Jaydin is listed as a Defensive Back, but I think he fits probably as a rover LB/SS type of player with his speed and overall size. Jaydin had a couple of tackles for loss in the running game where he quickly recognized where the ball was going and made the play by tackling well in space, and getting to the spot with nice speed and pursuit. If he continues to put good games like this together, he can be a late steal for a college program that sees his potential.     I thought D'Kari had one of the most impressive plays of the game. Palisades was attempting an HB screen pass, and D'kari did a good job of feeling the offensive line letting him through. He retraced his steps, read where the ball was going, and made a one-handed snag of the pass. If it wasn't for the hustle of the Palisades RB recognizing the interception, D'kari would have scored an early touchdown for the Cougars, and we might have had a totally different game.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DkariThompson/status/1966734864125718530 </div></figure>     Chris didn't have a huge game stat-wise with 6 total tackles from his linebacker position; however, his speed and pursuit were impressive on the field. Palisades tried to attack the Cougars' defense in a number of different ways, and I just kept noticing #7 in and around the play, no matter where it was on the field. The biggest difference with Chambers this season is the speed they play defensively, and Chris is a big part of that change positively. I also thought his tackling was good - I don't remember him missing any open field tackles.     With 14 tackles, a tackle for loss, and a forced fumble, Allex definitely was the defensive star of the game for the Cougars. His forced fumble was a highlight play where Chambers was desperately trying to create a turnover to help their offense out and get on the board. Allex blitzed through the A gap, disrupted an attempted Pumas' handoff, and caused the fumble to happen. Allex plays with some impressive speed and shows nearly elite pursuit ability. As a junior, he has another year to grow physically, but with his size, he may have a future as a rover in college; he's a terror at linebacker currently as it stands.

The Palisades Pumas defeated the Chambers Cougars 14-7 this past Friday Night, a game that was definitely a matchup of two of the better defenses in the Charlotte area. What was also proven is that these are two good teams that should make some noise in the state playoffs later this season. Both defenses forced multiple turnovers in this one, were fast to the football, and rock solid at all three levels. Let's take a look at some standouts from both teams here.