Holmen vs La Crosse Central: Top Prospects to Know

This game was a hardnosed, tooth and nail type of game between two of the top teams in the La Crosse Area. Every yard was fought for and not given. If you like versatile and physical players, then look no further than both of these teams. Check out the nine players who impressed in the highly contested conference match-up.    I have watched Gabe's film throughout this season and seeing him play in person was quite impressive. One word to describe Gabe would be versatile. He lines up at basically three positions on offense (QB, WR, RB) and has the quickness and speed to be effective everywhere. Gabe is a scrappy lead blocker who springs open gaping holes for his teammates. On defense, he is a sideline to sideline, rangy safety who isn't afraid to stick someone at the LOS. He plays with a disciplined mentality and is rarely ever out of position. Gabe is the definition of a Swiss Army Knife, and he is an unranked 27' who has taken a massive leap this year.     You want to take about one of the best athletes in the state? Look no further than Christian. He has a unique combination of toughness, speed, and versatility that many running backs don't have. It seemed like the more Christian played in the game, the better and stronger he got. He rarely came off of the field and while taking hit after hit, Christian's durability kept him dominating both sides of the ball for all 4 quarters of Friday night. He accounted for 3 touchdowns vs Holmen and the University of Minnesota-Duluth commit proved that he is one of the best players in the state.     The Riverhawks didn't pass much on Friday night, but that didn't take away of how impressive Connor's physical and athletic traits are as a receiver. He is a precise route runner who is smooth in and out of his breaks. Even on uncatchable balls, Connor attacks the ball and does not give up any space to the defender. His speed can take the top of off the defense and most times you have to have safety help for deep passes. His eye-hand coordination helps him smothering the football with his hands. Connor is a complete receiver who is still looking for a college home.     Wyatt is an ultra-aggressive and agile cornerback for La Crosse Central. You don't find many cornerbacks who as tough and feisty as Wyatt. Don't let his smaller stature fool you, he is a force as a tackler and will stick the runner when he has to. Wyatt has the speed to stay with receivers downfield and really limited the Holmen passing attack all night. His cover skills helped the Riverhawks register "coverage sacks" on the quarterback multiple times. Wyatt is yet another unranked junior out of La Crosse Central who has made a name for himself this year.     Relentless in pursuing the ball. That is what Oliver does off the edge for the Riverhawks. He is so violent off of the edge and attacks the backfield with some explosiveness. In the run game Oliver will set the edge well and if the play goes the opposite way, he will keep fighting across the field in pursuit of the ball carrier. He is still devolving as a pass rusher, but he is very active when disrupting the QBs passing lane. Multiple times, Oliver swatted the ball at the LOS to break up a pass. The mentality that Oliver plays with is quite impressive and the Sophomore's best football is ahead of him.     Jagger was the most impactful player in the trenches on Friday night for both squads. He uses all of his 280 pounds to completely maul the opposing player on either side of the ball. He is a thumper as an interior offensive lineman who to put is simply, overpowers the defenders across from him. Jagger for his size, is very nimble and can move well in space. On defense, his pressures create havoc in the backfield, and he does not stop until the whistle blows. Jagger has the mentality and skill set to be a dominate college lineman for years to come.     Jack is a human joystick on offense. Holmen's offense runs through Jack as they get him the ball in a plethora of different ways. He can rush the ball out of the backfield and is elusive when he gets past the front seven. He is a dangerous route runner and uses his speed across the middle or out in the flat. Jack brings some thunder when rushing the ball as he had multiple plays where he seemed to peel off of tackles and keep churning for extra yards. Jack is an uncommitted, STUD running back who could have an immense impact for a college team in his future.     Mason was the heart of a very physical Holmen defense. The linebacker seems to shoot out a cannon when attacking the backfield. When blitzing, Mason is so fast and squirms between the offensive lineman to blow up the running back in the backfield. It really doesn't matter which way the ball is going, Mason has the speed and athleticism to fly around the field. His pursuit angles towards the ball carrier are very direct and exact. He is a competitor who energizes his team with his huge plays on defense. I love the way Mason plays and I think he could be one of the top returning linebackers in the La Crosse area next year.     Parker is yet another aggressive and athletic linebacker for Holmen. He has some quick awareness to see the play well and smother the runner. His tackling technique makes him a stout thumper as he swarms to the ball in the front seven. Parker plays with some intelligence to his game where he can read the play well and rarely will fall for the fakes in the backfield. Parker has the measurables (6 '0 180 pounds) to be a sturdy college linebacker. He is still filling out his frame, and I think he could become a complete LB in his Senior season next year.

This game was a hardnosed, tooth and nail type of game between two of the top teams in the La Crosse Area. Every yard was fought for and not given. If you like versatile and physical players, then look no further than both of these teams. Check out the nine players who impressed in the highly contested conference match-up.