Joplin vs. Republic: Player Spotlight.

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last Friday night, I had the pleasure of attending a great Missouri high school football game between the Joplin Eagles and the Republic Tiger. I would like to thank Coach Ryan Cornelson of the Republic Tigers for having me come check out the top-notch talent that was put on display at Tigers stadium.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Republic Tigers ended up with the 45-16 victory, but both teams had very good football players, that showed up under the bright lights. These six football players really impressed me last Friday night, and I can't wait to share my experience. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1924300,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Izaiah Hull","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"200","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Republic High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ddbd16ad30f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hull is a load to bring to the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Izaiah Hull made a statement last Friday night that he should be in the conversation with some of the best backs in SWMO. Hull pulled off an impressive 122 yards and one touchdown while averaging 7.6 yards a tout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hull usually lines up right behind the Quarterback in a three-point stance and punishes defenders by running right down the heart of the defense. He is a tough young man who shows a lot of heart and determination at the running back position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With this being his final season in high school football, Hull is looking to get some attention from college programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1924302,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Elijah Phiri","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"200","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2441","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Republic High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ddbd16ad326"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kickers need love to, and Phiri has earned a fan in me.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the first time I've ever written about a kicker prospect, and I believe I waited for the perfect prospect. Elijah Phiri has an absolute boot for a right leg. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Phiri sent every single kickoff attempt through the back of the endzone, going 8/8 in that category. He also punts for the Tigers, showing his versatility. To put the cherry on top, he set a school record with a booming 45-yard field goal that had plenty of room to spare.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Phiri no doubt has the best leg in SWMO. Now it's time to close out his Senior campaign and head off to college football. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1924305,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ekene Chukwu","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"240","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Republic High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ddc1593fd1b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chukwu proved himself last Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ekene Chukwu has a real bull-in-a-china-shop type of playing style. His job is to put his hand in the dirt, fire off and cause havoc for the Joplin Eagles offense. Last Friday night he did his job very well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A very explosive defensive lineman who thrives on getting up field and getting tackles for loss. Chukwu is a pretty underrated prospect that I haven't had the pleasure of seeing play before last Friday night. He made a lasting impression on me, and I will be keeping a close eye on him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["849701"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1924310,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ddc1593fdd9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A huge standout in the trenches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prior to last Friday night, I was pretty familiar with Barstow as a prospect. I was already very impressed with how he plays football, but Barstow just keeps on delivering when it matters most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even though the Eagles fell short of a win, Barstow played his rear end off last Friday night. He made multiple impressive plays between the tackles against a very well-coached rushing attack from the Republic Tigers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barstow is also a good tight end, making him extremely intriguing as a college football player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1924314,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Traevian Mccadney","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"215","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Joplin High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ddc1593ff0e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A big North and South battling ram of a running back. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mccadney faced an uphill battle going against a stingy Republic Tigers defense. It was tough sledding for most of the night, but you have to admire the fight and determination Mccadney displayed all night long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were times when the room just wasn't there to run, and Mccadney made the best of his carries by making his own running lanes. Mccadney runs so violently at times, you can hear his feet stomp the turf in Tigers stadium.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mccadney looks to keep pounding the rock in his Senior year and leave a lasting impression on some college programs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1924316,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Trenton Mccadney","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"170","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Joplin High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ddcca1191d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A prospect with huge athletic upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mccadney is a super explosive athlete that is also the ultimate chess piece for an offense that uses him correctly. Last Friday he lined up in the backfield, he was used in the slot in some packages, and also as a wildcat quarterback. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Trenton is a nightmare in the open field, and the Eagles tried to give him as many opportunities as possible to get out in the open field and work his magic. On one particular touchdown run, he put on a beautiful jab step move on a defender that left both sidelines in disbelief. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mccadney is only a Junior, so he has the rest of this year and next year to leave his mark on Missouri high school football. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->