PRZNE Elkhorn North v Gretna East Game Report: Gretna E Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;OscarGalindo30&nbsp;in the coupon code area.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Player of the Game:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1075660' first='Connor' last='Sams'], 2026 - RB - 5'11" 195 lbs - Air Force Commit - <a href="https://x.com/ConnorSams7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@ConnorSams7)</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Air Force Falcons pledge [player_tooltip player_id='1075660' first='Connor' last='Sams'] stole the show as he recorded a dominant performance in a massive win over the Wolves. Connor toted the rock 22 times for 252 yards and three touchdowns, which featured so many explosive runs, including his biggest run of the night, coming on a 69-yard touchdown. Sams looked as impressive as ever, showing off his power and physicality that we've seen since his freshman campaign, now with some extra juice once he hits the open field. He really stood out with his ability to explode through his gaps, then show the burst to tap into that next gear to break away from defenses and finish in the end zone. Connor plays with a gritty, physical mindset, fighting through tackle attempts and willing to drive the ball right into the middle of the defense to break them down. He can also be a solid receiving option out of the backfield with the ability to spring free after the catch for a big gain. Electric back who will spearhead what should be a deep Griffins playoff run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Notable Standouts:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1075673' first='Chase' last='Grow'], 2027 - QB - 6'1" 185 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/ChaseGrow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@ChaseGrow)</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was my first look at Griffin's junior QB, [player_tooltip player_id='1075673' first='Chase' last='Grow'], and I was very impressed with the poise he displayed in a tough district road game against a Top 10 opponent. In the end, Chase got the job done through the air and on the ground as he recorded 129 passing yards, 82 rushing yards, and two passing touchdowns. Both defenses made it difficult for either QB to get anything going deep downfield, but Grow still found a way to get the ball to his receivers with quick passes. He reads defenses well, identifying soft spots in coverage, and can attack them effectively. Grow is a tough runner who won't hesitate to dish out a little punishment at the point of contact. Chase is doing a great job leading this offense and has them running hot as we go into the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1815944' first='Carson' last='Herrmann'], 2026 - TE - 6'2" 205 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/CarsonHerrmann1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@CarsonHerrmann1)</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1815944' first='Carson' last='Herrmann'] is an interesting athlete who will likely be deciding between a college athletic career on the gridiron or baseball diamond. Carson had a bit of a breakout game against Elkhorn North in which he recorded four receptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns, with both of his touchdowns being highlight-worthy plays. Carson had a great catch-and-run play in which he broke several tackles and displayed great contact balance as he stayed upright to find the endzone. He had another similar play later in the game, only this time he used his wheels to break away from the defense. Strong hands that can hold onto the ball through contact. Underrated prospect who could see a late recruiting surge this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18143806/68f79c2e731191b049f16b3b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68fc60ca3b36c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1217777' first='Liam' last='Norton'], 2026 - DL - 5'11" 255 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/liamnorton_55" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@liamnorton_55)</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Griffins' [player_tooltip player_id='1217777' first='Liam' last='Norton'] is a player I think will be a steal at this point in the '26 recruiting cycle. Liam has been high on our radar since a standout PRZ camp performance and has since translated that upside to real game time. Liam may not receive as many looks as he should because he's "undersized" for some college metrics, but that shouldn't take away from what he can put on film. He is a very strong player who can be aggressive and explosive at the point of attack while also having the power in his base to keep himself from getting knocked off his spot. Norton uses his hands very well and knows how to position them well to give him inside leverage over his opponent. Great motor and pursuit of the ball through the whistle. Get on this guy ASAP!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Drew Dowd, 2028 - LB - 5'10" 180 lbs</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One new player added to my radar was sophomore linebacker Drew Dowd, who was flying around on defense all night. Dowd ended the night with the second most tackles with 13 tackles and two TFLs. The young backer did a great job fitting the run and with great instincts to lead him to the ball. He showed that he can disengage from blockers and can instantly go into pursuit mode to track down the ball carrier. Looking forward to seeing more from Drew in the upcoming seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Make sure to follow&nbsp;<em>@PRZ_OscarG</em>&nbsp;for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->