Friday Night Review: DeSales vs Ashland

<p>Week 12 put together some excellent matchups across the state. #7 Ashland defeated #10 Mount Vernon last week, putting them in the second round to face off against #2 DeSales. This game was hyped up to be one of the best in the state, with expectations of an offensive shootout. It didn't disappoint, as we had a 33-29 final, resulting in a DeSales victory. Throughout the game, several players shone and deserve recognition for their performances. Let's get started.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Jordan is my game MVP. He was undoubtedly the best athlete on the field, and it's obvious what several P4 powers want him. He's a fluid athlete at his size. He's a huge YAC target and created two of DeSales' biggest plays, including a game-winner to put DeSales up with five seconds left. He created pressure off the edge and was a game wrecker when needed most. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TylerStevens94/status/1986986873751822520?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">RJ had a ridiculous night, breaking the DeSales single-game passing record with 482 yards, and totaling three passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown. He used his legs as a means of attack. He made several plays out of structure and looked comfortable doing it. He led the Stallions to a game-winning drive and put up the best stat line in the area for any quarterback.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TylerStevens94/status/1986962929409814680?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Nathan made some unbelievable plays throughout the game. He's smooth in his technique and makes deep balls look easy. He's got one of the best arms in the state, if not the best. Great at reading the vertical system, and does well to manage the pocket. He's a much better athlete than advertised, able to make splash plays as a runner, and plays linebacker at times. Nathan finished as my MVP for the Arrows.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TylerStevens94/status/1986981470129275115?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Dax was the most common target in the game on Friday night. He finished with 10 catches, 226 yards, and a receiving touchdown. He was a gamer in the middle of the field and could get loose after the catch. He's physical at the catch point and can use his size well in the air. He also contributed to the defense, totaling nine tackles and two pass breakups.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TylerStevens94/status/1986959884982878362?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Killian finished with three receptions, but was a common target deep down the field, finishing with two touchdowns and 118 yards. He's quick off the line and can beat press coverage. He tracks the ball well and can high point the ball. He's a great athlete with good length and versatility, allowing him to line up anywhere on the field. He also had a key pass breakup late in the game that allowed Ashland to take the lead on the next possession. I'm excited to see what Killian does in the offseason.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TylerStevens94/status/1986958724217417909?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Kaleb is a good athlete who plays boundary corner for the Stallions. He forced a fumble in the first quarter, which led to DeSales' first points of the game. He also plays running back, where he got some touches late. He's a good one-cut runner who follows his blocks well. I was impressed with Kaleb's game.</p>

Week 12 put together some excellent matchups across the state. #7 Ashland defeated #10 Mount Vernon last week, putting them in the second round to face off against #2 DeSales. This game was hyped up to be one of the best in the state, with expectations of an offensive shootout. It didn't disappoint, as we had a 33-29 final, resulting in a DeSales victory. Throughout the game, several players shone and deserve recognition for their performances. Let's get started.