In the Trenches: State Semi-Finals Edition

The semifinals are here! Tons of great talent, especially at the skill position, will be on display this weekend. But, you don't get this far without the big boys up front doing their job on both sides of the ball. Let's check out some of the must-see trench monsters that will be fighting for a spot at Ford Field on Thanksgiving weekend!    If you're looking for high motor, high physicality and elite edge setting, here's your guy. The Wisconsin commit has solidified himself as one of the best pass rushers I have ever seen in person. His get-off is quick, his technique and use of hands is great and when he gets his hands on the ball carrier, there is nothing they can do. Way too big, way too strong. His squad is facing off against an East Kentwood team that had a lethal QB, a plethora of weapons and a high-powered passing game, so Janda will be a major X-Factor in this game. If he is able to cause chaos and collapse the pocket regularly, this team could be well on its way to the state finals!     The Dexter offense has probably been the best, or at least nearly the best all season long. Regularly hanging 40 or 50 points and putting running clocks on teams. Owen is a major part of what the Dreadnaughts like to do. He's a big and nasty lineman that can flat out take a defender out of the play. On running downs, he gets under the defenders pads and completely controls them. On passing sets, he is able to absorb strong bull rushes, or counter a defender with speed. Owen has continued to grow and evolve at the tackle position, and I love his high ceiling. So does Iowa State, clearly!     A small school kid that has completely dominated at the DE position, Trent is a really unique player. He's big and physical, has a great get off and is one of the most sure tacklers I have seen this season. Great use of hands to keep blockers out of his chest, and can disengage and get to the ball in a hurry. On top of being a great defensive player, he is also a prime target for this Pewamo Westphalia offense. Piggot brings a ton to the table, and will be a huge part of what they try to do this week, and possibly at Ford Field.     Even as a junior, Treighjan is one of the best EDGE guys in the state. With an incredibly high motor, Gibson is able to fire off and continue to throw moves until he gets free, and can chase down a QB or RB with ease. Whether it's in pass rushing spots or just maintaining a gap in the run game, Gibson does both at an extremely high level. This week will be another major test as OLSM will match up against Portage Central, one of the most efficient offenses in the state of Michigan. If he comes ready to play and does what he is capable of, they will be heading to Ford Field once again on Thanksgiving weekend.     Jack and his Divine Child team are coming off of a monumental win over Harper Woods. In that game film, I see a guy who was focused and determined to be the best player in the trenches. Divine Child changed up their style and ran the T most of the game, and Bobin was punching holes in the defense and allowing his running backs to gain on a defense that was reeling. He was able to adapt to this style and completely dominate up front. Great pad level, kept his legs churning and good agility to take on multiple defenders per play. If Jack can have another performance like that, DC could be inevitable, and this can be a state championship team. It all starts up front.

The semifinals are here! Tons of great talent, especially at the skill position, will be on display this weekend. But, you don't get this far without the big boys up front doing their job on both sides of the ball. Let's check out some of the must-see trench monsters that will be fighting for a spot at Ford Field on Thanksgiving weekend!