Players to Watch in DIAA Playoffs: Class 1A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Delaware state playoffs get under way this weekend. I take a look at some players in the 1A classification that could make big impacts in their teams playoff runs. Look for these prospect to key in their teams playoff runs and one to keep you eyes on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2047550"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-6914ff8f885cf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Peyton has been a do it all player all year on both sides of the ball for an 8-2 Brandywine squad who are also the #1 ranked team in the 1A Bracket. Playing both RB and CB he has been a consistent impact player for them. With over 500 rushing yds and 4 TDs on the the ground to go along with being #4 in the state with 5 INTs on the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As a RB Peyton shows nice patience and vision, using his HT to his advantage hiding behind the OL and then bursting through for big gains. He excels at finding cut back lanes and make good cuts to hit open space and take it up field. On defense, he plays much bigger than his 5'7" size. Consistently showing the ability to go attack the ball in the air and out jump WRs for it. Peyton has the twitch and quick feet/hips to play man coverage and turn and run with the receiver. While also having good eyes for the ball and leaping ability to come down with it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nicknamed "Sauce", Peyton will have to continue to bing plenty of play style into the playoffs. Look for his play at RB and ball hawking skills at CB to be key in Brandywine's game against Concord this week and possibly leading them further into a run at States.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/bFtKICVANP">https://t.co/bFtKICVANP</a><br>week 2 highlights vs Newark<br>22-6 win <a href="https://twitter.com/302sports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@302sports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CuseFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CuseFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgetownHoyas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GeorgetownHoyas</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BrownU_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrownU_Football</a></p>&mdash; Peyton &quot;Sauce&quot; Taylor (@3Sauce_) <a href="https://twitter.com/3Sauce_/status/1966892972336615902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["933836"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-6914ff8f88632"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A high level QB is always something a team needs heading into the playoffs and Cole is one of the tops in the state of DE. Cole has excellent size at 6'4" allowing him to stand tall in the pocket and pass the ball all over the field. He has nice arm strength, able to bomb the ball downfield for big plays and long scores. A good athlete as well, Cole is able to extend the play and move the pocket with his legs. A threat defenses need to be aware of as Cole can still hurt them even when the play may break down. Efficient with ball, Cole is accurate with his passes and effective with play action. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cole leads the 8-2 St. Elizabeth squad into a first round match up versus Newark Charter. Expect Cole to be a key factor in the game and lead them to a deep playoff run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great job <a href="https://twitter.com/_coleandrews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_coleandrews</a> 6-9 98 Yards 3 TDs 142.6 QBR (pulled @ half) Player of the Game! 💪🔥💯❤️ <a href="https://t.co/Rnbs1aX7UG">pic.twitter.com/Rnbs1aX7UG</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='933836' first='Cole' last='Andrews'] (@_coleandrews) <a href="https://twitter.com/_coleandrews/status/1975303453141610601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1611632"],"_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":2047988,"_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-6914ff8f8867d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brendan is big reason for Seaford being a 9-1 on the season and the #2 ranked team in the 1A bracket. A deep talented team overall, but Brendan is a player who gets it done of both sides of the ball for the Bluejays. With 900+ yards on the ground at RB with 12 rushing TDs. Then add on 32tkls and 8 sacks from the edge and a rusher. A player that is that productive and impactful is going to be instrumental to a team's success in the playoffs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A nice combination of power &amp; finesse at the RB spot. Brendan has excellent twitch and quick feet. Able to make strong cuts to find lanes and create space for himself to get into the open field for big gains using his tremendous speed. While also running hard behind his pads and able to run between the tackles with force in a downhill manner with a nose for the end zone. One defense he uses that speed and quick twitch to win against the OL and get to the QB. Look for Brendan's name to come up often as Seaford strives to make it to the State finals this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/1ye5FlsSGY">https://t.co/1ye5FlsSGY</a> Mid -season Highlights✨</p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1611632' first='Brendan' last='West'] #4 (@bwest4recruit) <a href="https://twitter.com/bwest4recruit/status/1972978103397003682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1630064"],"_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":2048006,"_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-6914ff8f886c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lucca is having an excellent year for Conrad and is one of the many players leading a strong Red Wolves team into the playoffs. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards on the season and making a strong name for himself as the #1 RB in the state of DE for the 27 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With excellent breakaway speed, Lucca is off the races when he hits the hole. Showing good vision to find open space to unleash that speed and the ability to change angles with his elusiveness. He is also a threat in the passing game out the backfield, able to work into the flats and get good YAC.A threat to score anytime he touches the ball, look for Lucca to be a driving force in Conrad's success these playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stats through 5 games: 83 carries, 635 rushing yards, 4 rushing TDs, 3 receptions, 73 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD, 2 two-point conversions,<a href="https://t.co/SVrzFnt2UR">https://t.co/SVrzFnt2UR</a><a href="https://twitter.com/ChetWalters11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChetWalters11</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachSwaba?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachSwaba</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/xdye21?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@xdye21</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachQuarterman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachQuarterman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachNipon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachNipon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMDT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachMDT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachHRichards?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachHRichards</a></p>&mdash; Lucca Smit (@Lucca_Smit) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lucca_Smit/status/1974899689289081249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2047549"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-6914ff8f88707"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Vaughn is a force on defense from the OLB spot as well as big contributor on offense at the FB/RB. Athletic with nice size and frame at 6'2" 215lbs he looks the part out there on the field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At OLB Vaughn plays fast and physical. Able to come off the edge and wreck havoc in the backfield with his speed, and being athletic enough with fluid hips to drop into coverage. Vaughn is good at changing direction, being quick to the ball, and able to chase down ball carrier and deliver a blow. On Offense he uses his physicality well as a tough runner and and impact blocker. He gets going downhill with speed/power and is hard to bring down. Making him a weapon in the red zone as he a nose for getting in for the score. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A two way player that offenses need to always make sure to identify and defense need to try to stop. Look for Vaughn to be key for McKean this weekend as they try to pull off the upset and go further in these 1A playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mid season highlight tape (4 games) <a href="https://t.co/JOzSExJPQ0">https://t.co/JOzSExJPQ0</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='2047549' first='Vaughn' last='Brooks'] (@Vaughnbrooks07) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vaughnbrooks07/status/1981823007837630562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->