Scouting Reports: Notable Performers in 4A Championship

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;howe30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After spending around 40 hours in three days covering last week's state semifinals, I'm taking in the championship games from my couch. I actually prefer watching them on the screen as opposed to obstructed views from the UNI-Dome sidelines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class 4A title contest pitted No. 1 Xavier and No. 4 Pella against each other on Thursday evening. Xavier captured the championship with a 31-6 victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a closer look at guys that stood out in the game:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1751466"],"_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-691f7bdd5cf0f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Xavier doesn't field a massive offensive line. The guys up front aren't small, but they rely a little more on leverage and technique than bulk to get the job done. Pladsen benefits from being a master of his craft while also bringing size to the table. The Saints left tackle has steadily grown throughout his prep career and moves well for a big man. He sets up smoothly and soundly in pass pro and gets the pads down when paving the way for the run. Pladsen's skills fit well on the outside, and that could end up being his path to success on the next level. His frame also would allow for good weight, and a move inside would further accentuate his athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1924714"],"_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-691f7df9224ad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I liked what I had seen from Mahoney on film before a live scouting opportunity during the state semifinal victory against Newton. Mahoney is a long-limbed athlete that could develop into a successful performer at a number of positions. I do like that he's progressing as a defensive back. Mahoney runs well and can change directions quickly in covering receivers. His long arms and strides help him make up ground on balls in the air. Mahoney operates with physicality already and has a projectable frame that can fill out. He'd already piled up 29 solo tackles with three interceptions, two pass breakups and a forced fumble heading into the 4A title game against Pella. He'll be an asset on special teams in college, too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1699590"],"_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-691f81439fec8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Only a sophomore, Dostal entered the Class 4A state title game with 12 solo tackles, 4.0 stops for loss and a pair of sacks. He also forced a fumble. I liked what I saw from Dostal during the semifinal round against Newton, and he looked the part again in the championship versus Pella. While he's not yet piling up statistics, he understands the important of setting the edge and playing within the framework of the defense. He uses his hands well and gets burst off of the edge on pass rush plays. Dostal bends well and gets under offensive tackles. More strength will come as he fills out his projectable frame.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2049013"],"_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-691f8444797f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I noticed Griffith pretty early on when scouting the Dutch against Sergeant Bluff-Luton in the Class 4A state semifinals at the UNI-Dome. At 6-4, 285, he's hard to miss. Griffin separates himself from being just another big guy by flashing agility and athleticism on the offensive line. He moves his feet well and operates with balance. Griffith also shows potential on the defensive line and could have a path forward there. His frame still has room to fill out and add strength, so there's ground to cover before he maximizes his potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2060161"],"_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-691f8756469f0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Pella defense features a number of versatile athletes that can run. It begins in the back end and goes through the front. You can find Halverson on the latter, where he stood out to me during the state semifinals against Sergeant Bluff-Luton. Halverson followed up that performance with a sound effort in the state title game against Xavier. The junior looks natural coming off of the edge with a skill set that suits the position. He plays with a burst and bend. He's also athletic and can run down plays to the boundary. With room to grow physically, Halverson is one to monitor moving forward. He'd recorded 32 solo tackles entering the championship. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2060167"],"_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-691f8a2d62ed5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Menke's contributions get lost in the shuffle at times because the Dutch defense is filled with playmakers. Menke helps form a solid foundation to the unit, however. He occupies space in the middle of the front. Menke operates with sound technique, allowing him to get off of blocks. He runs well and covers ground laterally in pursuit. I liked what I saw when he registered five tackles during a state semifinal victory against Sergeant Bluff-Luton, and he held up well against the top-ranked squad in Iowa, Xavier, during the title game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->