Team Lillard Elite wins EForce Invitational: The roster

Over the weekend, Team Lillard Elite picked up a significant 7-on-7 tournament victory at the EForce Invitational.   After the series of victories, Prep Redzone checked in with the Team Lillard Elite coaching staff to highlight the roster.   Here's a look at the winning team.   DB [player_tooltip player_id='986706' first='Raymond' last='Perez'], Milwaukie (2028) — Perez is a fundamentally sound defensive back who consistently shows strong instincts and situational awareness on the field. He processes concepts quickly, allowing him to react decisively in both man and zone coverage. Perez made a significant impact for Milwaukee this season, contributing with timely interceptions and pass breakups and steady, reliable play in the secondary. His competitiveness, football IQ, and versatility allow him to stand out at the position.   ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1675180' first='Ryder' last='Owens'], Century (2028) — "He demonstrates elite closing speed and fluid movement skills, allowing him to cover ground quickly and consistently stay in phase with receivers. His acceleration and top-end speed translate well in both man and zone concepts. Owens shows advanced ball-tracking ability for his age, locating and attacking the football at its highest point with confidence. His instincts in space allow him to anticipate routes, break on the ball decisively, and create disruption in the passing game."   ATH [player_tooltip player_id='997621' first='Connor' last='Janes'], Tualatin (2028); DB Gabe Wilson, Tualatin (2028) — "We're putting a heavy focus on the development of Janes and Wilson right now. They already play with a level of conviction and football sense that you can't teach. Our goal this offseason is to pair that sharp decision-making with athleticism. They're putting in the work to add that extra gear of speed and strength, and once those physical traits align with their football IQ, they're going to be impact players for us."   TE/DE [player_tooltip player_id='1609596' first='Brady' last='Knips'], Tualatin (2028) — "Knips is making a massive leap in how he understands the game from an offensive perspective. He's no longer just running a route on paper; he's manipulating zone coverages and using his 6'5 size to create clear windows for his quarterback against man coverage. He's developing an ability to recognize a coverage on the fly, and adjusting his route within the soft spots. He's a go-to guy and a intermediate threat all in one."   WR/FS [player_tooltip player_id='1609636' first='Brock' last='Estes'], Tualatin (2028) — "Brock is evolving into a versatile weapon on the field. Standing at 6-foot-5, he's got the frame, but this weekend he showcased a new level of breakaway speed. At that size, he's able to run the full tree inside and out. What's even more impressive is his awareness; he's patient, but deadly, with his route-running making it challenging for backers to try to cover him."   WR/SS Caden Reinebach, Mountain View (2027) — "When you look at Caden, you see a guy who can dominate a game through sheer physicality. He's a downhill player who is strong at the point of attack. We're laser-focused on his technical capabilities, refining his route-running and polishing his footwork. When you pair that level of technical detail with a 6-foot-2, 195 pounds athlete who can fly around, that's a dynamic receiver who can be flexed around."   WR/DB Cam Jorgensen, Century (2027) — "Jorgensen has been a game-changer for Team Elite this year. He's embracing his role as our corner, giving the entire unit the confidence knowing the boundary is secured. For two straight tournaments, Cam has effectively eliminated the deep ball. In the final two games, Cam made multiple key PBU's that could've been big plays for the opposing offense. We know his technical refinement is going to reach a high-level this offseason. By this fall, he won't just be a defender, he'll be a lethal presence in the secondary for his school."   WR Gabrial Aruwah, James Logan (2027) — "Aruwah has been a remarkable addition to the Team Elite roster. He's a true technician with sharp footwork, allowing him to snap in and out of breaks with zero wasted movement. This weekend, he proved he is a go-to guy in the most high-pressure moments of games. From hauling in a clutch, game-winning back-shoulder fade to securing contested catches that kept drives alive. With his long 6-foot-2 frame and speed, he's shown that he's a mismatch wherever he lines up."   ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1609605' first='Karoderick' last='Smith'], Tualatin (2028) — "Smith is proving to be absolutely electric for this team on both sides of the ball. He has an incredible nose for the football, coming up with multiple pivotal interceptions that completely swung the momentum of our games this weekend. Offensively, he's a versatile weapon. Whether we're isolating him on the outside or letting him work out of the slot, his raw explosiveness is becoming more refined this offseason."   QB [player_tooltip player_id='1614894' first='Lincoln' last='Keeney'], Tualatin (2028) — "We saw flashes of Lincoln's poise under pressure last fall when he stepped in on multiple key games at Tualatin, but he's currently taking his game to a new level this offseason to take that lead role. He's evolving into a surgeon on the field, showing the decisiveness needed to pick apart defenses. This past weekend was great example; he was on it accounting for over 200+ points across seven games. What's most impressive is how he stretched defenses horizontally & vertically… spreading the wealth effectively. He forced each team we played to have to defend every spot on the field."   ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1609760' first='Luke' last='Cutting'], West Linn (2028) — "I've had the opportunity to be around Cutting for years, and his route-running has always been elite. But this season, he's added a new dimension. He's pairing polished footwork with the explosiveness he's built in the weight room…he's solidified himself into a true vertical threat. This past weekend, he put on a clinic, winning every matchup. Whether it was a slant, dig, fade, or a key 3rd-down comeback, he proved he has the strength now to match his technique."   WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1425922' first='Tahkai' last='Smith'], Westview (2028) — "Tahkai put on a defensive clinic this weekend, proving why he's a cornerstone of our secondary. He dominated his half of the field, and the times teams did go at him, he won every 1on1 match up. Every time the ball was in the air, he was in a good position to break up the play at the catch point. The growth we're seeing for the past two-years is remarkable, Tahkai is playing with a high-level of confidence and technical precision that puts him among the best in our program. Top DB in the state for class of 2028."   WR/SS Xavier Minor, Central Catholic (2028) — "What makes Xavier special at the safety position is his mental discipline. He's become an extension of our Defensive Coordinator, on the field. You can see his processing speed in real-time. That instinctive ability isn't an accident, it's the result of his meticulous preparation he puts in during the week. He is a fundamental staple of our secondary and the glue that keeps our coverage tight. You can always expect him to be in the right place making plays on the football."   WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1557993' first='Justin' last='Powell'], Nelson (2029) — "Justin is a high-ceiling guy in our program. After being nominated as Player of the Week in the 15U division for Team Lillard Aces, he made the jump to the 18U bracket this weekend and didn't miss a beat. In the 15U bracket, he dominates his position, eliminating his half of the field against receivers. He's proven that his technical progression is moving at an accelerated rate."

Over the weekend, Team Lillard Elite picked up a significant 7-on-7 tournament victory at the EForce Invitational.