Top Performers Skyline Cup: Gar Field and Skyline Edition

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the championship matchup for the Skyline Cup we witnessed the Gar Field Red Wolves take on the Hawks what was a very entertaining affair. The Red Wolves came to play and look ready to make a serious run once again in Cardinal District. The host squad Skyline would take home the title in a back and forth battle that saw big time players making big time plays. A recap from both sides below:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Gar Field</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Red Wolves were on a mission and it was clear to me early that they wanted to take the title back with them to Dumfries. Coach Edmunds squad came to play as they won the JV championship on the main field earlier in the day. While they came up a bit short in the finals, Gar Field had a ton of prospects stand out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2080566"],"_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-6a5e34b555552"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the best players in Front Royal was Sam Barlay, we lost count of his touchdowns by the final but it was clearer that Barlay stock is continuing to grow. He was open all morning at receiver and defensively he had some nice moments as well. While he was one of the Red Wolves main targets on offense at corner he was tasked with taking on their opponents top receiver and Barlay was shutting them down. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734893"],"_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-6a5e34b5555bd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Quack made plays at both safety and running back for Gar Field, he is a FBS level talent that I will keep hammering down until people listen. He is so elusive in the backfield and has been working on his speed with the Red Wolves track team this off-season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1698996"],"_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-6a5e34b555612"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I had received word before the PWC Showcase that [player_tooltip player_id='1698996' first='Dylan' last='Austin'] would be the new starting quarterback for the Red Wolves after playing for Potomac Senior High School. He looked on point Saturday and seems to be very familiar with Gar Field's playbook. Several times I watched scan the defense and hit the open target. He seems to have a good sense of confidence and support from his teammates too, I really like this fit for Austin and believe he can take their offense to new heights. Currently he holds 1 offer from Hampton-Sydney but I would think many more Division 2 and 3 schools will be calling before his season is finished.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2048798"],"_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-6a5e34b555665"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another kid that moved over from Potomac was slot receiver [player_tooltip player_id='2048798' first='Lee' last='Jones'], he was impressive, a watch list 2028 prospect who will be ranked in our next update. Jones is quick off the snap and should provide a nice secondary option behind Barlay offensively. If Sam was catching Austin's touchdown it seemed that Jones was the one in endzone, this duo has the chance to be something special for Gar Field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Skyline</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What I always enjoy most about covering the Skyline Hawks is that they could be outmatched 10 to 1 and they will still find a way to win. That is exactly what happened Saturday morning as the Hawks may have been underdogs but it did not matter as they took home the gold. Skyline is the type of program that has an atmospher and coaching staff that is hard to overcome, if you travel out to face them in Front Royal, best be known they always come to play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/SHSHawksFootbal/status/2078863079413088399?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/SHSHawksFootbal/status/2078863079413088399?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1337962"],"_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-6a5e34b5556b7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1337962' first='Zayden' last='Burks'] deserve your attention, whenever the Hawks needed a play whether that be a score, interception or just a first down, it was Zayden who was delivering. He made one catch in the middle of South County's defense that if you saw on site you would know what we have been saying about him for two years, he is a Division 1 football player!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burks had a whole mess of touchdowns but his acrobatic interception may have been the difference in their win over Gar Field. A true performer and playmaker that you want on your side come playoff time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1759299"],"_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-6a5e34b555708"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I know he is young but I continue to be impressed with Grindle's work at quarterback, I think he is going to have a big sophomore year. He was poised all morning and he showed off his his accuracy on numerous td passes. While the Hawks are a run first team typically, they have some fire power on the outside and Grindle's athleticism cannot be ignore. I could see him doing a lot of damage with his legs this fall, he can move. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1664377"],"_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-6a5e34b55575b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It appears that if Skyline's passing attack gets going this fall it will be because [player_tooltip player_id='1664377' first='Brady' last='Lupton'] is morphing into a potential division 1 tight end. Like we and others said prior, Lupton is a big body target that can get open in any type of coverage. He is ranked in our top 100 with good reason, Lupton was the go to target and with good reason. He is faster than a year ago and has gained significant muscle too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1692641"],"_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-6a5e34b5557ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Good looking linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1692641' first='Isaiah' last='Grady'] will be one of the leaders for the Hawks defense this fall. He had a good sophomore with 80 tackles and should reach the 100 tackle plateau during his junior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1748567"],"_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-6a5e34b5557fb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hopkins is going to play a lot this year especially on defense and special teams, he is too fast and valuable not to see the field. He will be a nice change of pace type of back when Zayden needs a break. Running one of the fastest 40s out our spring showcases, [player_tooltip player_id='1748567' first='James' last='Hopkins'] speed was on display in front of everyone. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1719458"],"_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-6a5e37250ce92"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Underrated defensive back CJ Baltimore was a standout for his work at corner, thought he had an excellent morning. It seems like Skyline's secondary will rely on Baltimore a lot and he looks like their top defensive back. He showed me his speed back at our Winter showcase which is why I ranked him, now that I got to see him play his ranking may go up higher. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->