Traynum’s Big Night Carries Ben Lippen to Win Over Great Falls

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GREAT FALLS |</strong> On a night that a second shutout of the season for the Ben Lippen Falcons defense led by <strong>Ammiel Goutier</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1819462' first='Clark' last='Duren']</strong> on the defensive line could've been the story, it was senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1821935' first='Michael' last='Traynum']</strong> who decided to turn in a career performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Traynum (pictured above) was responsible for all four touchdowns scored in the game in a 27-0 win for Ben Lippen. Three of those came on the ground and the fourth came on an outstanding catch in double coverage. Traynum knew he felt good going into the game and was itching to get back on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Just been waiting to get out here and play this one," he said. "I felt really good about myself and after scoring that first time, I knew I wanted to get in again. Shoutout to the boys for blocking it up for me all night."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Traynum benefitted from a split quarterback system that featured junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1819456' first='Graham' last='Bokinsky']</strong> and junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1350429' first='Ashton' last='Chapman']</strong> under center. When those two signal callers led the team down the field, it was Traynum who entered the game to finish off drives.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Other Ben Lippen Standouts</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Wilson</strong> RB/LB, 2030 - Wilson was not the feature back for Ben Lippen, but he was productive in his limited action. He carried four times for 23 yards and was consistently fighting for any extra yards he could get.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1649347' first='Collin' last='Geiger']</strong> WR/CB, 2027 - Geiger hauled in one catch for 15 yards on offense and was involved in several passes defended on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1719816' first='Jimmele' last='Smith']</strong> WR/DB, 2028 - Smith was another two-way player, and his major impact came on offense. He caught two passes for 24 yards and had two of the four longest catches for his offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1817785' first='Jordan' last='Spinney']</strong> TE/LB, 2028 - Some nights there are players that don't show up in the stat sheets, but they were almost as impactful as anyone. Spinney collected numerous pancake blocks and was a force to be reckoned with when any player tried to get past his block.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Great Falls Standouts</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>JaQuan Simpson</strong> QB, 2028 - Despite being shutout, Simpson had a solid night. He racked up 95 yards on 14 completions. He also added one carry for five yards on the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1816245' first='Kendrick' last='Patterson']</strong> WR/DB, 2029 - Patterson may have been the most productive player for Great Falls, as he hauled in four catches for 30 yards, as well as two carries for 13 yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nassir Stevens</strong> ATH, 2028 - Stevens was another productive player, hauling in two catches for 27 yards, as well as being the workhorse of the team with eight carries. Stevens was also a productive player on defense with several tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aideon McNeal</strong> DL, 2027 - Despite a 27-0 score, the Great Falls defense was solid, collecting three sacks. McNeal had one of those, along <strong>Kemius Mack</strong> and <strong>Treyvious Mills</strong> who had the others.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1821805' first='Jaxson' last='Brantley']</strong> WR/DB, 2027 - Brantley was the favorite target of the night for either side, hauling in five catches for 15 yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1821943"],"_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":2366460,"_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-6a9636312f9a9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Eckert had an outstanding evening in the backfield, carrying 13 times for 98 yards. He has a unique skillset that includes the ability to wait for a hole to open and then bursts through it with sneaky speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's extremely quick in the open field and is tough to bring down in congested areas. His good footwork and patience allow him to explode when he sees an opportunity, making him an excellent running back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->