Andover vs. Catholic Memorial Week 1 9/10/26

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a Top 10 matchup in the state as Andover hosted the reigning Division II Super Bowl Champion, Catholic Memorial, in a Thursday Night Showdown. It was the first-ever matchup between the Knights and the Warriors. The game started with fireworks as [player_tooltip player_id='1530024' first='Christian' last='Simmons'] took a 87-yard kickoff return for the opening touchdown, one of two in the first quarter. The Andover Touchdowns came in the final seconds of the third quarter as [player_tooltip player_id='1069611' first='John' last='Stadler'] hit [player_tooltip player_id='2167365' first='Marcus' last='Dejesus'] on a 12-yard pass and scored again in the fourth quarter on a quarterback keeper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final Score</strong> | Catholic Memorial: 36 | Andover: 14<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center"}}} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Stars of the Game</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2167365"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa349a9afae6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Evaluation:</strong> A jitterbug back who plays bigger than his size, as he is a shifty and physical runner while falling forward on contact. Shows superb vision with a quick burst as he patiently watches the holes develop, and he kicks into gear once he reaches the second level. Used in the passing game as he caught the ball with strong hands and churned out yardage after the catch. DeJesus is an avid route runner who uses his quickness to gain separation. He has a knack for seeking out soft spots in zone coverage. In pass protection, he needs to be more willing to step up and give a chip to buy his quarterback more time to throw.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1542880"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa31d97898f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Evaluation:</strong> A dynamic two-way freak who currently holds seven Division I offers. On offense, playmaker is an understatement as he plays receiver and gets the ball on designed runs. As a receiver, He is a crisp route runner who gains separation in man coverage and shows instincts for soft spots in zone coverage. He catches the ball with sticky hands, especially in contested situations. Thomas showcased his deep ball speed as he caught the ball for a 58-yard pass for a touchdown. He gained yardage after the catch by seeing space and bursting through. Used as a wildcat quarterback on a zone-read play, he showed the vision to stay patient as lanes developed. On defense, His stiff hips show as he struggles to change direction. Thomas is very physical in man coverage, sticking to the receiver like glue. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1530024"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa349a9afb8e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, showing superb ball tracking and spatial awareness. Simmons showed the vision to see the lanes develop, allowing him to use his explosive speed. Simmons was much improved in yards after contact, while he kept falling forward. Scored another touchdown in the first quarter on offense as a rushing touchdown. Simmons isn't afraid to block out in space as he pushed the pile for extra yardage and sprung a block for a second-quarter touchdown in the red zone. In the passing game, he's a crisp route runner who caught the ball with soft hands and gained significant yardage after the catch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1069611"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa349a9afbd5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Evaluation:</strong> A right-handed dual-threat quarterback who gets the ball out quickly. Stadler showed poise in the pocket as he took full command of the huddle. Stadler has a nice touch on the ball as he shows off his arm strength on deep passes, but he needs to be more accurate. Stadler is consistent when keeping his eyes downfield when maneuvering in the pocket. A dynamic runner when the ball is in his hands, showcasing his speed. Also, he isn't afraid of contact, as he keeps his legs churning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1591238"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa349a9afc1b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Continued to bulk up in the offseason as he looks to play a bigger role in the Catholic Memorial Defense. Jones was a game-wrecker as he extended to the point that he left blockers at bay. Exploded off the line with his first three steps. Used a speed-to-power move on the lone sack of the night in the third quarter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2162450"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa349a9afc61"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Evaluation:</strong> Medium-height, lean-framed receiver capable of playing in the slot and out wide. At the snap of the ball, he gets a quick release that enables him to separate. Churning yardage after the catch. Moriarty needs to improve on adjusting his catch radius, especially on off-target throws. Used as a kick returner, showcasing his strength to keep his legs moving on contact. Also, he needs to work on setting his feet, as they sometimes get tangled.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Luke Salter","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"195","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Catholic Memorial","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa357d17e56c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An off-ball backer who plays the game bigger than his size indicates. Salter has the leadership to take command of the huddle by getting teammates lined up. He flies around with a high motor, wreaking havoc in the backfield. An instinctive player who shoots the gaps rapidly with a high motor and proper tackling angles when closing in on the ball carrier. Salter was in on a play where he made a tackle on the punter in the end zone for a safety after a botched snap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->