West Bend West vs Kettle Moraine Lutheran: Recap and Top Recruits

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 4 had us on the road and headed to the outskirts of Milwaukee. We pulled up to Jackson, WI, home to the Kettle Moraine Lutheran Chargers. A team that has grabbed my attention since Week 1 with their dual threat, two way senior QB/S and a duo of impressive 2028 linemen plus a couple other standouts. Week 4 was the perfect time to make the trip as the Chargers would be hosting West Bend West, a team that I have wanted to see play in person since the 2025 season with their strong stable of senior talent led by a pair of MNSU- Mankato commits and a handful of impressive uncommitted seniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Glacier Trails Conference battle had the potential to be a great one based off the talent that each team was bringing to the field. The hosting KML Chargers wasted no time to get the scoring going on offense either. Senior RB Lucas Kionka punched in a short TD run to take an early 7-0 lead. West Bend West was up to the task of a high scoring game as they responded with a drive of their own to the redzone where senior QB [player_tooltip player_id='1227014' first='Collin' last='Grass'] would keep it himself and go untouched into the endzone to tie the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2nd quarter started off with a massive play by the WBW offense. Junior RB [player_tooltip player_id='1626583' first='Tayecin' last='Jimmerson'] broke loose for a 58 yard rushing TD to give the Spartans their first lead of the game. This is where things seemed to be swinging in favor of WBW and staying there. [player_tooltip player_id='1227014' first='Collin' last='Grass'] continued his strong start to the night by adding a score through the air to senior WR [player_tooltip player_id='1247083' first='Xander' last='Collier'] who did a great job of going up and getting it at the high point in the endzone. 21-7 is where we went into the half. At that point it was clear that WBW was in control and KML was going to need to find a way to create sparks and big plays if they were going to keep this game close.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That is not how the half started. WBW continued their dominance and balance on offense as [player_tooltip player_id='1626583' first='Tayecin' last='Jimmerson'] again got loose for a quick score to go up 28-7. This is where we saw the Chargers finally find their spark on offense. QB [player_tooltip player_id='2161423' first='Jonah' last='Kruse'] started perfectly executing the read option and it moved KML down the field quickly. The drive ended with him scoring on the ground to cut it to 14-28 midway through quarter #3. WBW showed a great killer instinct as [player_tooltip player_id='1227014' first='Collin' last='Grass'] again would push the ball vertically and find WR Gavin Paruch for the 54 yard TD connection.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 4th quarter started with KML trying to stay in this game. [player_tooltip player_id='2161423' first='Jonah' last='Kruse'] again led the offense for the Chargers down the field and finished it off with a QB sneak to trail by 14, 21-35. But in the end WBW's offense would be too much. Senior QB [player_tooltip player_id='1227014' first='Collin' last='Grass'] finished his outstanding performance with one more rushing TD to give us our final score of 41-21. It was an impressive display of talent, balance, and execution from the WBW offense. The team is led by a strong stable of senior talent and has them poised for a strong 2nd half of the season and potential playoff run. KML is no slouch either. They flashed the ability to move up and down the field effectively. If they can grow from this game they will still have a long and successful season ahead of them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Recruits of the Game</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1227014"],"_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-6aa85de01584e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stat Line: 11/14, 161 Yards, 2 TDs, 48 Rushing Yards, 2 TDs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was one heck of a special performance for senior QB [player_tooltip player_id='1227014' first='Collin' last='Grass']. The 6'3" 200 lbs athlete doesn't just look the part of a next level QB, he played the part Friday night. Collin was able to create big plays with his arm and his legs. Through the air we watched him push the ball downfield with confidence and with outstanding accuracy, especially to the deep third of the field. On the ground Collin did a great job of moving within the pocket and he also flashed some quickness that allowed him to pick up key chunks of yardage with his legs. The senior is building a special career at WBW and is demonstrating the traits worthy of a college opportunity. Grass was my Player of the Game overall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1626583"],"_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-6aa85de0158ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stat Line: 17 Carries, 190 Yards, 2 TDs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tayecin was an athlete who I have known about for a couple years now, but I haven't gotten to see him on varsity until this season. The wait was worth it as the 5'11" 190 lbs '28 RB proved that he could be a heavy workload, feature back. His strong frame matched the kid's style of play. Jimmerson is a back with balance and power. The way he could finish runs and break tackles was clearly wearing on the defense. The junior also flashed that he could be light on his feet through traffic and execute effective cuts to move into holes and running lanes. Tayecin brings a really balanced skill set to the field. Power, balance, and agility in a well put together frame.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1247083"],"_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-6aa85de0158fd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stat Line: 7 Receptions, 85 Yards, 1 TD</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When it came to skill position players for West Bend West the top talent is senior WR [player_tooltip player_id='1247083' first='Xander' last='Collier']. The 6'2" 185 lbs, uncommitted senior verified over and over that he has the goods to play at the next level. He used his size to his advantage to win 50/50 balls. We saw him do a great job of tracking the ball and making the subtle adjustments to reel in passes in traffic and the awareness to make catches near the sideline. Xander brings a wide catch radius to the field and the athleticism required to be a viable option at WR at the next level. Don't miss out on the talented senior WR.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1709713"],"_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-6aa85de01594a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This is an intriguing 2028 prospect coming out of West Bend West. Logan is a massive 6'4" 250 lbs TE, but on the field he gives WBW the equivalent of a 6th lineman on every snap. The massive TE brings the power you would expect from a kid his size. His run blocking is very good. He is light on his feet, allowing him to have the range to get to level two or to always be in position between the ball and defender to wall them off. The '28 TE is able to get underneath defenders and dig them out of the trenches and gaps to clear the way for his RBs. Logan also was a key front seven defender throughout the night, powering his way into the backfield at times. It will be interesting to see if next level coaches believe he has a future on the OL with his size and experience to this point. This is definitely someone to keep a close eye on.</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":"Holden Ehle","_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":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"185","_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":"West Bend West","_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-6aa85de0159f8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stat Line: 11 Tackles</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next up we have a senior who was new to my radar, but by the end of the night I as a fan. The 6'3" 185 lbs LB Holden Ehle seemed to be involved in every play. He was all over the front seven helping to stuff the KML run game. The senior did a great job of playing his gap and being physical through blocks and getting to the ball carrier. Holden has a frame that can definitely be built upon at the next level, and he has the athleticism and instincts to carry that run game success to the next level. Chalk this up as a potential hidden gem.</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":"Ranarri Kemp","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"215","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"5926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"West Bend West","_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-6aa85de015a8d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stat Line: 10 Tackles</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Specking of hidden gems, junior edge defender Ranarri Kemp was a kid who caught my eyes a ton. The 2028 edge brings a long, lean frame to the field. That length was huge to him staying clean while battling through OL. Kemp's athleticism really impressed as he showed off range to chase down the ball across the field. His quickness made it hard for OL to stay square on him. When he found the ball he flipped a switch and played fast and violent. It led to a very productive night for him and a lot of success for the defense overall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1627998"],"_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-6aa85de015ad8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stat Line: 4 Tackles, 1 INT</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emmett is a two way junior athlete for the Spartans. His biggest impact was felt on the defensive side at LB. The junior did a great job against the run game. He was able to flow with the line of scrimmage, maintain his gap, and fill downhill to make stops. We didn't see many attempts from the KML passing game, but even still Emmett was able to read the QB while dropping into his zone and pick off the pass. Then on offense he was utilized as a lead blocker throughout the night. I'm looking forward to watching his role and impact grow over the next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1620339"],"_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-6aa85de015b21"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stat Line: 10 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 Sack</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have been lucky enough to watch Colton dominate on the camp circuit, but those 1 on 1 scenarios are nothing compared to Friday night battles. Colton was a complete force in the trenches. He showed all the traits that earned him several offers this summer before committing to Mankato. A quick and powerful first step. Forceful hands that kept him clean and the ability to bend and utilize leverage. Colton lived in the backfield, even collecting a sack in the few pass attempts that KML attempted throughout the night. The WBW senior was as disruptive as he was this summer. Big time commit for the Mankato program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1620211"],"_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-6aa85de015b66"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stat Line: 6 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 Sack, Starting OL</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another standout WBW senior who is also a Mankato commit is [player_tooltip player_id='1620211' first='James' last='Banks']. Banks is a starter on both sides of the line for WBW and was an impact all night long. On offense he was literally running DL off the line with his ability to turn his quick get off into power. Something that also flashed on the DL helping him break into the backfield over and over Friday night. James' raw power jumped off the field. He was able to bully kids all night and control the line of scrimmage both ways. A great night of talent display from Banks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2161423"],"_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-6aa85de015bab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stat Line: 24 Carries, 118 Yards, 2 TDs, 6 Tackles</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was way too low on Jonah during our last update. I didn't have a clear grasp of what he was for the KML offense and defense. After getting to watch him live and see his role/impact it is clear that he will be a huge riser after the season. Coaches need to get on this kid well before that, though. The QB/S was a standout with his legitimate college traits. He has a great frame and was able to fly around the field. His acceleration and vision were key to his playmaking on both sides of the ball. His offensive play highlighted how well he could read and react to blocks and then make other defenders miss or fly through gaps before the defense could fill. Then on defense we saw the range and the closing burst that turned into forceful tackling on contact. I have a strong feeling that Jonah could develop into a legitimate S prospect. Don't miss out on this potential steal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1627983"],"_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-6aa85de015bf1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ethan plays on the OL and DL for the Chargers. He definitely makes his targets impact on the OL. There he plays OT, flipping side to side depending on the play call. It was very clear that the Chargers wanted to run behind Ethan as often as they could and it was easy to see why. The 6'2" 280 lbs OL is quickly developing the traits for the next level. He has a very strong lower body that allowed him to move DL quickly. That power also gave him very effective short area burst and pair that with strong balance and you get a lineman who can overpower you or win with his positioning and leverage. Ethan is becoming a serious force in the trenches as a junior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2346074"],"_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-6aa85de015c36"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stat Line: 3 Tackles, Starting OL</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another two way 2028 OL/DL for KML is [player_tooltip player_id='2346074' first='John' last='Kruse']. John was the most impressive athlete on the hoof Friday night. He checked in at 6'7" 250 lbs on a wildly long and athletically built frame. John has the frame that can easily carry 300 lbs if needed. Friday night it was very clear that Kruse has a ton of potential and tools that he is starting to put together. It looked easy for him to burst out of his stance and turn that quickness into power to collapse the pocket or down block a DT. On offense John plays guard and would flip sides based on the call so the team could run behind him and Setzer. On defense the massive prospect actually played from a two point, edge stance very often. He was able to keep his pad level low while doing so and create separation with that length. The raw tools are very exciting. Get this kid on your radars today.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->