MD Playoffs: 2nd Round Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This weekend produced a bunch of strong performances and exciting games in the 2nd round of the MD State Playoffs. I take a look at some of the players who had big time showings with high level production that proved to be impactful to their teams victories. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2055400"],"_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-691ce71d27a2f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Edgewood has a massive victory over Aberdeen this past weekend and Shamari was a key driving force behind that win. He was making plays all over the field on both offense and special teams. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Shamari took 2 Punt Return's back for scores that helped break open the game for Edgewood. He also had their first offense score of the night taking a quick screen 25yds into the end zone, dancing through would be tacklers on his way. Shamari wasn't just scoring for his team, he was bringing the effort every play. Making multiple key tackles on special teams. Getting down field on KO coverage and stopping the return in it's tracks multiple times. Shamari's explosiveness and twitch as a playmaker will be needed once again this week as Edgewood takes on powerhouse Milford Mill in the regional finals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["909725"],"_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-691ce71d27add"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Quince Orchard had a convincing win this past weekend over rivals Northwest to make it to the regional finals this week. While the Cougars offense balled out as well, Kacey led the defense to holding Northwest to just 7 total points. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gilliam was a force from the edge spot. The JMU commit totaled 3 sacks in the game to go along with another TFL, and multiple tackles &amp; pressures. Kacey was wrecking havoc in the backfield all game long and was seemingly unblock-able. Winning at the POA with speed, power, and an array of pass rush moves. If Kacey keeps up this level of play all playoffs long, it will be hard for any team to score against QO. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["206438"],"_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-691ce71d27b6f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ben was lights out for South River as that put together a 17pt 4th quarter comeback win over St. Charles Friday night. For the game Ben threw for over 340 yards and had 3 passing TDs. He made some excellent throws during the game. Showing off his strong arm and accurate placement. Often times putting the ball between defenders where only his WR could make a play on it. On the season Raines also leads the state in both passing yard and passing TDs with 3,015yds and 43 scores. Those numbers have lead South River to an undefeated season so far. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Up next for SR is a tough Oakdale team in the regional finals. If Benjamin keeps up his stellar game play with his arm, paired with his leadership and playmaking ability, it will be hard to see any team taking him down. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2055406"],"_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-691ce71d27bf4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Noah came up huge for Churchill this past weekend as they beat Richard Montgomery 35-17. On the game he made up a chunk of out put for Chuchill's offense, carrying the ball 26 times. For those 26 rushes, Noah racked up 230 yards for an avg ypc of 8.8yds and also added 3 rushing touchdowns. One of his TD runs came from a 50+ yarder where he showed good vision and agility. Cutting through defenders and out running the defense to the end zone with his speed. All game long Noah ran hard. Lowering his shoulders to fight for extra yard or power in for the score when near the goal line. A strong running game is always a plus in the playoffs so look for Churchill to continue to rely on Noah's legs in the regionals this weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1506862"],"_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-691ce71d27c75"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lackey pulled off the big upset over Calvert HS this past weekend behind a strong defensive performance led by Tyzon. One of the top players in the state in his class, Swann proved that in this past weeks game. He made plenty of stops and involved in many key plays. He helped force a fumble on a muffed punt that was recovered for a score. Later in the game Tyzon made an outstanding play coming up with a sack strip FF and then had the FR as well, putting Lackey at the Calvert 2yd line and in position for a score. Swann also added a big grab on offense from the TE spot to help keep the drive moving. If Lackey is to continue their strong playoff run, expect Tyzon to keep up his impactful play spear heading a shut down defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1894417"],"_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-691ce71d27cf8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brayden kept doing what he's been doing all year long in Patuxent's 48-0 win over Washington HS, and that is racking up big passing numbers. In their big win, Brayden threw for 273 yds on 87% passing. He also added 4 passing scores and one rushing TD on the day. The freshman QB has been playing lights out all season long for Patuxent. He has thrown for over 2,000 yds, 23 TDs and only thrown 4 interceptions. Proving to be on of the top passers in his class with tons of upside, Brayden will need to continue his strong play against a tough Alegany team this week in the regional finals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->