SPOOK WEEK Day 6: Petrifying Playmakers
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In the spirit of Halloween, we will be taking this week to feature some of the spookiest players you’ll see on the field. Every day will highlight a different position group/groups, eventually leading up to the scariest of the scariest…
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Continue ReadingIn the spirit of Halloween, we will be taking this week to feature some of the spookiest players you’ll see on the field. Every day will highlight a different position group/groups, eventually leading up to the scariest of the scariest to be revealed on Halloween night.
Spook Week day six will highlight the sneaky, opportunistic players that seem to slither their way into the perfect spot. These players can take the wind out of defense with a crucial catch or kill drives by snagging an interception. They can summon lightning to their quick feet and break off long returns giving the offense perfect field position. These players are the type that drives opposing coaches insane. Their ability to always make the right play is downright paranormal!
Jack Baptista – Lincoln Southwest – 2023
5’9″ 175 lbs | Hudl
Jack Baptista had a breakout junior season and put many coaches on notice of his potential. The Silver Hawk receiver was crucial to the Lincoln Southwest offense. He was the team leader in receptions and receiving yards with 33 catches for 498 yards, scored 4 touchdowns, and helped spark the offense’s passing game. Baptista is deadly from the slot and uses his feet perfectly to tangle up defenders and break loose. When he gets the ball in his hand, he is impossible to track down. His speed and twitchiness are infuriating for defenses and special teams. He is a serious threat on kick return, where he racked up 310 KR yards. Electric is an understatement.
Isaiah Daniell Isaiah Daniell 5'11" | 165 lbs | DB Yutan | 2022 State NE – Yutan – 2022
5’11″ 165 lbs | Hudl
Isaiah Daniell Isaiah Daniell 5'11" | 165 lbs | DB Yutan | 2022 State NE is a turnover terror that strikes from the skies. The opportunistic defensive back was able to snag in 21 interceptions throughout 3 seasons as a varsity player. He can cover receivers like a blanket and doesn’t get moved out of position. His football IQ shines on his interception plays, where he makes excellent reads and is aggressive when attacking the football. Daniell can cover A LOT of field in a short amount of time; even on plays to the opposite side, he shows great hustle and gets to the ball. Isaiah is a player that can make something out of nothing, whether on defense or special teams; Daniell is a threat!
Trae Starks Trae Starks 6'1" | 175 lbs | ATH Omaha Burke | 2022 State NE – Omaha Burke – 2022
6’1″ 175 lbs | Hudl
Big Play Trae continues to come up big when the Bulldogs need a spark. The DB/WR star has had several spectacular performances throughout the year. Like a viper, he waits patiently before attacking at the perfect time. Starks hauled in 40 receptions for 593 yards and scored 8 touchdowns. He was constantly the go-to receiver on pivotal plays, and he always managed to deliver. He runs excellent routes and recognizes where soft spots are and attacks. His connection with Katskee has been lethal this year, connecting deep several times. He was tasked with covering some of the opposing team’s best receivers as a corner, and he never wavered. Starks plays disciplined coverage and can be counted on to hold down his side of the field. His blocked field goal against Lincoln Southeast shut off any momentum the Knights had and helped elevate the Bulldogs to a win. Wherever you put Trae, big plays tend to follow!
Millard South athletes:
Millard South might have some of the most versatile players in the state. Throughout the season, Millard South gave defenses fits with the many ways they could line up their players and the different packages they could put together. Their athletes could play both sides of the ball at a high level. Gassaway (WR/LB) had a huge year for the Patriots and was a big contributor to their success. He was the team leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown receptions with totals of 24, 558, and 8. Gassaway put up 65 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 2 interceptions on defense. Overall, a reliable and menacing presence for the Patriots. Antrell Taylor Antrell Taylor 5'9" | 165 lbs | ATH Millard South | 2022 State NE was used in as many roles as possible and did them all very well. A gifted athlete, he can rush, catch, play coverage, and return punts/kickoffs. On offense, he racked up 478 total yards and 8 touchdowns (5 rushing & 3 receiving). This season, Brock Murtaugh put his name on the map with a strong showing as a defensive back and a dangerous receiver. His rangy frame provided QB Stenger a reliable red-zone target. He also showed off his coverage chops with an interception and several plays made by his quick thinking. Justin is a very underrated prospect who didn’t receive as much credit as he should. He did a great job holding down one of the corner positions and could line up in several spots as a receiver. Justin is also a mean blocker on top of being a playmaker. He had no problem laying someone out so that another Patriot playmaker could break away. These guys and the rest of the Patriot team wreaked havoc on their opponents. Teams simply had no answers for their shape-shifting ways.
Jake Gassaway Jake Gassaway 6'2" | 195 lbs | LB Millard South | 2022 State NE – 6’2″ 195 lbs – 2022 – Hudl
Antrell Taylor Antrell Taylor 5'9" | 165 lbs | ATH Millard South | 2022 State NE – 5’9″ 165 lbs – 2022 – Hudl
Brock Murtaugh – 6’3″ 190 lbs – 2023 – Hudl
Justin Gassaway – 6’1″ 180 lbs – 2022 – Hudl
Kale Consbruck Kale Consbruck 5'9" | 145 lbs | WR Norris | 2022 State NE – Norris – 2022
5’9 140 lbs| Hudl
Consbruck is electric on the football field. It is hard to define a position for him because he just gets it done. His 4.36 speed gets him past defenders and into the open field. Once he hits the open field, he’s as good as gone. He has torched defenses as a receiver and a running back. Consbruck is difficult to take down despite his smaller frame because of his shiftiness and exceptional balance. Kale is not scared to square up on defense and takes ball-carriers head-on, often getting low and taking his opponent out. Don’t kick to Kale, as he will certainly make you pay!