Cleveland v. Cardinal Gibbons Offensive Highlights

I was on the sideline for the third-round matchup between Cleveland and Cardinal Gibbons.  I observed Cleveland’s high-powered offense at work during the first-half.  I observed Cardinal Gibbons’ swarming defense at work during the second half.  The players’ listed performances were outstanding throughout the game: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="130376" first="Skyler" last="Locklear"], QB, 6’0" 185, Cleveland HS</strong>.  Skyler stayed in the pocket and delivered accurate short-range passes while under pressure.  He tucked it and ran when needed to gain yardage.  Skyler displayed the speed and quickness to get around the corner to gain big yardage on a couple of plays.  [player_tooltip player_id="130376" first="Skyler" last="Locklear"] is a dual threat as a passer and as a runner. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="28635" first="Omarion" last="Hampton"], RB, 6’1" 221, Cleveland HS</strong>.  Omarion followed his blockers to gain big yardage while running inside.  He displayed a combination of speed and power while accelerating past defenders and powering over defenders to gain big yardage. [player_tooltip player_id="28635" first="Omarion" last="Hampton"] had an explosive offensive performance in the first half, scoring 3 TDs. <strong>Kody Ellis, T, 6’3" 326, Cleveland HS</strong>.  Kody displayed good footwork and technique to control blockers as he opened lanes for the running back.  He moved well in tight spaces for his size.  Kody Ellis was the dominant player on the offensive line and controlled the line scrimmage during the first half. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="144700" first="Jashawn" last="Middleton"], WR, 6’0" 170, Cleveland HS</strong>.  Jashawn ran good pass routes and separation from defenders to make catches.  He displayed good hands and concentration while making catches in traffic. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="144696" first="Blake" last="Raphael"], WR, 6’0" 195, Cardinal Gibbons HS</strong>.  Blake ran good pass routes and separation from defenders to make catches.  He displayed good hands on the catches made in traffic.  [player_tooltip player_id="144696" first="Blake" last="Raphael"] had 4 receptions for 30 yards. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="117098" first="Connor" last="Clark"], QB, 6’6" 220, Cardinal Gibbons HS</strong>.  Connor displayed calmness and leadership while directing the offensive unit.  He has a quick release on his throwing motion.  Connor displayed good arm strength on the short-range and long-ball throws.  The passes were delivered on target with accuracy in the pocket and on the run.  He tucked it and ran when needed to gain yardage.  [player_tooltip player_id="117098" first="Connor" last="Clark"] completed 11 of 13 passes for 141yards. <strong>Donovan Shepard, RB, 5’9" 165, Cardinal Gibbons HS</strong>.  Donovan displayed patience while following blockers to gain tough yardage while running inside.  He displayed good hands and speed on a pass play leading to a TD.  Donovan displayed the speed to get outside and accelerate past defenders to gain yardage.  He plays at a high-energy level throughout the game.  Donovan Shepard had 32 carries for 195 yards and 1 TD. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="142223" first="Ryan" last="Ziegler"], FB, 6’0" 225, Cardinal Gibbons HS</strong>.  Ryan displayed good balance while running with power on the goal-line plays.  He displayed good vision and strength while running into the end zone after initial contact was made.  [player_tooltip player_id="142223" first="Ryan" last="Ziegler"] had 7 carries for 63 yards and 2 TDs. <strong>Thomas Garofolo, T, 6’3" 210, Cardinal Gibbons HS</strong>.  Thomas displayed good footwork and technique while controlling defenders.  He displayed quickness out of his stance to make contact with defenders while opening lanes for the running backs.  The offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the second half. <strong>Watt Brown, T, 6’4" 245, Cardinal Gibbons HS</strong>.  Watt displayed good footwork and technique while controlling defenders.  He displayed quickness out of his stance and used leverage against defenders while opening lanes for the running backs.  The offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the second half. &nbsp;