Semifinals in Review: Chatfield Chargers vs Pine Creek Eagles

<strong>Game Review</strong> The 7th ranked Chatfield Chargers’ 28-21 win over the 3rd ranked Pine Creek Eagles in the 4A state semifinals might’ve been the biggest win that any team, in any division had over the weekend. With the Chargers’ upset of the Eagles last Saturday, they advance to their first state championship in 20 years, as they prepare to face the 5th ranked Erie Tigers this coming Saturday. The contest was a back-and-forth affair into the final minute of the game with the 21-21 deadlock being broken with a touchdown from senior [player_tooltip player_id="240088" first="Jake" last="Marschall"] with 33 seconds left that gave the Chargers the go-ahead score. Pine Creek senior RB [player_tooltip player_id="241224" first="Zion" last="Hill"] had himself an unbelievable night and almost single handily pulled out the victory for the Eagles. As Chatfield prepares for the state championship and Pine Creek hopes to build off a strong 2021 season, here were the three best performances from last week’s matchup between the two programs. <strong>Players of the Game</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="240088" first="Jake" last="Marschall"], Chatfield Chargers (RB)(Sr.)(5) - While the usually ubiquitous Marschall was relatively contained by the Eagles defense, he still played a major role in the Chargers’ victory, including the game-winning touchdown with 33 seconds left. Against the Eagles, Marschall accounted for 44 yards on 16 carries (2.8 YPC) while also adding 2 decisive touchdowns on the ground. When you watch Marschall on tape, you can see that Marschall displays outstanding athleticism, which allows him to be plugged into multiple different positions on offense and defense. Elusive runner with outstanding balance and lateral agility thanks to his lower body strength and hip/ankle flexibility. Displays good vision when working to daylight, routinely setting up 2nd and 3rd level defenders to be blocked by his teammates downfield. Explosive runner that can hit top speed quickly if given enough space. Shows good top-end foot speed, consistently being able to pull away from 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Plays with good physicality when running between the tackles, often being asked to carry the ball in short-yardage and goal line situations. Projects as either a RB or a DB/SS at the collegiate level. Marschall will look to close his prep football career with a state championship next week before preparing for the 2021-2022 basketball season. [player_tooltip player_id="22769" first="Mason" last="Lowe"], Chatfield Chargers (RB/S)(Jr.)(2) - Lowe was the Chargers’ biggest contributor offensively, with the outcome possibly being different without Lowe’s performance. For his stellar day, Lowe accounted for 122 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown on 13 carries (9.4 YPC), while also adding 7 tackles on the defensive side of the ball. When you look at the film, you can see that Lowe displays a highly explosive, one-cut running style. Incredibly explosive ball carrier that can accelerate to top speed in a couple of steps. His extreme explosiveness combined with great foot speed make him a home run threat any time he touches the ball. Displays great top end foot speed that allows him to outrun most 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Excellent lateral agility and balance make him a highly elusive ball carrier in the open field. Shows good physicality and balance at the point-of-contact thanks to his strong/flexible lower body and core. Versatile chess piece of an athlete that can line up at any skill position on the offensive or defensive side of the football. Projects at multiple positions at the collegiate level. Lowe is currently ranked the number four athlete and number 24 player overall for the class of 2023 and it’s easy to see why. He’s a very gifted athlete that hopes to finish his junior year with a state championship this weekend. [player_tooltip player_id="241224" first="Zion" last="Hill"], Pine Creek Eagles (RB)(Sr.)(8) - Hill easily had the best showing of any player in this game and was the biggest reason the Eagles almost pulled out the victory. Against the Chargers defense, Hill accounted for 196 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns on 31 carries (6.3 YPC) while also adding 47 yards receiving on 3 catches (15.7 YPR). When you watch Hill’s performance in this game, you can see the first thing that jumps out about Hill is how physical he is as a runner. Big, powerful RB that often takes multiple defenders to bring him down. Strong lower body, core, upper body, and an ability to drive his legs through the run allow him to maintain force/momentum through the point-of-contact. Tough runner with a good, low pad level that gets the gotta-have-it plays in short yardage and goal line situations where he always seems to be falling forward after contact. Shows good ability as a receiver out of the backfield, often being a tough matchup for LBs because of his deceptive athleticism. Displays deceptive top end foot speed that allows him to outrun most 2nd level defenders and some 3rd level defenders. While Hill isn’t currently ranked on any recruiting services, he has more than enough size, talent, and production to play at the collegiate level.