Quarterfinals Preview (5A): Players to Watch in Central TX
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Liberty Hill comes off a big win over Rouse to face the undefeated Alamo Heights at 7 p.m. on Friday. Both teams have big scorers on offense and tough defenders. These are the players to keep an eye on in…
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Continue ReadingLiberty Hill comes off a big win over Rouse to face the undefeated Alamo Heights at 7 p.m. on Friday. Both teams have big scorers on offense and tough defenders. These are the players to keep an eye on in the game.
1. Noah Long Noah Long 5'10" | 175 lbs | RB Liberty Hill | 2024 State TX (SO-RB) – Liberty Hill High School (Liberty Hill, TX)
2021 Season: 1,831 rushing yards, 26 rushing touchdowns
Long has had an excellent thus far, and given how Liberty Hill has essentially demolished every team the Panthers have faced, Long will continue to have an excellent season. Still, given that Liberty Hill faces an undefeated Alamo Heights, Long will have to play his best game. This should not be too hard, as Long has been balling out. Given that Liberty Hill primarily runs the ball, the pressure will be on Long’s shoulders but he has answered the call many times this season.
2. Joe Pitchford (SO-QB) – Liberty Hill High School (Liberty Hill, TX)
2021 Season: 949 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns
Next up to watch for is Pitchford. Although he does not throw the ball often, he does showcase his running abilities. He is second in most rushing stats on the team and showcases a lot of power and speed. He and Long make for a terrifying duo when Liberty Hill begins its rushing attack. However, when Pitchford does throw the ball, he is precise and it is usually very calculated compared to offenses that always throw.
3. Grady Flinn (SR-RB) – Liberty Hill High School (Liberty Hill, TX)
2021 Season: 736 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns
Flinn is the next man up when it comes to the running backs. Although not putting up the numbers Long has, he has experience on his side. If the Alamo Heights defense somehow stops Long, they will then have to find a way to stop Flinn. This trio of Long, Pitchford and Flinn makes for a rough time for any opposing defenses.
4. Andon Thomas (SR-LB) – Liberty Hill High School (Liberty Hill, TX)
2021 Season: 197 total tackles, 92 solo tackles, 25 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 7 hurries, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
On the other side of the ball, Thomas has been a force of nature for opposing offenses. More importantly, he earns a lot of tackles throughout games and is very hard to juke around. He is experienced and has great awareness of the play. Thomas is also excellent at causing disruption during passing plays, even if he does not get the sack.
5. Rett Andersen (JR-WR) – Alamo Heights High School (San Antonio, TX)
2021 Season: 51 receptions, 994 receiving yards, 17 receiving touchdowns
Andersen is one of the main driving forces on the Alamo Heights offense. He puts up numbers and is arguably one of the best receivers in Central Texas. He scores often and that is due to his excellent route-running and hands. He is easily the go-to target and the Liberty Hill defense will have a tough time keeping up with him in the game.
6. Thomas Colligan Thomas Colligan 6'2" | 230 lbs | DL Alamo Heights | 2023 State TX (JR-DL/LB) – Alamo Heights High School (San Antonio, TX)
2021 Season: 54 total tackles, 39 solo tackles, 28 tackles for a loss, 19 sacks, 8 hurries, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble
For Alamo Heights, the team has simply a beast on the defense side of the ball. Colligan has put up a staggering 19 sacks this season. However, he does face a team that rarely passes. Still, this proves just how capable Colligan is to get in the backfield and he could definitely stuff some runs if Liberty Hill’s blocking is not ready.