Week 9 Review: Valor Christian Eagles vs Thunder Ridge Grizzlies

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A look at the three best players from this ranked, 5A matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Review</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game was, arguably, the most exciting matchup of Week 9 coming into last weekend, as the number 7 ranked Thunder Ridge Grizzlies hosted the number 2 ranked Valor Christian Eagles. While the score was fairly tight throughout, the game was much more one-sided than the point spread might indicate. Most of the scoring came in the first half, with the Eagles drawing first blood early in the 1st quarter on a QB keeper to take a 7-0 lead but the Grizzlies responded quickly, taking the ensuing kickoff back for a touchdown, tying the score 7-7. Within the last minute of the 1st quarter, Valor Christian extended their lead 14-7 on another QB keeper. On the Grizzlies' ensuing possession at the start of the 2nd quarter, they would give up a safety to extend the Valor Christian lead to 16-7, leading to the Thunder Ridge offense being essentially shut out for the rest of the game. The Eagles would add a field goal at the end of the 3rd quarter to make the score 19-7, with those being the last points of the game, allowing Valor Christian to come away with the hard-earned 19-7 victory. While this matchup was more one-sided than many expected, the Thunder Ridge defense played about as well as they could have against an extremely talented Valor Christian offense, all things considered. With that being said, here were the three best individual performances from this matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players of the Game</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='143630' first='Gabe' last='Sawchuk'],  Valor Christian Eagles (RB)(Jr.)(25) – While the Eagles offense had a fairly slow night, by their standards, Sawchuk was easily the offensive player of the game for Valor Christian. Against the Thunder Ridge defense, Sawchuk accounted for 91 rushing yards on 13 carries (7.0 YPC), while also adding 2 tackles on defense. Turning to the tape, Sawchuk displays an explosive, one-cut running style that allows him to accelerate laterally and gain space from defenders with relative ease. Elite level foot speed allows him to hit an extra gear and pull away from just about any second and third level defender, even if a good angle is taken by the defender. Exceptionally thick and strong lower body allows him to maintain outstanding pad level while running through contact, giving him the ability to maintain his balance/low center of gravity at the point of contact. Brings great physicality behind his runs in between the tackles, not shying away from contact to finish runs falling forward. Much like his older brother was for the class of 2022, Sawchuk is currently rated the number 1 RB in the state and the number 3 player overall for the class of 2024, and it's not hard at all to see why. He'll look to stack another good performance in the last week of the season for the Eagles before they head into the state playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jake Young, Thunder Ridge Grizzlies (DB)(Sr.)(21) - While the Thunder Ridge offense struggled mightily against the Valor Christian defense, the Grizzlies' defense and special teams played lights out, with Young being the best player on both defense and special teams for Thunder Ridge. Looking at Young's numbers against the Grizzlies, he registered 9 tackles, a tackle for a loss, and a pass deflection on defense while accounting for Thunder Ridge's only points on his 99 yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the 1st quarter. When you turn on the tape of Young's night, you can see he displays outstanding physicality at the point-of-attack, showing a good, low pad level and bringing plenty of force when driving through contact with the ball carrier. Savvy run defender that has a good understanding of how to attack the outside shoulder of a blocker when working play-side to set the edge and prevent the ball carrier from bouncing the run outside. Great athlete with excellent first-step acceleration out of his stance when crashing downhill to fill his run fits. Displays a good awareness of his gap responsibilities and doesn't get caught over-pursuing the ball carrier. Good overall athleticism and a nose for the ball allow him to play multiple roles on defense, whether as an in the box safety or as a deep middle DB. Good top-end foot speed combined with his excellent first-step explosiveness make him dangerous on special teams as both a punt and kick returner. Young had quite the showing defensively and on special teams despite the tough loss and I'm sure he would trade the production for the win, but he'll be an exciting player to follow through the last week of the regular season and into the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roman Bradley, Valor Christian Eagles (LB)(Sr.)(6) – While not posting world beating numbers, with the Eagles defense playing sound football as a unit, Bradley arguably had the most important performance of any player on the Eagles defense last Friday, with his biggest plays coming at the biggest moments. Diving into Bradley's numbers from his night against the Grizzlies', he accounted for 4 tackles, a tackle for a loss, and a pass deflection. When you put on the film of Bradley's performance, you can see he outstanding strength/power at the point-of-contact. Extremely physical LB that has a very high motor and plays with an immense amount of aggression when attacking opposing blockers or ball carriers. Downhill defender with a highly explosive first step that allows him to quickly gain leverage over opposing blockers. Displays elite hand placement, timing, and strength when taking on opposing blockers and shedding blocks. Shows elite closing speed when pursuing the ball carrier or when rushing the QB. Excellent foot speed, first step explosiveness, and lateral agility allow him to play an extremely versatile role as a LB, often being asked to line up on the edge as a pass rusher, standing up as a 2nd level defender, dropping into zone coverage, while also being tasked with covering TEs out of the slot and RBs out of the backfield in man coverage. Chess piece of a defensive player that has experience playing the Mike, Will, and Sam backer positions while also playing a 3-4 edge defender role and even being lined up as a 3-tech in certain situations. Bradley is currently unranked as a recruit and it's pretty surprising to see that given how talented he is. Regardless, Bradley has more than enough ability to play at the collegiate level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->