Indiana Prep Redzone Game Of The Week Defensive Standouts: Week 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The game of the week was loaded with defensive talent and it came through right away. What an opening game to start the season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='331132' first='William' last='Goodvine III'] - Westfield - DL - 6'2" 245lbs - 2024</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Goodvine introduced himself to the backfield on the first drive. Then, he got comfortable controlling up front. So much so, that it felt like New Palestine's entire offense was stretch plays to prevent him from creating penetration. The problem is, he saw right through it. Time and time again, he was cutting the running game off and making the tackle. On the night, I personally counted at least 4 tackles and a TFL. The TFL coming on the first drive where he blew up the 3rd down play to force the punt. He may have had more than that, but that's what I counted when I wasn't trying to keep track. He was violent, aggressive, and was using proper leverage and angles all night long. An incredible night for their defense, led by one of the nation's best DL recruits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@GoodvineWilliam</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='283964' first='Deacon' last='King'] - Westfield - DB - 6'1" 197lbs - 2026</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>King got the start at Safety and had a great night all things considered. While he admittedly may have started a bit slow, it wasn't bad by any means. He spent that 1st QTR getting familiar with the defensive changes that happen in a year and then started playing much more loose and free. Between King and Goodvine, it felt like they made every tackle. Obviously, they didn't but it's great to see a young Safety developing and making plays right away week 1. I counted 5 tackles from King, and again, I wasn't trying to keep track. Just when I made a mental note that they had made a tackle. King had one tackle where he went for the strip and almost got it. Still brought the defender down, but is working on creating turnovers and it's only a matter of time until he's successful there too. It was a big night for King as he broke out on the big stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@Deacon_King10</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='956143' first='Brock' last='Stewart'] - Westfield - DB - 5'11" 175lbs - 2024</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stewart had one of the more impressive plays of the night altogether. An interception where he seemingly came out of nowhere and soared up into the sky to snag the ball. He brought it down and had a nice return with it. It was another piece to the puzzle which helped jumpstart the route that occurred. He was in a few different spots and asked to do a couple of different things, including playing the run and containing the edge. New Palestine was really pressing the outsides of the defense in the running game and Westfield stood in there haymaker after haymaker and Stewart is a big reason why.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@BrockStewart25</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='956144' first='Caden' last='Jacobia'] - New Palestine - DB - 5'10" 180lbs - 2026</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jacobia was my unsung hero for New Palestine's defense last night. On a night where they got handled on defense, Jacobia was the most consistent player for them, especially in the backend. Similarly to Kropp with the offensive piece from earlier, Jacobia was the relentless effort guy. Whether it was on Punt and Special Teams or defense in general, the effort from Jacobia never wavered. He had the only interception on the night for New Palestine and it was truly a great play. A ball that should have been 6 for Westfield was plucked out of the air right on the goal line and returned by Jacobia around 20+ yards. I could be wrong, but I also believe he may have potentially tipped a punt as well. Jacobia is a young recruit who is on the right path to being a really good player for years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@CadenJacobia</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->