Rivalry Matchup Standouts: Pinnacle vs Horizon

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a much-anticipated rivalry showdown, Pinnacle demonstrated dominance right from the first snap. Their physical defense, showcasing a line that could rival the best, allowed Horizon a mere three first downs throughout the first half. At the helm of Pinnacle's offense, quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='368975' first='Wyatt' last='Horton'], turned in a stellar performance. Despite facing a relentless Horizon pass rush, Horton exhibited incredible agility on his feet and delivered on key plays, both in the air and on the ground. With his stellar overall performance, Horton was deservedly crowned the Fiesta Bowl Outstanding Player; clinching the prestigious belt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are the players who really stood out in this matchup:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pinnacle's Standouts</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["368975"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='368975' first='Wyatt' last='Horton'] put on a clinic during the game, truly highlighting why he's regarded as a formidable dual-threat quarterback. His runs weren't just effective; they were downright eye-catching, leaving defenders in the dust play after play. When it came to his passing game, Horton's precision on quick throws was undeniably sharp. Yet, it wasn't just his short game that impressed; he unleashed several deep throws, showcasing his cannon for an arm. Horton's pocket presence exceptional, willing to stand in there and deliver the throws he needed to. Despite facing significant pressure throughout the game, he displayed a mature understanding of when to use his legs to evade trouble and when to stand firm and thread a needle. It was a masterclass from Horton on Thursday night.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"James Joppru","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"Pinnacle","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"James Joppru emerged as one of the game's standout defensive juggernauts. A titan on the field, Joppru's sheer strength was palpable as he bullied the Horizon O-Line throughout the night. His ability wasn't limited to raw power alone; he showcased refined hand techniques and crafty maneuvers, allowing him to provide constant pressure to the quarterback. Surprisingly nimble for someone of his stature, Joppru's speed added an extra dimension to his play, while his undeniable strength made him an immovable force against the run. Throughout the game, it became evident that Joppru was trying to make a statement with his dominance in this game.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"Copper King","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"Pinnacle","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_2_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Cooper King had a performance that solidified his reputation as a multi-faceted talent. As a linebacker, King's innate play recognition was impeccable. He swiftly made the decision to attack or find a man. His quick reactions were on full display throughout the night. His physical prowess and containment was complemented by stellar pass coverage, a testament to his impressive understanding and feel for the game. But King's versatility didn't end on the defensive side of the ball. He also shone brightly as a kicker. On the night, King's precision and power were on full display, successfully converting two field goals and effortlessly nailing three extra points. King's dual role and exemplary performance highlight the rare blend of skills he brings to the team.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650505e548c33"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Horizon's Standouts</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["927191"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='927191' first='Carson' last='Kolb']'s reputation precedes him as one of the most imposing physical forces in the state. Taking up the mantle as a linebacker, he not only brings a raw, hard-hitting style but also pairs it with razor-sharp instincts that have thrown a wrench in many opposing offensive schemes. It's not just his physicality that stands out; Kolb possesses the size and swiftness required to contend with the modern game's athletic tight ends, making him an all-encompassing threat in coverage. This versatility makes him the quintessential mike linebacker. And if that weren't enough to cement his place in any scout's notes, he also showcases his dexterity on the other side of the ball. Operating as a tight end, Kolb's consistently dishing out pancake blocks which is yet another testament to his indomitable physical prowess. With such a multifaceted skill set, it's no wonder that he has become a player to keep an eye on. Expect to hear a lot more of [player_tooltip player_id='927191' first='Carson' last='Kolb'] as the season progresses; he's unquestionably marked himself as one to watch.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1003036' first='Alec' last='Eckholm']","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"Horizon","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1003036' first='Alec' last='Eckholm'] delivered a standout performance, highlighting his natural feel for the game as he consistently found himself at the heart of the action. One of the standout facets of his game was his impeccable footwork. In coverage situations, Eckholm demonstrated above average agility and balance, traits that are pivotal for a player at his position. But it wasn't just his nimbleness that caught the eye; he married that with a decent physicality, which is always a plus for a safety. Beyond his individual prowess, Eckholm's leadership shone through. Even as a spectator, it was evident that he serves as a linchpin for his defensive unit, communicating constantly with his teammates. It certainly was an impressive night for the Horizon safety in the loss.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6505f2528b64f"} /-->