Defensive Players of the Game: Jackson County Central vs. Pierz
With two of the most prolific rushing attacks in 3A facing off in the state semifinals last Saturday in Jackson County Central and Pierz, one would assume the fireworks would be exploding early and often in this matchup. However, the 20-14 final in favor…
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Continue ReadingWith two of the most prolific rushing attacks in 3A facing off in the state semifinals last Saturday in Jackson County Central and Pierz, one would assume the fireworks would be exploding early and often in this matchup. However, the 20-14 final in favor of Pierz was a highly contested defensive showdown with both teams really only having a few plays with impactful defensive miscues. Both defenses were stingy, assignment sound, and were flying around the field, a combination that produces some exciting defensive plays and players. Within these performances, a few defensive standouts distinguished themselves enough to earn their coveted Northstar Football News’ “Defensive Players of the Game.” Check out who earned the awards below!
1) Maverick Kowalczyk (5’11, 175 lbs.) is my first choice for the “Defensive Players of the Game” as the senior Pierz LB was tasked with hitting JCC’s hammer of a running back Bradley Buhl Jr. (6’0, 215 lbs.) almost every defensive snap of the game.
Kowalczyk (44) and his Pioneers teammates celebrate a win together.The brother of “Offensive Player of the Game” Blake Kowalczyk, Maverick finished with nine tackles on the evening and was no doubt feeling every one of them the next morning. Congrats to the Kowalczyk’s on a stellar game for the Pioneers.
2) Jack Brinkman (5’7, 150 lbs.) played in the defensive backfield for the Jackson County Central Huskies and had some prominent speed that showed up both in coverage and when corralling Pioneer ball carriers. His three tackles were overshadowed by his athletic and clutch interception on a deep ball late in the 4th quarter that almost put the game away for the Huskies.
Brinkman and the other Huskie captains.Despite the loss, Brinkman balled out and earned the second NFN “Defensive Players of the Game.” Junior year Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9906878/5bec6fc85eedac0c1c5bb2fc
3) Zachary Traut (6’3, 260 lbs.) was a beast on the interior DL of Pierz and showed some good feet and athleticism for a big man his size. He was a critical in Pierz’s defensive pressure of stud JCC QB Rudy Voss (6’3, 195 lbs.), who could have had a field day in given ample time in the pocket. He finished with five tackles and an important sack which occurred late in the 4th. I’d like to see some recruitment of that young man to a college program. Congrats, Zachary. Senior Hudl: http://www.hudl.com/v/2BuPi4