MVPs–Missouri HS Football Playoffs–Week 2
This time of year is the greatest time of year! The clocks fall back, there is a constant chill in the air and the finest football teams are still playing. That being said, in a strange year of COVID, the…
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Continue ReadingThis time of year is the greatest time of year! The clocks fall back, there is a constant chill in the air and the finest football teams are still playing. That being said, in a strange year of COVID, the top teams aren’t always the ones advancing. But the teams still alive have players that propel their teams to victory. So let’s celebrate the top players of Friday as the #BellRingers who woke up the neighborhood and rocked the party.
ATH Caleb Merritt Caleb Merritt 6'0" | 190 lbs | WR John Burroughs | 2022 State MO , Junior, John Burroughs (6′, 166) One of the better all-around athletes in the state, the 10th ranked 2022 player by Prep Redzone, flashed all his skills Friday. Merritt can play any position on the field but as a runner on eight carries, the junior accounted for 183 yards and two touchdowns. He will tell you he is a college receiver and he will be a fine one at that but I think Merritt has fluid hips, exceptional short area burst and closing power to be a shut-down cornerback in college. No matter the position, John Burroughs is going to be a tough team to beat with Merritt on the field.
RB Amar Johnson Amar Johnson 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Chaminade | 2021 State MO , Senior, Chaminade (5’11, 180) The 35th ranked player in the 2021 class heading into the season, Johnson is also a repeat #BellRinger. Honestly, MVPs could be written about weekly. But the playoffs are where the stars shine and Amar is one of the brightest lights in the state. The South Dakota State commit went off on Friday accounting for 250 rushing yards and two critical touchdowns in the fourth quarter that sealed the win. Johnson has quick feet, high-end top speed and vision in the open field to be a threat to score any time he touches the football.
RB Taj Butts Taj Butts 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB De Smet | 2021 State MO , Senior, DeSmet Jesuit (5’11, 185) God built the 12th ranked 2021 player in the state different. The lower body on this young man looks cartoonish with how physically imposing he is. When Butts gets his legs churning, one tackler is NOT bringing him down. Versus big backs, as a defender, you are taught to go for the legs. If a would-be tackler goes low on Butts, that player becomes the victim of an assault. Butts accounted for four touchdowns and over 100 yards on the ground as DeSmet beat rival CBC on Friday. The Mizzou commit was unstoppable and the real MVP.
ATH Shawn Putman, Senior, MICDS (5’9, 160) In a major win versus Trinity, Putman made plays all over the field. A serious candidate to play college football as a cornerback, Putman showed up on the offensive side of the football Friday. The senior leader rushed for 105 yards on 11 carries and scored a touchdown. The playoffs are typically where seniors with the most experience stand out and Putman is a clear example of that. Putman is flexible, has good balance and is highly intelligent. On other side of the football, the senior is a difference maker.
RB Dalton Witherspoon, Junior, Windsor (5’11, 170) If you are a follower of this site you know I love discovering new players. That may be via film sent to me, recommendations from coaches but my favorite is by how a dude plays. Stand out by standing up and being counted. Everyone wants to be acknowledged but few have the talent and drive to achieve a standard of excellence. You want to know what is excellent? 12 carries for 214 yards and five touchdowns. Throw in a pick-six for good measure and you have a night like no other. Witherspoon snatched his MVP spot with a game for the ages when it mattered most. The junior is deceptively fast, has twitchy hips and loves to deliver contact to the defender. With games like Fridays, not only will Prep Redzone take notice, but college coaches will as well.
TE Ryan Hoerstkamp Ryan Hoerstkamp 6'5" | 275 lbs | TE Washington | 2021 State MO , Senior, Washington (6’5, 275) Realistically, the Mizzou commit could be on this list every week. He is a dominant player who is consistently premier. The 5th ranked player in 2021 headed into the season, Hoerstkamp came up major Friday Night with two touchdown grabs but also some crushing blocks that opened up holes for his teammates. The senior has smooth hands, is a highly crafted route runner and for a young player keenly adept to understanding coverages against him. As Washington continues on their playoff march, look for the best tight end in the Midwest to be a deciding factor in the outcome.
ATH De’Shawn Fuller De’Shawn Fuller 5'11" | 175 lbs | DB St. Mary's | 2022 State MO , Junior, St. Mary’s (5’10, 170) Fuller is known for his aggressiveness as a cornerback and that trait paid off exceptionally well on Friday. The junior took a gamble early in the game versus always dominant Valle Catholic, stepped in front of the route and went the opposite direction for a interception return touchdown. That MVP play set the tone for the game and St. Mary’s rolled after that. Fuller, who was ranked as a running back by Prep Redzone in the summer, used his competitiveness on the offensive side of the ball as well. The high-level recruit with multiple offers rushed for 93 yards on eight carries and added a touchdown on offense. Fuller plays the game on the edge and all his movements are with purpose. Fuller will become one of the most sought after players in the 2022 class starting the next recruiting cycle.
RB/DT Jamond Mathis, Sophomore, Duchesne (6’4, 222) I just wrote this young buck up a few weeks ago as he blew up on the scene. Now he is tearing up opponents in the playoffs, where the games REALLY matter. To do so at such a young age and on such a high level, Mathis’ performance on Friday Night is even more impressive. The sophomore recorded SIX sacks, numerous tackles for loss and then to add icing on the cake, scored a TD as a rusher on the offensive side of the ball. Remember the name folks, JAMOND MATHIS. His offseason will be filled with recruiting offers and social media love.
OLB Jalen Pace, Senior, MICDS (6’3, 210) Again, rarely will I give MVPs to teammates but as the competition heats up and the team dwindle, MVP performances have to be recognized. Pace has played solid football all season long but saved his most glorious game for this round of the playoffs. Any time you garner three sacks and force two fumbles in a must win game, that stat line has #BellRinger all over it. Pace is long and lean with silky hip movements and natural flexibility. His true position at the college ranks will be off LB, but his ability to rush the passer increases his value. Dedicated to full-time weight room work and speed training, Pace has the skills to be a starter in college due to God-given size and athletic ability.