Top Performers: Scotlandville vs. Zachary
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Scotlandville and Zachary made sure the last regular season either would play this season live up to its hype. The District 4-5A rivals’ Saturday showdown was Baton Rouge’s biggest show of the week with LSU on a bye. And the…
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Continue ReadingScotlandville and Zachary made sure the last regular season either would play this season live up to its hype.
The District 4-5A rivals’ Saturday showdown was Baton Rouge’s biggest show of the week with LSU on a bye.
And the Hornets survived the Broncos, 13-12, to claim their first victory in the series since 2016.
The matchup featured a pair of Division-I quarterback prospects — as has been somewhat of a theme in recent years — but also proved arguably the teams’ most defensive battle since a 13-7 final score in 2006.
Here were a few of the individual standouts:
2021 Recruiting Class
Bryce Cage Bryce Cage 6'4" | 215 lbs | DL Scotlandville | 2021 State LA — 6-4, 215 — Scotlandville
and Braelon Hobson Braelon Hobson 6'3" | 225 lbs | DL Scotlandville | 2021 State LA — 6-3, 225 — Scotlandville
For the Hornets’ victorious defensive efforts, much started up front with one of Louisiana’s best defensive-end tandems. Cage was an underrated athlete on the defensive side as a junior, came back stronger and has been a handful for opposing offenses to block all season. Hobson took some time to get on the field following his offseason transfer from Catholic (Baton Rouge). But once eligible and active, his presence on the other side has lived up to high expectations. And this duo spoiled the Broncos’ plans on several occasions getting into the backfield.
#Scotlandville’s DE duo of Braelon Hobson Braelon Hobson 6'3" | 225 lbs | DL Scotlandville | 2021 State LA (@HobsonBraelon) and Bryce Cage Bryce Cage 6'4" | 215 lbs | DL Scotlandville | 2021 State LA (@CageBryce) all over this play to start #Zachary’s second possession. pic.twitter.com/DdteoHRC68
— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) November 7, 2020
Jamie Cleveland — 6-0, 260 DL — Scotlandville
The big tackle isn’t as heralded as a potential Division-I prospect in college, but Cleveland was active in the middle of the defensive front for the Hornets in this big-time matchup, helping plug up and slow down the Zachary rushing attack.
Think that’s big Jamie Cleveland with the stop for #Scotlandville. pic.twitter.com/FdInLhm2Dr
— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) November 7, 2020
Ralph Walker III Ralph Walker III 5'11" | 170 lbs | DB Zachary | 2021 State LA — 5-11, 175 DB — Zachary
The Broncos’ senior cornerback finished his regular season on a heck of a run through league play. In three district games, Walker allowed just two completions his direction on short passes on which he kept his receivers in front of him and made quick, sure tackles. He allowed just 9 total yards on the two receptions and no first downs.
#Zachary senior CB Ralph Walker III Ralph Walker III 5'11" | 170 lbs | DB Zachary | 2021 State LA (@ralphwalker31) there in tight coverage for the quick tackle. pic.twitter.com/yzmuPhyYEb
— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) November 7, 2020
Dylan Matthews — 5-9, 190 LB — Zachary
Among the other standouts in the Broncos’ stingy defensive effort was the senior linebacker, who showed patience and discipline to hit his gaps and make timely plays at or behind the line of scrimmage.
Dylan Matthews with a big third-down TFL for #Zachary.#Scotlandville with an early decision to make just across midfield. pic.twitter.com/kAYheoPBrJ
— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) November 7, 2020
2022 Recruiting Class
Marlon Gunn Jr. — 5-11, 195 RB — Scotlandville
New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden shouted support to Gunn as the Scotlandville players walked off the field. The latter has spoken on multiple occasions about the ways he looks up to Bolden and other NFL running backs and hopes to one day follow their footsteps and be a similar role model for the next generation. And the Hornets star continues to look more and more the part. The Hornets’ standout, among the top prospects in Louisiana’s strong 2022 running back class, rushed 20 times for 74 yards against the Broncos, including a big second-quarter gain and some wildcat opportunities on a clock-eating, game-sealing drive late.
Chance Williams — 5-10, 180 ATH — Scotlandville
The Hornets’ other running back provided even more of offense’s explosiveness with 98 yards on 10 carries. Williams takes pride in his contributions in all three phases. But, considering the opponent and stage, this performance may have been among his best on offense in particular.
#Zachary hoping to capitalize again on the field position game.
And #Scotlandville junior Chance Williams (@DueceWilliams) flips that right back in the Hornets’ favor with this big gain. pic.twitter.com/Ip77uSFn0Z
— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) November 7, 2020
Jeremiah Jackson — 6-1, 180 DB — Scotlandville
With the teams battling early in the third quarter in a still-scoreless affair, Zachary took a shot deep to claim the first lead and make a statement in a game with points so difficult to come by. Instead, Scotlandville’s junior cornerback made a leaping grab near the goal line for the interception to slow down the Broncos’ attack.
Defense continues to rule the day.#Zachary looks deep, and #Scotlandville corner Jeremiah Jackson is there for the interception. pic.twitter.com/XHdxfRXYWa
— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) November 7, 2020
Connor Wisham — 6-0, 180 RB — Zachary
Gunn has started to gain more attention among the aforementioned talented running back crop for 2022. And Wisham may not be far behind. The younger brother of former Episcopal (Baton Rouge) star, Army signee and Louisiana (Lafayette) running back T.J. Wisham rushed for a game-high 102 yards, including 88 and the game’s first touchdown in the second half. He also proved a valuable weapon and safety net for sophomore quarterback Eli Holstein in the screen and short passing game.
First play.
Connor Wisham (@cjwish23).
First points of the game.#Zachary takes a 6-0 lead early in the third. pic.twitter.com/Ax724c2bM9
— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) November 7, 2020
Xavier Robinson — 6-2, 200 LB — Zachary
The Broncos’ junior edge rusher was among the other standouts in the front seven, helping contain the Hornets’ talented backfield from causing far more damage and coming up with a few tackles around the line of scrimmage.
Nice containment by #Zachary LB/DE Xavier Robinson. pic.twitter.com/DmUhSjH4o3
— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) November 7, 2020
2023 Recruiting Class
Czavian Teasett — 6-3, 200 QB — Scotlandville
As mentioned, star quarterbacks have headlined this series that has proven the passing of the torch from former Zachary star Lindsey Scott Jr. to Scotlandville star Levi Lewis and back to Keilon Brown of the Broncos — a trio who eventually signed with LSU, Louisiana (Lafayette) and Memphis, respectively. The teams’ star sophomores took the reins this fall, and Teasett got the best of their first meeting. The Ole Miss target completed 11 of 17 passes for 201 yards and a 40-yard go-ahead touchdown to Marlon Thomas in the third quarter and picking up a few timely third downs with his legs.
Eli Holstein — 6-3, 210 QB — Zachary
Even with key weapons such as Chris Hilton Chris Hilton 6'2" | 175 lbs | WR Zachary | 2021 State LA Jr. and linemen missing because of COVID-19 quarantines, Holstein managed a respectable afternoon of his own with 10-for-19 passing for 124 yards and a short touchdown run. The LSU target is among the top quarterbacks to watch in Louisiana’s impressive 2023 group.
Eli Holstein (@eli_holstein14) finds Kameran Senegal for a big third-down play for #Zachary to keep its first drive alive. pic.twitter.com/7iBObEYreW
— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) November 7, 2020
Kylin Jackson — 6-2, 185 DB — Zachary
The Broncos’ sophomore is already among the best-looking players on the football field. He showed his range all over the field and plenty of the potential that already has colleges taking notice.
Kylin Jackson chases Chance Williams down before #Scotlandville can find the sideline and the first.
Clock ticking toward one minute. pic.twitter.com/DEfqEx0WER
— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) November 7, 2020