Top Performers: University Lab vs. Madison Prep
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University Lab had looked forward to its next meeting with Madison Prep for more than a calendar year. U-High had never lost to the Chargers and hadn’t dropped a district game since 2016 when it did so in emphatic fashion,…
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Continue ReadingUniversity Lab had looked forward to its next meeting with Madison Prep for more than a calendar year.
U-High had never lost to the Chargers and hadn’t dropped a district game since 2016 when it did so in emphatic fashion, 33-0, last October.
With key stars from each side of the matchup now gone to the SEC, the next classes took the reins of the potentially budding rivalry.
And the Cubs got back on the right side of the series’ win-loss column behind the performances of at least three classes of future Power Five athletes.
Here are a few of the standouts:
2021 Recruiting Class
Jardin Gilbert Jardin Gilbert 6'2" | 175 lbs | DB University Lab | 2021 State LA — 6-2, 175 DB — University Lab
In a matchup in which both defenses tried their best to keep the ball away from their opponent’s two-way senior star, Gilbert was able to particularly make his presence felt — literally — on the other side of the ball where he repeatedly showed the physicality that has him so focused on playing defensive back in college rather than wide receiver. His biggest offensive highlight against Madison Prep came on a 38-yard reception over a defender to set up a short touchdown run for the Cubs.
Keilen Ross — 5-8, 170 ATH — University Lab
The quick-footed U-High senior typically plays more of a change of pace role to junior star Derrick “Rodeo” Graham Jr. when working in the backfield. But with his teammate resting, Ross toted a heavier load and did so well. He hit his holes decisively, flashed his quickness and agility on some nice jukes and spins in traffic and also enough strength to power through would-be tackles for tough extra yardage. And, working as a receiver, he was able to make the adjustment to secure a nice spinning touchdown grab in the front corner of the end zone with two defenders closing in.
Brock Slaton buying time and finding Keilen Ross for the score.
U-High stretches its lead out to 21-6 with 1:23 left in the half. pic.twitter.com/ti85hVXhi0
— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) November 6, 2020
Christian Ard Christian Ard 6'1" | 175 lbs | ATH University Lab | 2021 State LA — 6-1, 175 ATH — University Lab
The Cubs’ jack-of-all-trades continues to work to find his best fit on the football field — whether as a receiver, running back or defensive back. But his most impactful play of the night came back at his old position taking a snap. On this occasion, he served as a wildcat quarterback and powered a 2-yard keeper into the end zone.
U-High brings Christian Ard Christian Ard 6'1" | 175 lbs | ATH University Lab | 2021 State LA into the backfield .. for the snap … and the score.
14-6 Cubs mid-second quarter. pic.twitter.com/Ak0ok9AOUK
— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) November 6, 2020
Tyrell Raby Tyrell Raby 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB Madison Prep | 2021 State LA — 6-1, 175 DB — Madison Prep
The Memphis commit was his typical lockdown self on the corner on defense. And while U-High sophomore Jeremiah Vessel managed to limit his offensive explosiveness most of the evening, Raby was able to get the best of his younger cousin on one second-half grab on which he made the reception in tight coverage, broke the tackle and darted upfield for yards after the catch, stopping on a dime to let another defender fly by him, taking off again and breaking a second tackle before stepping out of bounds.
U-High 2023 standout Jeremiah Vessel has done a good job keeping 2021 #Memphis commit Tyrell Raby Tyrell Raby 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB Madison Prep | 2021 State LA contained much of the night.
Raby gets the best this time around, though, with a big play for Madison Prep. pic.twitter.com/Yx0iOZ3o3i
— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) November 6, 2020
Royon Davis — 5-9, 170 ATH — Madison Prep
The Chargers were having trouble getting anything going offensively for most of the first half and were in danger of falling behind, 14-0, with U-High driving. Instead, the senior leader provided tight coverage in the red zone and showed the focus and ball skills to snatch a dropped pass and showed off some of his running back skills on a 95-yard dash to the other end zone for his team’s first score.
ROYON DAVIS.
Pick-six for Madison Prep’s first score.
Chargers coaches were just shouting to their players on the sideline a couple minutes ago… and the senior comes up with a game-charger here. Back within 7-6 early 2ndQ. pic.twitter.com/YWmJW4rf37
— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) November 6, 2020
Andre Haynes Andre Haynes 6'3" | 195 lbs | ATH Madison Prep | 2021 State LA — 6-3, 195 ATH — Madison Prep
Another two-way talent for the Chargers, Haynes has done most of his damage on defense as a linebacker. His biggest highlight came with a huge tackle near the goal line to stop a ball-carrier cold a yard shy of a potential touchdown.
Andre Haynes Andre Haynes 6'3" | 195 lbs | ATH Madison Prep | 2021 State LA with a BIG tackle at the goal line. pic.twitter.com/lo0K9AFwLL
— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) November 6, 2020
Brian Chatman — 5-9, 170 ATH — Madison Prep
The transfer from McKinley was finally granted his eligibility waiver in time to participate in this contest and potentially add another intriguing weapon to the Chargers’ offense with the playoffs approaching. Chatman is an unusually intriguing athlete for his slight frame and limited experience. He perhaps opened the most eyes with a somewhat viral video during the offseason in which he somehow pulled off a running backflip over an entire car. The clip provided a glimpse of his raw athleticism, body control and, quite frankly, fearlessness. He received touches as both a running back and wide receiver in his debut for the Madison Prep, including an acrobatic catch down the sideline just before halftime.
So, this video looks like 2021 McKinley RB Brian “Bull” Chatman with some of the most out-of-hand athletic moves I’ve ever seen.pic.twitter.com/E10EhUx58o
— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) September 4, 2020
2022 Recruiting Class
Austin Ausberry — 6-1, 201 ATH — University Lab
The South Alabama target, with Mississippi State and other Power Five programs watching closely, was a big part of U-High’s strong defensive showing, including a couple physical pass breakups and a second half fumble recovery to help the Cubs close out the victory.
2023 Recruiting Class
Jeremiah Vessel — 5-11, 180 DB — University Lab
The young cornerback continues to more firmly establish himself among the best prospects in Louisiana’s talented 2023 class. Perhaps the family ties with Raby helped, but Vessel showed all kinds of confidence against the Memphis commit with both his bark and his bite — chattering back and forth and backing it up with a mostly lock-down performance.
Jaiden Ausberry — 6-2, 190 ATH — University Lab
Just a few days removed from a Mississippi State offer, the younger Ausberry brother was all over the field for the U-High defense in coverage and in pursuit in the box.