Homestead vs Whitefish Bay: Game Recap & Players of the Game
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Last night I found my way to Whitefish Bay High School for a North Shore Conference showdown between Whitefish Bay and Homestead! Both teams entered the game 3-1 on the season, and with high expectations as far as rest of…
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Continue ReadingLast night I found my way to Whitefish Bay High School for a North Shore Conference showdown between Whitefish Bay and Homestead! Both teams entered the game 3-1 on the season, and with high expectations as far as rest of season outlook is concerned. To get to those lofty season long goals they would have to first battle it out against each other. The game did not disappoint either as both of these teams looked to be in the driver’s seat at different points of the night. Let’s get into how it played out, and then we will look at the best college prospects/Players of the Game!
Game Recap
Homestead received the opening kickoff, but it was Whitefish Bay that took control of the game early on. It was very clear that Homestead wanted to get their ground game going early and often with lead back Joe Ollman Joe Ollman 6'2" | 210 lbs | RB Homestead | 2022 State WI getting plenty of work to start the drive. However, the Whitefish Bay run defense dug in their cleats and forced a punt. Once on offense, WFB also made it clear they were going to run the ball with their multi-headed rushing attack. The WFB OL, led by Wisconsin Badgers commit Joe Brunner Joe Brunner 6'6" | 300 lbs | OL Whitefish Bay | 2022 State WI , did a great job of opening up running lanes for those backs. They quickly moved down into the redzone, and then to the goal line where RB Jack Nau took the counter handoff, broke contain to the outside, and powered his way in for the 7-0 lead! The first quarter was all about Whitefish Bay on both sides of the ball. On their second defensive stand they quickly forced a Homestead 3 & out keyed by a Reid Jamerson Reid Jamerson 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB Whitefish Bay | 2022 State WI third down sack. WFB ended the quarter moving the ball on the ground well as they continued to attack the edges. They had to focus on that outside running because the interior defense of Homestead, led by LB Drew Wilson Drew Wilson 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB Homestead | 2023 State WI and DL Alexander Perelshtein Alexander Perelshtein 5'11" | 255 lbs | DL Homestead | 2022 State WI , were clogging and filling the area between the tackles very well.
The second quarter began with fireworks as the Homestead defense made their first big play of the game when they jumped on a fumbled ball giving the offense great field position to start their third drive of the game. Homestead was able to capitalize on the new found momentum as they were able to score their first points of the game on a three play drive. The drive highlighted QB Sal Balistrieri’s arm as he completed two passes on the drive including the 32 yard score to WR Tyler Miller. Homestead continued to take control of the game in the second quarter as LB Drew Wilson Drew Wilson 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB Homestead | 2023 State WI continued to make things difficult for the WFB rushing attack with his ability to fill against the inside run. Wilson and his teammates were able to force a Whitefish Bay punt, and then RB Joe Ollman Joe Ollman 6'2" | 210 lbs | RB Homestead | 2022 State WI got things rolling on offense. He was able to break loose for one of his biggest plays of the night setting up the offense inside the redzone. A couple plays later QB Sal Balistrieri showed off his exceptional dual threat ability as he kept the ball around right tackle, broke a tackle, and got in for the score and the team’s first lead of the game of 12-7. The Homestead defense looked to have things figured out as the half started coming to a close. They forced another WFB punt, and Homestead WR/returner Tyler Miller delivered a huge return into WFB territory. From there Balistrieri used his legs to get them down to the WFB5. The offense had to move quickly because time was ticking away, and with :01 left in the half RB Joe Ollman Joe Ollman 6'2" | 210 lbs | RB Homestead | 2022 State WI plowed into the endzone for the 19-7 lead from a yard out.
The second half was going to be an interesting ride based off that first half. Both teams controlled the game for about 1 quarter each. So, it was going to come down to who could control the game in the second half and capitalize on their opportunities the best. It looked like that was going to be Whitefish Bay as they dominated time of possession in the third quarter. Their first drive slowly and methodically moved down the field, but they kept finding themselves in tough third and long situations. Situations you don’t want to face as a run heavy offense. This led to a punt, but the catch was fumbled an RB Nigel Cheeks Nigel Cheeks 5'8" | 185 lbs | RB Whitefish Bay | 2022 State WI was able to jump on it keeping the WFB offense on the field. This allowed them to keep controlling the clock and the ball, but once again they kept facing bad down and distance situations that resulted in a turnover on downs. After the turnover on downs, Homestead’s offense finally got to see the field in the second half with only 4:37 remaining in the third. The long time off looked to have gotten them out of their rhythm a bit as they were quickly forced to punt after a Henry Hissrich third down sack. That is where the third quarter came to an end. Everything was going right for WFB except for their ability to finish drives. They clearly had control of momentum in the third quarter, but were never able to put points on the board so they could climb back into the game.
On their first drive of the 4th quarter, Whitefish Bay started getting their pass game going. WR #18 Kamarion Ivory was clearly the go to WR, and he demonstrated good awareness, body control, and strong hands on multiple receptions along the sideline and downfield. It wasn’t enough to add any points to the scoreboard, though, as WFB turned it over on downs after heavy pressure effected the QB on third and fourth down led by DL Josh Braverman of Homestead. Homestead wasted no time putting the final nail in the coffin as QB Sal Balistrieri found his WR deep down the field for a 63 yard score and 26-7 lead. From there the rest of the game was highlighted by the Homestead defense. DB Jack Crowley made an interception on their next drive, and then forced a turnover on downs their next time on the field. Following the turnover on downs, Homestead was able to kneel out the clock and take home the 26-7 victory!
Prospects & Players of the Game
Sal Balistrieri, ’23 QB- Homestead
Stat Line: 3/3, 100 Yards, 2 TDs, 11 Carries, 34 Yards, 1 TD
The 6’1″ 185 lbs junior QB really caught my eye in the way he led the Homestead offense on Friday night. He is a legitimate dual threat at the QB position. On the ground, Sal has the natural instincts to find his way through the front seven or around the edge and then uses his track speed, 4th fastest 200M time in the state for his class, once he gets into the open field. Through the air, Sal used his minimal attempts aggressively as both TD passes came from him attacking deep down the field. All of his throws showed off good accuracy and touch, and he had the velocity needed to get the ball there before defenders could close. I’ll be very interested in how he grows as a passer over the next year. He’s a kid to keep an eye on. Sal vs Whitefish Bay
Tyler Miller, ’22 WR- Homestead
Stat Line: 1 Reception, 32 Yards, 1 TD, Big Punt Return to Setup Score
Every time Homestead was in need of a spark it seemed like the 5’10″ 185 lbs senior WR stepped up to make it. On Homestead’s first successful drive of the game Tyler stepped up and hauled in his only reception of the game. A 32 yard TD catch where he did a great of going up and getting it at it’s highest point and then holding onto it as a defender gave him a good shot on his way down. Then as Homestead was looking to take the lead, Miller set the offense up deep in Whitefish Bay territory with a big punt return that highlighted Miller’s straight line speed. Tyler’s Punt Return
Drew Wilson Drew Wilson 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB Homestead | 2023 State WI , ’23 LB- Homestead
Stat Line: N/A
The Whitefish Bay OL could not get a hat on Wilson all night long. The 6’1 208 lbs ILB piled up the tackles all night long as he helped shut down the inside rushing attack of Whitefish Bay. Wilson demonstrated his uncanny ability to pick through the trash and avoid blocks all night long as he was able to fill his gap and make plays at or behind the line of scrimmage in key down and distances. It was impressive to see him go from an elusive athlete as he avoided blocks to being a forceful, strong tackler at the point of contact. His blitzing made it almost unfair as he was able to shoot through gaps untouched for TFLs. Wilson is becoming one of the state’s premier talents at the LB position for the Class of 2023. Check him out! Drew vs Whitefish Bay
Joe Ollman Joe Ollman 6'2" | 210 lbs | RB Homestead | 2022 State WI , ’22 RB- Homestead
Stat Line: 15 Carries, 104 Yards, 1 TD
Joe continued to be the piece that moves the Homestead offense up and down the field week in and week out. It was a hard earned 104 yards this week. Ollman had to rely on his instincts and vision as he attacked between the tackles. He did a great job reading his blocks, and then bouncing it outside or cutting upfield based on the block. Joe also made a big impact without the ball. His pass protection on Sal’s second TD of the game would not have happened if he didn’t pick up a free rusher just before he could deliver a huge hit on the QB. Another thing I noticed live that you don’t really see on tape is his arm length. It caught my eye during pregame warm-ups. I have a greater understanding as to why he is being offered as an LB by the D1 level. That type of length will be huge when it comes to getting separation and shedding blocks at the next level.
Huge bounce back win against Bay! Final stats: 15 carries, 104 yds, 1 TD pic.twitter.com/eJ1bYEi0gz
— Joe Ollman (@joeollman42) September 19, 2021
Terrance Reeves, ’23 OL- Homestead
Stat Line: N/A
This a new name for me coming into the game, but it took about 3 seconds of watching pregame warm- ups to have the 6’5″ 280 lbs LT catch my eyes. It’s a pretty clean 280 lbs at that. Reeves has all the physical tools you could hope for. He has a frame that can continue to be added to, he has very long arms, and you can tell he is just starting to scratch the surface on his potential. As his body control and flexibility continue to develop Terrance could turn into a very fast riser over the next year when it comes to recruiting. His play and development will be something to keep an eye on over the next year. Very under the radar junior to know.
Homestead DL
One of the major reasons that Drew Wilson Drew Wilson 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB Homestead | 2023 State WI , and fellow LB Cole Elsbree, were able to find themselves around the ball all night long was because of the play of this unit. Led by DT Alexander Perelshtein Alexander Perelshtein 5'11" | 255 lbs | DL Homestead | 2022 State WI and DL Josh Braverman there weren’t many OL getting chances to make it to the second level. Perelshtein especially did a great job all night long eating up double teams on the interior that kept his LBs clean. Perelshtein’s play strength and use of leverage is a strength I have mentioned before, but seeing it throughout an entire game instead of just a few highlights really proved his high motor and endurance. Braverman caught my eye outside of just defending the run as well. When WFB went to the air in the 4th quarter he started catching my eye with the pressure he was able to get on the QB on a handful of snaps. This unit was in a battle all night long and they came away on top.
Cole Elsbree, ’22 LB- Homestead
Stat Line: N/A
Another LB that found himself around the ball all night long was Cole. His nose for the ball was another major factor in Whitefish Bay having to find most of their running room to the outside instead of between the tackles like they wanted to. Like I mentioned above, the DL did a great job of keeping Cole clean and Elsbree responded by flowing well, staying with his gap, and filling right on time so that he could make stops for little to no gain. I believe Cole is only listed at about 175 lbs, yet he proved to be a very sound tackler. Good game overall for the senior.
Joe Brunner Joe Brunner 6'6" | 300 lbs | OL Whitefish Bay | 2022 State WI , ’22 OL- Whitefish Bay
Stat Line: Blocked for 185 Rushing Yards, 1 Sack on Defense
Not much to say about the star Badgers commit that hasn’t been said already. The 6’6″ 295 lbs OT is the best high school prospect I’ve seen live. He checked off every box too. Huge. Very strong. He consistently had complete control over his opposing DL and had no issue driving them 10+ yards off the ball and tossing them around. He moved well laterally, which allowed the offense to find the success that they did to the outside on the ground as he easily hooked the end and removed him from the play. Brunner even made an impact on defense as he blew right through two blocks and sacked the QB. I believe Brunner projects best at guard when he arrives in Madison, and once he makes that switch he can really let his strength and nasty play style shine. I was very impressed by Brunner. Special player.
Nigel Cheeks Nigel Cheeks 5'8" | 185 lbs | RB Whitefish Bay | 2022 State WI , ’22 RB- Whitefish Bay
Stat Line: 24 Carries, 127 Yards, 1 Fumble Recovery
The 5’7″ 175 lbs back lived up to my expectations coming into the game. While undersized, Nigel possesses very impressive contact balance. On many of his 24 carries it took a gang of defenders to finally drag the back down. Nigel’s center of gravity is one of the lowest I’ve seen live. He bounced off tackle attempts and he could not be knocked off balance. He also ran aggressive. Cheeks wasn’t looking to juke you on every carry. Instead he was more than willing to pop a defender right in the chest and drive his way forward before finally being brought down. Nigel also was a surprisingly effective lead blocker. As a change of pace back at the next level, Nigel could give defenses some serious trouble. Especially if they get him out in space where DBs have to try and drag down the explosive, strong athlete. Nigel vs Homestead
Reid Jamerson Reid Jamerson 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB Whitefish Bay | 2022 State WI , ’22 LB/DL- Whitefish Bay
Stat Line: 1 Sack
Reid continues to impress me with his play. The 6’1″ 205 lbs athlete plays out of position as a NG for Whitefish Bay, yet he is still able to dominate with his very quick hand usage and feet. It’s what has allowed him to pile up 7 sacks in the first 5 weeks of the season. His high motor also allows him to make a lot of plays because he plays 100 mph until the whistle blows. We also got a couple looks at Reid as an edge rusher on Friday night, and it looked like a natural fit. He bursts off the line with that quick first step, and then he uses his hands and flexibility to get around the edge. I believe Reid holds one D3 offer, so far. Severely under recruited. Check him out! Jamerson Weeks 1-4
Kamarion Ivory, ’22 WR- Whitefish Bay
Stat Line: 3 Receptions, 55 Yards
Another surprise standout was WR Kamarion Ivory. The 6’3″ 185 lbs senior WR isn’t looked to often in WFB’s run heavy offense, but when they took to the air they were looking for Ivory on every attempt. For good reason too. The basketball standout uses that size to give his QB a large target area. Ivory demonstrated good awareness, and body control, with a couple of catches along the sideline. He also flashed very strong hands as he was able to haul in a pass with mostly one hand while falling to the ground. Kamarion is definitely an athlete worth taking a look at. Could be a steal for a program.
Nicholas Jorndt Nicholas Jorndt 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Whitefish Bay | 2022 State WI , ’22 LB- Whitefish Bay
Stat Line: N/A
The 6′ 205 lbs senior ILB flowed and pursued well on Friday night. In his highlights you see it really well as he tracked down the ball carrier for short gains several gaps down from his responsibility. Jorndt has the range to make those plays look easy, though. He is a reliable tackler when he meets the ball carrier as well. He also proved to be strong at the point of attack, which again can be seen in his highlights from the week when he stood up his blocker at the goal line, and made the TD saving tackle on the play. Nicholas is an athlete that needs more attention from the next level as well! Jorndt vs Homestead