Previewing Gonzaga (D.C.) @ St. Joseph’s Prep (PA)
Gonzaga is coming into this game undefeated after a dominant 19-0 victory over St. Mary’s Ryken. The Purple Eagles have played some of their best football on the road to start this season, defeating McDonogh 23-7, and they’re expected to…
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Continue ReadingGonzaga is coming into this game undefeated after a dominant 19-0 victory over St. Mary’s Ryken. The Purple Eagles have played some of their best football on the road to start this season, defeating McDonogh 23-7, and they’re expected to take care of business against St. Joseph’s. Let’s take a closer look at some of the potential breakout players for Gonzaga this weekend.
Gonzaga
Offense:
2022 5’7 195 RB – Joseph Hammond Jr.
The Gonzaga Purple Eagles have one of the most dynamic offenses in the WCAC when Joseph Hammond Jr is on the field. Hammond is a power runner who earns most of his yardage after contact, and it’s more than clear that he has his sights set on a rushing record this year. Hammond is also utilized as a receiver with screen options and quick slants, therefore it won’t be surprising to see him get into the end zone in a variety of ways this season. Gonzaga is primed for greatness this year, and it’s more than evident with Joseph Hammond Jr. carrying the ball for them. The St. Joseph’s Prep defensive line will have their hands full this Friday night.
2023 6’1 190 QB – Carson Petitbon Carson Petitbon 5'10" | 170 lbs | QB St. Marys | 2023 State MD
Junior Carson Petitbon Carson Petitbon 5'10" | 170 lbs | QB St. Marys | 2023 State MD has begun wowing scouts across the board with his consistency and football intelligence for his age. While a few quarterbacks saw playing time against St. Mary’s Ryken, none of them performed quite like Petitbon and the reason is his maturity in the pocket. Carson Petitbon Carson Petitbon 5'10" | 170 lbs | QB St. Marys | 2023 State MD will likely see the majority of the snaps this weekend against St. Joseph’s Prep, and it’s imperative that St. Joseph’s bring their best defense if they’re going to make it competitive against Gonzaga. Carson Petitbon Carson Petitbon 5'10" | 170 lbs | QB St. Marys | 2023 State MD and the Purple Eagles have big WCAC title aspirations this season and, with the way Petitbon is commanding the pocket and finding his receivers, they’re likely to achieve them.
Defense:
2022 6’1 220 DL – Nick Keenan
Nick Keenan is a member of the elite Gonzaga defense that has allowed only 7 points all season with two shutouts in their first three games. The defensive line has been particularly good thus far, and Nick Keenan has shown us his innate ability to get into the backfield and make big time plays. Opposing runners have struggled as well against Keenan and this mighty defense, therefore it’s unlikely that St. Joseph’s Prep will have success running the ball on Friday. Expect nothing less than domination from D1 prospect Nick Keenan and the Gonzaga Purple Eagles’ defense in their primetime non-conference game in Pennsylvania.
2022 5’11 185 DB – Gavin Bryson
Gavin Bryson is an elite cornerback with a ton of potential at the next level. He’s won seemingly all of his one on one matchups this season, and opposing wide receivers have been rendered useless when they line up across from him. Bryson has the athletic ability to make spectacular plays such as one handed interceptions and toe tappers, and with this primetime matchup against St. Joseph’s Prep nothing but fireworks should be expected from Bryson amidst elite matchups. Watch out for the Purple Eagles’ secondary to force multiple turnovers in this game.