Chippewa Falls vs River Falls: Game Recap & Prospects of the Game
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The Big Rivers Conference showdown was the matchup of the week in the conference. River Falls came in undefeated in conference (4-0) while Chippewa Falls was 2-2. This game was a true tale of two halves. You will see it…
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Continue ReadingThe Big Rivers Conference showdown was the matchup of the week in the conference. River Falls came in undefeated in conference (4-0) while Chippewa Falls was 2-2. This game was a true tale of two halves. You will see it play out in the recap below, but each team looked like the far superior team in different halves. That is why you play the game, though. You never know how it is going to play out. So, with the bright lights turned all the way up, and a cool, crisp, perfect fall evening setting the stage, we kicked off the exciting game!
The game started off fast for the River Falls offense. RB/DB Wyatt Bell Wyatt Bell 5'11" | 185 lbs | DB River Falls | 2023 State WI took a hand off, found a cut back lane, and sprinted down to the Chippewa Falls 2. From there, RB/LB Gavin Kohel plowed his way into the endzone to give River Falls the early 7-0 lead. Following four consecutive punts, we saw another big play as River Falls forced a fumble and recovered it. This gave River Falls the momentum boost they needed to put up more points. Those points came on a jet sweep by WR Jordan Karras Jordan Karras 5'11" | 180 lbs | WR River Falls | 2023 State WI . The UM-Duluth commit took the hand off and used his next level speed to get outside the edge and into the endzone from 5 yards out. Following the score, Chi-HI put together a good drive. Unfortunately for them, it ended in an other fumble. The Chi-Hi defense held strong though. After a final drive by Chi-Hi got them close before the half ended, but they came up short giving River Falls the 14-0 lead at the break.
The second half we saw everything flip. Chi-Hi came out on fire on offense. Standout senior RB/DB Dawson Goodman Dawson Goodman 6'0" | 190 lbs | DB Chippewa Falls | 2023 State WI picked up a big chunk of yards, and then WR Jackson LeMay took a jet sweep around the right end for their first score of the game. The Chi-Hi defense continued the momentum by picking off River Falls on the next drive. The INT gave Chi-Hi great field position. Chippewa implemented a lot of counter plays in the second half, and it was working. We saw more points for Chippewa on the drive when QB Mason Von Haden found RB Mason Howard. Howard made a super impressive catch in traffic for the score. With that score, we went into the 4th quarter tied up at 14.
The 4th squarer saw all signs of offense disappear from both sides. The defenses did their jobs of forcing punts and turnover on downs. Because of the strong defensive efforts we were gifted some free football as they headed into OT. The Chi-Hi defense continued its strong efforts. They stopped River Falls, and then took over for their first possession of OT. The offense didn’t have much luck, so they elected to attempt a 34 yard field goal. That is where the craziness ensued. Check the video below. In walk off fashion, Chippewa Falls turned what looked to be tragedy into fireworks! Fireworks that gave them the 20-14 win! Enjoy the highlight, and then check out the top uncommitted prospects of the game.
Prospects of the Game
Stats: 11 Carries 96 Yards, Game winning TDrnDawson had a great game on both sides of the ball, as well as the play of the game on special teams. The 5’11” 185 lbs senior is a talent that can play either side at the next level. His standout traits are key to both sides of the ball. The vision he plays with, paired with his football IQ, constantly caught my eyes. Dawson was utilized on counters, and he was able to make it work because he saw the small seams as he was following his blocks across the formation. That vision also allowed him to get to the ball from his safety position. He quickly could process where the ball was going, read the QB, and use his 4.52 speed to get where he needed to be to make a play. Goodman’s toughness stood out as well. He never really got to leave the field. Despite that, we never saw his play drop off. High motor, smart, fast, and a quick processor tells me that he is an under the radar prospect. I believe he holds one offer from UW- Eau Claire.
Highlights
Jace Zwiefelhofer
Jace Zwiefelhofer
Another two way player from the game was senior captain Jace Zwiefelhofer. The 6’5″ 220 lbs OL/DL was a key to the victory on Friday night. His best plays, and where his future best lies, is on defense. Jace was a strong presence at DE. The long, lean athlete did a solid job of using that length to keep himself clean of block attempts. He surprised me with his burst out of his stance at times also, as did his lateral agility. Jace moved well with that big frame. Unsure of his current recruitment status, but I came away impressed. He was key to the victory in the trenches.
Jackson LeMay
Jackson LeMay
Stats: 3 Carries, 11 Yards, 1 TD, 1 Reception, 14 YardsrnJackson is an athlete I will be following the next few years. His stat line isn’t crazy, but his speed looks next level quality. Chippewa Falls used Jackson’s speed to stretch the defense horizontally. The TD came from that speed as he took the sweep around the right tackle and won the race to the corner. The speed was the big takeaway from the night. Excited to see how the underclassman develops, and is utilized over the coming years.
The 6’1″ 225 lbs ATH was fun to watch. He has built up a powerful frame. One that has allowed him to be a devastating blocker, and pass catcher out of the backfield. That strength has also made him a force on the edge of the DL. Chi- HI spent a lot of time running away from because Cade is so difficult to dig out of the trenches and create movement on. The big man also has 4.7 speed giving him the athleticism to pair with the power. You need both to play a the next level, and Cade has a nice balance of them. He holds a few offers from the D3 level at this time.
Highlights
Stats: 5 Carries, 65 YardsrnThe 5’11” ATH was the spark plug of the offense that got them rolling early on Friday night. His biggest run of the night set up the first score. On that play, Wyatt showed patience as he worked through the traffic until he found green grass. Once out in the open he was able to turn on the speed. He also showed off a nice stiff arm. On defense, Bell didn’t have to do much in coverage. However, he did show that he can be a reliable tackler out in space as well as fill against the run. Bell holds one offer from UW- River Falls.
Highlights
Stats: Blocked for 185 Rushing Yards, 2 TDsrnThe 6’3″ 257 lbs LT was the best OL of the evening. He clearly has to continue to fill out his frame to pay at the next level, but the strength he possesses at his current size impressed me. Maverick’s heavy hands punished defenders throughout the night on Friday. Multiple times when I focused on him Maverick sent defenders to the ground with his punch. Kaminski moves well in short areas, and demonstrated some range as he got to the second level to land blocks. Maverick is raw, but he has tools to earn a look form the next level. I don;t see any offers listed.