Players Who I Saw Live that Impressed in Week 3 of the Playoffs
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I was able to attend two games during week 3 of the playoffs. Friday night I attended Springfield versus Centerville. Springfield took control early on and this game was really never in doubt as the Wildcats took home a 42-14…
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Continue ReadingI was able to attend two games during week 3 of the playoffs. Friday night I attended Springfield versus Centerville. Springfield took control early on and this game was really never in doubt as the Wildcats took home a 42-14 win. On Saturday I attended Fort Loramie versus its neighbor and rival Minster. This game was played in the wind and snow. It was a back and forth much of the way before Fort Loramie pulled away for the 35-19 win. Below I highlight some players that stood out to me.
Bryce had a really nice game. He led and managed the offense. He processed and got the ball out quickly. He put the ball in spots where his receivers could make big plays. I think it’s almost looked down upon sometimes when quarterbacks that make the smart play by taking what’s given to them and not forcing the ball deep into coverage. Bryce absolutely has the arm talent to take and hit deep shots. He finished the evening 20-31 312 yards, 4 TD’s and 0 INT’s. Schondelmyer never gets rattled. In the eyes of a blitz or rush he does a great job of standing in and delivering when needed and he knows when to pull the ball and not take a loss. He moves the chains and rarely gets his team behind the sticks. The tougher the competition the ability to stay on schedule and not take negative plays is an important trait that Bryce does very well.
Highlights
Bruder made his presence felt on both sides of the ball both figuratively and literally. He had both of Centerville’s touchdowns on the night and also had some nice plays on defense. At 6’0 200 Bruder plays a physical style of football. He’s a guy who could play WR or hybrid LB/S at the next level with his athleticism and physicality. On the offensive side of the ball he runs good routes, and he does a great job on contested catches. Bruder is a battler. There was a time where he had made a big hit and I could tell he had a stinger and his left arm went numb, but it was a goal line situation and so he played through it. Bruder finished the night with 100 yards on 6 receptions and 2 touchdowns on offense and he led the defense with 8 tackles (7 solo) and a TFL.
Brown had a big night going for 177 yards on 6 catches and 2 touchdowns. Browns speed, quickness, and polished route running creates serious separation. When he gets the ball in his hands he’s a threat to take the ball to the house on every play. He’s a menace for defensive coordinators and their defenses. He really forces you to bracket him with someone behind and someone underneath, because if you try and choose one or the other, he’s going to burn you. Brown originally committed to the University of Minnesota before reopening his recruitment and committing to Kentucky.
Maurer had a huge night leading Fort Loramie’s offense. The weather conditions as I stated before were not favorable for a passing attack, but it didn’t seem to bother Maurer. He has a great feel for the rush and is able to maneuver the pocket and scramble to lengthen and make plays. Once he gets out on the run he has the speed and athleticism to hurt defenses. In windy snowy conditions he showed the ability to attack the field vertically. For a shorter quarterback with a side arm delivery, he does a great job of positioning himself and finding throwing lanes. Caleb had command of the offense and his huddle all night. He’s a cool customer, even saying hi to me in the endzone when he had to punt out of the back of his own endzone. Maurer ended the evening 10 of 16 for 181 yards and 2 td’s passing and 15 rushes for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns and even added a 9-yard touchdown reception.
I wrote about Eilerman last week as one of the top small school uncommitted players still in the playoffs. Logan did not disappoint against a strong Minster defense. Eilerman finished with 7 catches for 133 yards and 2 touchdowns. He’s a fluid athlete that runs strong routes. I think that speed catches defenses off guard at times. When Logan doesn’t get great separation, he does a great job of using his big and long frame to position and box out defenders to make catches.
Highlights
Stephey is a 2025 quarterback. I was really impressed by this young man’s game. He showed many impressive traits on the evening. He made some throws for the pocket, but showed a great deal of comfort when throwing on the run. His eyes are always downfield looking for plays to be made. He’s really able to hurt defenses with his legs when he tucks the ball and runs. Minster also used him on several called qb draw plays. Stephey accounted for 320 total yards in the game (217 passing 103 rushing). He had 2 rushing td’s and one passing with an interception. Stephey’s demeanor never really changed no matter what was going on in the game, he never looked rattled despite the big moment of a playoff game on the line. I’m excited to see Brogan continue to grow and fill out, and develop as a quarterback.