Semifinal Review: Green Mountain Rams vs Roosevelt Roughriders
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A look at the three best players from this 3A semifinal matchup. Review Coming into semifinal weekend last week, this was easily the most highly anticipated 3A matchup of the weekend with both teams coming into this game, as the…
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Continue ReadingA look at the three best players from this 3A semifinal matchup.
Review
Coming into semifinal weekend last week, this was easily the most highly anticipated 3A matchup of the weekend with both teams coming into this game, as the Green Mountain Rams looked to take down the 9th ranked Roosevelt Roughriders. Unfortunately for the Rams, this game got out of hand quickly and it was obvious the Roughriders were going to run away with the game early as they held a commanding 23-0 lead over the Rams at halftime. In the 2nd half, however, Roosevelt would coast adding a lone touchdown while the Green Mountain offense only managed to get a field goal as their only points in the 3rd quarter. In the end, Roosevelt was clearly the better team in this matchup coming away with the 30-3 beatdown of the Rams and a shot at a 3A state title next week. With a lopsided as this one was, it probably comes as not much a surprise that the three best players from this game were from the winning side of the field. With that being said, these are the three players who I felt had the strongest performances from this game.
Players of the Game
Miguel Hernandez, Roosevelt Roughriders (LB/DE)(Sr.)(5) – Hernandez was one of several defensive standouts against the Rams, but he was arguably the Roughriders most dominant pass rusher. Diving into Hernandez’s numbers from his day against the Rams offense, he registered an impressive 8 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble. When you put on the film of Hernandez’s night against Green Mountain, you can see the first thing that jumps out about Hernandez is his relentless motor. High energy pass rusher that doesn’t quit on the pursuit of a play even if he’s working back side. His smaller stature (5’9, 175 lbs) actually works in his favor, as his low center of gravity and lower body strength allow him to maintain first step explosiveness out of his stance and a low pad level at the point-of-attack. His low center of gravity also allows him to gain more bend when turning the corner and pushing the edge of the pocket. Strong, powerful hand placement when working against the opposing tackles often beating them off counter moves to their hand placement allowing him to quickly stack-and-shed the opposing blocker. Good understanding of how to set the edge when working to keep contain on the outside. Versatile pass rusher that can play a 4-3 end role, hand-in-the-dirt out of a 4 point stance or as a stand up rusher in a 3-4 alignment. Hernandez isn’t ranked on any recruiting boards but will continue to be a very important piece to the Roughriders defense in the 3A state championship next week.
Tucker Peterson Tucker Peterson 6'2" | 175 lbs | WR Roosevelt | 2023 State CO , Roosevelt Roughriders (DB/LB/WR)(Sr.)(20) – Peterson was another defensive stalwart for Roosevelt in this game, as he made plays in every phase of the defense whether it was in run support or dropping into pass coverage, he did it all against the Rams. Taking a look at the numbers from Peterson’s performance against Green Mountain, he accounted for 7 tackles, a tackle for a loss, a pass deflection, and an interception on defense while also registering 30 yards receiving on 2 receptions (15.0 YPR) and 8 yards rushing on the offensive side of the ball. When you turn on the tape of Peterson’s game against the Rams offense, you can see his outstanding ability to always be around the ball, as he displays a good understanding of how different route concepts work off of each other and where the offense is trying to push the ball. Strong, big-bodied (6’3, 195 lbs) safety/backer hybrid that can be brought into the box for run support. Aggressive, hard-nosed defender that doesn’t shy away from contact or being physical, routinely winning matchups because of his tenacity and strength. Good use of hands when stacking-and-shedding blockers and getting to the ball carrier. Displays exceptional force and drive at the point-of-attack when making contact, often driving back the ball carrier several yards when finishing the tackle. Reliable in both man and zone coverage, often being asked to cover slot receivers at nickel in certain situations. Excellent athleticism, foot speed, and agility allow him to play almost any role on defense at a high level. Versatile, plug-and-play defender that has experience playing deep middle safety, nickel, and the Mike backer position. Peterson is currently ranked the number 10 WR and the number 84 player overall in the class of 2023, but it was his play on the defensive side of the ball that helped the Roughriders dominate the Rams.
Xavier Ramirez Xavier Ramirez RB Roosevelt | 2024 State CO , Roosevelt Roughriders (RB)(Jr.)(21) – Ramirez was, in my mind, easily the MVP from this game, as he continued to carry a heavy workload for the Roosevelt offense much like he did last week. The Green Mountain defense couldn’t do anything to slow down Ramirez early on and through most of the game as looking at the numbers that he put up against the Rams, while not quite as dominant as last week were still impressive none-the-less, as he accounted for a team leading 127 yards rushing and 2 rushing touchdowns on 25 carries (5.1 YPC). Looking at the film from Ramirez’s ridiculous night against the Evergreen defense, you can see Ramirez displays a combination of exceptional top end foot speed, great change-of-direction, and good vision in the open field allow Ramirez to turn any carry into a touchdown or a big play. Extremely elusive runner in the open field that can find space quickly presenting a challenge for 2nd and 3rd level defenders to tackle in 1-on-1 situations in space. Displays good lateral agility when bouncing carries to the edge, making it difficult for slower defenders to set the edge. Shows a good ability as a receiver out of the back field, often creating a matchup problem with slower 2nd and 3rd level defenders because of his speed and change-of-direction. Ramirez is currently ranked the number 6 RB and the number 61 player overall in the class of 2024, which isn’t surprising considering almost everything about the Roughriders offense has ridden on the shoulders of Ramirez. With Roosevelt playing for the 3A state title next week, Ramirez will continue to be a heavy focal point for this Roughriders squad as they look to capture a state championship in their next matchup.