Playoff Preview

CSFL

Army v Navy

Last Meeting: Army win 10-3

Army heads into this matchup with a 6-0 record. Strong defense and a multidimensional offense make it tough for opposing teams to get rolling. Navy brings their own defense with some standout players to the table and an offense led by one of their best quarterbacks in program history. It should be a great game as these two teams matchup for the second time this season.

Key Players Army

Sr QB Mikal Willeke/Sr QB Seth Brown- 956yards 8TD 2int/241yards 4TD 0int

The army passing game has been led by standout QB Mikal Willeke for the last few seasons. He has been a much appreciated breath of fresh air at that position for the Black Knights. His ability to push the ball down the field and overall control of the offense has been a pleasure to watch over the course of his career. Seth Brown who has been Willeke’s backup has made the most of opportunities when his number has been called. These two will be the focal point of the army passing attack since there isn’t a true number 1 receiver on the team. Brown’s running ability will play a factor as well whenever he is in the game.

Fr RB Arthur Lavalais-373yards 6TD

A big part of the resurgence of the Army rushing attack this season can be attributed to standout freshman ball carrier Arthur Lavalais. The young running back totes the pill like a seasoned vet. Lavalais combines elite acceleration and suddenness with good toughness and size for the position. He has slowly earned carries as the season went on and was the hero in the first matchup between these two teams as he scored the game winning touchdown. Even though he spits time with Jr RB Henry Beck expect a heavy dose of Lavalais in this final game of the season.

Sr DL Ryan Rast-26tk 6.5tfl 3sacks

Rast is the best defensive lineman on the Army defense this year. Even when he doesn’t hit home he is still effecting the passing game by putting pressure on the QB and effecting the running game by being disciplined and setting the edge. He doesn’t have the widest array of pass rush moves but his bull rush and motor are good enough to beat most tackles consistently. Rast has the ability to get that game saving or winning sack if need be. He’ll be one of the guys to watch especially on big third downs.

Sr LB Luke Gigliotti-27tk 3tfl 1sack

The captain of the Army defense Gigliotti is a major catalyst for the Black Knights. Fast and physical are the perfect words to describe Gigliotti’s game. With Navy being committed to running the ball Gigliotti will have to have a big game for his squad. He has not had a 10 tackle game this season but now is as good a time as any to have a dominant performance. Gigliotti should shine in his final game at Army.

Key Players Navy

Sr QB Brandon Atwood- 1091yards 14TD 4int 357rushing yards 4TD

Atwood heads into his final game as one of if not the best quarterback to ever suit up for Navy in the CSFL. He is currently 2nd all time in passing yards at Navy and the all time leader in passing touchdowns at Navy. Atwood has been the stabilizing presence the Mids have needed at QB coming out of the pandemic. Atwood also has the ability to extend plays with his legs. He’ll be a major part of the running game whether he is making something happen off script or executing a QB designed run. Navy will need Atwood to have success in both phases of the game if they hope to avenge their loss from earlier in the season.

Sr WR Andrew Margiotta-19rec 292yards 2TD

Margiotta has been a stellar player of Navy over the course of his career. His last two seasons have cemented himself as 1A or 1B the best receiver to ever play for Navy. However this season hasn’t been the big finale one would expect. Margiotta is on pace to finish this season with career lows in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. That being said Margiotta has still made timely plays this year and in the Penn game he showed that he is still a dominant receiver when is number is called. This final game will need to be his magnum opus especially since Army is bringing a strong secondary. It will be interesting to see if Margiotta is up to the task.

Jr DL David Niski-25tk 6.5tfl 5.5sacks

The Navy defense is driven by the play of their front seven. One player in particular who will play a major role is standout defensive end David Niski. The junior leads Navy in tackles for loss and sacks, he is also has the 4th most sacks in sprint football this season. Niski will need to have a strong performance to counteract a potent Army offense. It could be five tackles for loss or it could be one game saving sack. In games like this you need your best players to make the biggest plays and Niski will be called upon to do just that.

MSFL

SMWC v Quincy

Last Meeting: SMWC win 28-14

SMWC is looking to win their second straight MSFL championship. To do that they must go through an ever improving Quincy squad that seems to give every team trouble when they play. SMWC brings some of the top players in the MSFL and sprint football while Quincy boasts top five players at multiple positions on both sides of the ball. There are some glaring differences at certain spots but these type of games have a funny way of making players step up to the challenge. The big hitters will certainly produce but I wouldn’t be surprised if a unsung hero changes the game for his respective team.

Key Players SMWC

Jr QB Jeremiah Tosky-1534yards 16TD 9int 223rushing yards 6TD

Tosky has been a welcomed veteran addition to a Pomeroys offense that was already explosive. One of the strongest arms in sprint football paired with great mobility make Tosky a top tier quarterback even though its only his first season in the MSFL. Tosky plays with a poise that only comes with age and experience at the position. His leadership and level of play has kept the Pomeroys steady all season despite some close games like the double OT loss to Bellarmine. In fact in that game Tosky threw for a preposterous 419yards 6TD. Tosky has certainly been the best QB in the MSFL this season and will need to play as such to overcome a hungry Quincy defense.

Soph RB Patrick Perea-309yards 4TD 5rec 75yards 1TD

Perea is the lead back in a stable with two other guys who are more than capable. Perea, Jones, and Hazzard make up the one of the best groups of running backs in all of sprint football. What separates Perea from his peers his his versatility. He has shown the ability to run the ball wherever and however the team needs. In between the tackles, outside runs, off script reaction runs, and being a viable pass catcher are all things Perea has done well over the last two seasons. Perea may only need to carry his fair share since the backfield is so loaded but rest assured Perea is the type of back who can have a program defining game if his team needs him to.

Soph WR Devron Johnson- 30rec 573yards 4TD

Johnson has quickly become a top 5 receiver between the MSFL and CSFL. In his second season he leads both leagues in receptions and yards. Johnson has great size for the position and very sure hands. His quickness getting in and out of his breaks often leaves DBs grabbing for jersey or wondering what happened while Johnson heads towards the endzone. The Hawks have a strong secondary across the board but there will have to be a player who can set up to the challenge the Johnson presents. Seeing what DB matches up with Johnson will be one of the most interesting matchups in this game.

Fr DB Jordan Foster-15tk 1.5tfl 4pbu 3int 1ff

It was tough deciding who I should highlight as a key defender in this matchup. It could’ve easily been Fr DL Di’lon Harvey who is top 5 in sprint football in tackles for loss and sacks. Unfortunately the stud freshman has not played the last few weeks. Fortunately for the Pomeroys they have a plethora of talented freshmen one of which is DB Jordan Foster. The young DB will be tasked with checking the Hawks talented group of receivers. Foster should be eager to see this group again because he recorded his first career interception against the Hawks and had one of the better games of his young career. Foster is surrounded with experienced guys in the secondary allowing him to play full tilt and free. Ill be excited to see every snap that Foster lines up with the talented Quincy receivers.

Key Players Quincy

Jr RB CJ Jackson-519yards 7TD

Jackson has been one of the best newcomers in the MSFL this season. An explosive runner Jackson hits the second level of the defense with force and tenacity. An injury early in the season derailed his quick start. Once he returned to full strength he picked back up like he never left and Quincy noticeably improved offensively. Quincy has good secondary ball carriers but Jackson is their go to guy. With Jackson at full strength for this second matchup against SMWC the Hawks offense should get a much needed boost.

Soph WR Exavier Hinton-13rec 221yards 2TD 95punt return yards 1TD

Hinton has been a main stay in the Hawks office since the first game of last season. The young receiver was one of my guys to watch early in the season and has produced when his number has been called. Hinton is a strong runner who has deceptive speed and can take it to the house if he breaks that first tackle. Hinton also can impact the return game. His punt return touchdown against Oakland City was exactly what the Hawks needed to get the win. The Hawks have had other guys develop and start to produce but Hinton goes into this game as one of the more experienced playmakers who can make a big difference.

Soph DL Bryce Vaught- 43tk 9tfl 3sacks

The Hawks defense was strong last year but I would say something that was missing was a front four player who could really impact the game. They’ve found that in Bryce Vaught. Vaught brings good size for the position and the ability to impact the running and passing game. His ability to do both will be tested in this matchup since SMWC can run the ball just as well as they can pass. The Hawks will need Vaught to have a great game up front so their other defensive playmakers can fly around. If Vaught can get pressure and even secure some timely sacks it could put the Pomeroys in a tough position.

Jr LB Ray Lingard-42tk 7.5tfl 9pbu 1ff 3fr

Lingard has had two great season to start off his career. Last season he was our CSFL HUB Don Award winner which is given to the most spectacular defensive player in sprint football. This year Lingard’s responsibilities have been different but he still is having a great season and playing at a high level. Lingard is a threat to go off any given game. I expect him to enforce his will on the defensive side of the ball for the Hawks. As a pass rusher, run stuffer, or coverage defender Lingard has the ability to change the outcome of the game. Lingard heads into this game as one of the best linebackers in sprint football and one of Quincy’s most valuable assets.

Bellarmine v CCSJ

Last Meeting: Bellarmine win 25-14

Our second MSFL playoff game has no shortage of great units and players on both teams. Bellarmine got this win last time with a strong performance from the Knights defense. CCSJ has a defense that can get things done as well. This should be a great defense battle with both teams offenses needing to capitalize on opportunities and minimize mistakes. The turnover battle may be the thing that decides this game.

Key Players Bellarmine

Fr QB Luke Worley-897yards 9TD 6int 6rushing TD

Worley has gotten noticeably better each week this season. The young QB has had the normal ups and downs that all young QBs have but he has shown resiliency and an ability to adapt. Worley throws a good ball, he doesn’t wow you with his arm strength but he can get it where it needs to be. He doesn’t have great rushing numbers but he is just lethal enough to be able to extend plays and become a scoring threat in the redzone. Worley has a big task ahead of him in his first post season action. I’m excited to see if the freshman can rise to the occasion.

Fr ATH Derrik Gant- 160yards 4TD 21rec 249yards 1TD

Gant quickly became Bellarmine’s best multi purpose player. He’s dangerous as a runner and lethal as a receiver. He even adds to the return game as one of the Knight’s primary return guys. Gant doesn’t have the biggest totals in any one category but his overall impact as a yards generator cant be understated. Especially in the absence of star back Brenden Reid. No matter what Reid’s status is for this game Gant will be a major player for the Bellarmine offense in this playoff matchup.

Soph LB Caleb Murray-48tk 11.5tfl 2.5sacks 1pbu 1int 4ff 2fr

Murray has been one of the best backers in the MSFL since the first time he stepped on the field. In his second season he is now one of the best backers in all of sprint football. Sharp instincts and closing speed make Murray a nightmare as a mike backer. His ability to make plays in the backfield is invaluable to the Bellarmine defense. Murray does what great players often do and that’s set the table for others while still getting theirs. Murray wont be hard to find when watching the game. He’ll be one of the players leading the team, getting in the backfield, and meeting guys in the tunnel of truth. Expect the great young linebacker to be all over the field on Saturday.

Soph DL Jordan Haywood-22tk 8.5tfl 6sacks

Haywood has improved greatly from year one to year two. The sophomore defensive end is now one of the best edge players in the MSFL. Haywood boasts a long 6’2 frame that allows him to impact plays that others cant simply because of size. However he’s not just dominant due to his size. He has a great motor and get off that make him challenging to block one on one. The next step for Haywood is continuing to develop his array of pass rush moves. He doesn’t have a deep bag right now but if he continues to work on his craft he’ll be one of the best pass rushers in sprint football. Haywood will provide a challenge for the CCSJ offensive line.

Key Players CCSJ

Soph RB Elijah Antis-273yards 4TD

Antis has been the most consistent offensive playmaker for the Crimson Wave. The sturdy running back has seen an increase in carries in his second year. He’s made the most of the increased workload already rushing for more yards than he had last season. As the lead back Antis has been able to provide spark plays to get the otherwise inconsistent CCSJ offense going. Antis may not have as many yards as some of the other top backs in the MSFL and CSFL but there aren’t many guys I would pick over him to run the ball for my team. Antis will need to have a career day to counteract a front seven heavy Bellarmine defense.

Soph DB /ATH Nino Barbosa- 4rushing TD 19tk 2int 7pbu

Barbosa has been a standout player for CCSJ since their inception. His main contributions have been on the defensive side of the ball. He continues to do that at a high level however he has also been tasked with contributing to the offensive side of the ball as a quarterback. The passing game has struggled even with the addition of Barbosa but his leadership and athleticism has led to improved offensive output overall. As a safety Barbosa has great change of direction which allows him to compete on 50/50 balls and get to offensive players before they can get going for extra yards. It will be interesting to see where Barbosa lines up and how often but either way he will be a major player in this game.

Soph LB Trevor Busse 52tk 8.5tfl 4ff 1fr/ Soph LB Alexander Dellaechaie 32tk 10.5tfl 2sacks 2ff

CCSJ has a defense that has carried the hopes of the team all season. The middle of that defense has two guys who are as good of a pair as it gets. Busse has a nose for the ball and is consistently in the action attacking ball carriers. Dellaechaie makes a habit of getting in the backfield while being a physical tackler. The two second year line backers will need to make plays all over the field for the Crimson Wave to overcome the Knights. How these two fair against the Bellarmine ball carriers may prove to be the difference in this game. Busse and Dellaechaie are two must watch players in this matchup.

Soph DB Quindarius Davis-22tk 1tfl 5int 4pbu

In just two seasons Davis has cemented himself as a top 5 corner in all of sprint football. The size, physicality, and ball skills that Davis brings to the game make him a nightmare for most opposing receivers. In fact the standout DB has gone toe to toe with the best the MSFL has to offer and often comes out on top. Davis currently leads all of sprint football in interceptions with 5. He’s made countless more winning plays that don’t show up in the box score. Davis’s skill set as a top tier corner will be on full display as he matches up with the Bellarmine receiving core.