I had to make a very tough decision on Friday, should I go watch Ankeny/Ankeny Cent which I thought would be a better game or watch Valley/LC which was full of players on my ""Top Performers List" The idea of watching 2 of the 3 QB's on my list ( Lombardi and Duggan won out).
The game was actually more exciting then what the score indicated but was all Valley. Valley took advantage of its fast receivers and beat CBLC numerous times deep on 3rd and longs, a few of these were for first half TD's. What also became very evident was Valley's depth, they switch out players all night with little drop off, the makeup of a very solid team. I left Valley Stadium thinking the only way Valley can lose is if they beat themselves with dumb mistakes. They have speed, size and depth, funny I said the same thing about Dowling. If these two meet again it will be worth the cost of a ticket! I hope it can be for the title game, would make for a outstanding state championship game.
Individual Observations Key Performers
Lombardi; what a luxury to have a QB like this guiding your team, gets rid of the ball quickly and uses the pocket really well. Numerous times LC would have sacked other QB's however Lombardi stepped up in the pocket to avoid pressure and completed the pass. He is a difference maker. I also was really impressed with how accurate he was throwing, even under pressure, if you're open he'll find you.
Mason Valley; The paper said he ended the night with 80 yards rushing, I can tell you the kid took some hard hits so he's durable. All and All I think he played good, it's hard to stand out as Valley has so many weapons and they seemed to be focused on moving the ball through the air.
Naba Valley: What stood out to me is how strong he is, until you see him play it's hard to appreciate his strength. I'm not sure any HS linemen can handle him on the inside. I know he got 1 sack on Duggan and was in the backfield a few other times. As I stated on an early write up, if you want to beat Valley it starts with controlling Naba on the inside.
Hahn Valley Did what was expected, kicked the ball out of the end zone and nailed a 40 yarder... been doing that all year.
Valley's Receiving Group: These guys all catch the ball and create space. I witnessed some of the best ball catching I've seen all year in just 1 game. Lombardi and this receiving group are lethal
CBLC
Duggan CBLC: I'll be honest a large part of the reason I came to this game was to watch Duggan play again. He plays the game so hard for a young player, its hard not to cheer for a kid like this. Threw a pick early on yet kept hurling the football like nothing had happened. Also showed the crowd what he could do with his feet with 2 long TD runs, unfortunately one was called back due to a penalty. Nice gutty performance. This kid is special
Theobald CBLC Applied pressure all night, was doubled teamed a lot of the night yet managed 1 sack and in the backfield being disruptive. Like Duggan he plays so hard and is tough as nails (displayed Friday night).
This Friday Night I will be at Waukee/Dowling and I'm taking Dowling by 17.
The game was actually more exciting then what the score indicated but was all Valley. Valley took advantage of its fast receivers and beat CBLC numerous times deep on 3rd and longs, a few of these were for first half TD's. What also became very evident was Valley's depth, they switch out players all night with little drop off, the makeup of a very solid team. I left Valley Stadium thinking the only way Valley can lose is if they beat themselves with dumb mistakes. They have speed, size and depth, funny I said the same thing about Dowling. If these two meet again it will be worth the cost of a ticket! I hope it can be for the title game, would make for a outstanding state championship game.
Individual Observations Key Performers
Lombardi; what a luxury to have a QB like this guiding your team, gets rid of the ball quickly and uses the pocket really well. Numerous times LC would have sacked other QB's however Lombardi stepped up in the pocket to avoid pressure and completed the pass. He is a difference maker. I also was really impressed with how accurate he was throwing, even under pressure, if you're open he'll find you.
Mason Valley; The paper said he ended the night with 80 yards rushing, I can tell you the kid took some hard hits so he's durable. All and All I think he played good, it's hard to stand out as Valley has so many weapons and they seemed to be focused on moving the ball through the air.
Naba Valley: What stood out to me is how strong he is, until you see him play it's hard to appreciate his strength. I'm not sure any HS linemen can handle him on the inside. I know he got 1 sack on Duggan and was in the backfield a few other times. As I stated on an early write up, if you want to beat Valley it starts with controlling Naba on the inside.
Hahn Valley Did what was expected, kicked the ball out of the end zone and nailed a 40 yarder... been doing that all year.
Valley's Receiving Group: These guys all catch the ball and create space. I witnessed some of the best ball catching I've seen all year in just 1 game. Lombardi and this receiving group are lethal
CBLC
Duggan CBLC: I'll be honest a large part of the reason I came to this game was to watch Duggan play again. He plays the game so hard for a young player, its hard not to cheer for a kid like this. Threw a pick early on yet kept hurling the football like nothing had happened. Also showed the crowd what he could do with his feet with 2 long TD runs, unfortunately one was called back due to a penalty. Nice gutty performance. This kid is special
Theobald CBLC Applied pressure all night, was doubled teamed a lot of the night yet managed 1 sack and in the backfield being disruptive. Like Duggan he plays so hard and is tough as nails (displayed Friday night).
This Friday Night I will be at Waukee/Dowling and I'm taking Dowling by 17.
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