TEAMS (Each game was 2 quarters)
Steinbrenner 10 vs. Alonso 12
Gaither 6 vs. Sickles 8

THE TOP DOGS
Ray-Ray McCloud, Sickles RB – When you are good, spectators and teammates expect you play good. This is case for Ray-Ray McCloud and the Gryphon RB rose to the occasion once again. Not one of the electric nights for McCloud as we are use to; More so, business as usual. He broke a few big runs, but for the most part, he was tough, gritty and making the most of each carry. Not to down play the night, he made the play of the night. As the Gryphons were killing the clock to end the game, McCloud was instructed to “just secure the ball.” Well, a small seam opened, McCloud hit it, side stepped a defender and made him look silly, finally being caroled 40 yards down the field.

Kezio Snelling, Steinbrenner WR – Snelling’s stock is rising as a prospect. And last night helped even more. In front of 10 college coaches in attendance, Snelling started off the game vs. Alonso with an 85-yard kickoff return that looked so smooth and effortless. The play set the tone for a game that had a handful of exciting plays including the final Hail Mary by Chris Oladokun. Snelling caught a few passes in addition to the kick off return and overall had a good performance.

INTERESTING
Isaac Levay, Sickles DB – Played well. Long arms and lots of range.

Derrick Walker, Alonso DB – This kid could pop. Likely a safety prospect.

Raj Balenger, Alonso WR – Runs well and has decent size.

Kevin Norman, Alonso DL – Great frame. Only 205 pounds. Could be a DE prospect or a line backer.

Malik Huff, Gaither RB – Dude can run. Super fast!

IN CONCLUSION
The spring games looked as expected, like a practice game. Each team had times where they looked very smooth on offense, aggressive on defense, confused, misaligned, confident, dominant and sloppy.

Steinbrenner was the biggest surprise. Since last time I observed them, they have opened up the offense and are attempting to get playmakers in space. The Warrior QB, is a crafty player. Extended several plays with his legs and converted on third downs.

Again, Alonso has enough talent to be good, but the offensive line will need to blend together early. QB Chris Oladokun spent too much time running from pressure or on his back after being sacked.

Gaither showed spurts of consistency offensively. To be expected in May. The ground game will be the biggest improvement as the Cowboys have a few different legit ball carriers. The passing game will need some work. The QB and the receivers did not seem to have “That Relationship” just yet.

Sickles kept the ball on the ground for the most part. Why not when you have one the best RBs (Ray-Ray McCloud) in the state? However, Isaac Holder is fully capable of playing pitch and catch with his receivers. The Sickles offense was purposely vanilla and it seemed like the Gryphons wanted to work out the Knicks in the ground game. The defense is not as fast as it was last year. But that does not mean the will not be as good.