Lakewood –
On paper, the Spartans should have dominated. But that wasn’t the case as Lakeland owned the second half and rolled to a 34-12 win.
Rodney Adams WR (6-3 175) – The University of Florida commit is what everyone says he is. The hype is for real. Adams is explosive in the open field and makes defenders miss regularly. The WR played a little bit of QB toward the end of the game after Tracy Johnson went down with an injury. Adams is a playmaker and has the ability to score each time he touches the ball.
Marquez Valdes WR (6-3 175) – A dynamic playmaker, Valdes had arguably the best game of anyone. His stock is soaring and he could pull some major BCS offers as he impresses in his senior season. He got loose on a long touchdown early in the game. He ran a post route, splitting the CB and S where Johnson hit him in stride.
Tracy Johnson QB (6-2 180) – He is a gamer. Good vision and movement in and out of the pocket, Johnson has to become more comfortable with some pressure on him. His pocket collapsed often, but even when he did have time he got ancy and scrambled.
Shaquill Griffin DB/WR (6-2 195) – Where do you need help? Shaquill can play just about anywhere. After locking down receivers in 2011, Griffin will slide back to the safety position where he will be the QB of the secondary. He’ll also play some WR this year to compliment Adams and Valdes. Aggressive and physical.
Shaquem Griffin LB/DB (6-2 195) – The ability to play S or LB is what Shaquem brings to the table. He is high energy, an unbelievable motor and brings a lot of pop to his punch. He is a very sure tackler and likes bring the wood.
Offensive Line –
On paper, Lakewood has a dominating line. Averaging around 280 pounds the boys are expected to be nasty, however tonight was not their night. They struggled to run block and were beat by a much smaller, but quick, defensive line.
Logan McNeil OL (6-4 290) – The heart and soul of the OL, McNeil was pleading with his team on the sideline to get them up. He is a violent guard who uses his hands and aggression well.
Isaiah Wynn OL (6-4 285) – Wynn is aggressive. He has a violent first step and knows how to block with proper technique using his length to his advantage.
Other Top Players –
Anthony Haugabook OL (6-0 280)
Muhammed Barrow OL (6-0 280)
Ryan Cooper LB (5-9 165)
Darquez Watson WR/S (6-3 200)
Malcom Ervin RB/LB (5-11 180)
Laterian Latimer RB (5-11 180)
O’Shario Mitchell WR/LB (6-1 185)
—
Lakeland –
Although the Dreadnaughts are not loaded with “sexy” talent, they just get it done. Trailing 6-0 at halftime Lakeland made some adjustments and came back with a game plant that Lakewood couldn’t defend.
T.J. Simmons LB (6-1 220) – The Western Kentucky University commit played well. He is a big body with a nice frame and plays with intelligence and aggression. WKU got a steal in Simmons – He’ll likely see more schools chasing him down this year.
Jalen Stevenson DL/LB (6-1 210) – A high energy player, Stevenson plays out of position as a defensive lineman. Stevenson gave the Lakewood OL fits all night using his speed to get around the edge and was constantly in Tracy Johnson’s face. Being recruited as a LB, Stevenson holds an Indiana offer.
Robert Smith RB (5-8 175) – An undersized running back, Smith plays with a lot of power. He loves contact and was consistent in running through Lakewood defenders.
Aaron Johnson QB (6-0 170) – A rising sophomore, Johnson is the future for the Dreadnaughts. He moves well and throws well on the run. He wasn’t asked to do much, but he made effective reads and kept the Dreadnaughts calm even when they struggled in the first half.