PASCO COUNTY

Wiregrass Ranch vs Wesley Chapel Standout Players

Wesley Chapel, FL – The game was sloppy from the field conditions to the ball secrurity. It sure was not missing the entertainment. Wiregrass Ranch defeated Wesley Chapel 14-7 in a Pasco County “[neighbor]hood” rivalry with everything on the line…even the playoffs.

In front of a packed house at Wesley Chapel High School the two teams didn’t disappoint. Plenty of drama, hard hits, big plays and action took center stage. At the end of the game both teams earned and showed respect. Full Game article HERE.

Following are a few players who really jumped out to us:

KASEAN RIDGEL, DL – The impact Kasean had on the game won’t show up on the stat sheet. Wait until the film is revealed. Wesley Chapel had some early success running the ball betwen the tackles until Ridgel got going. Once he started owning the double teams, the inside runs were nonexistent. Absolutely owned the line of scrimmage and moved the line of scrimmage backwards.

NICK GAZIANO, LB – Who? Exactly! Fans will get use to the name as the season continues. Made so many key plays on defense, his name was called more than a bad kid in Sunday School. Outstanding performance by the sophomore linebacker who thrived stopping the inside run of Wesley Chapel.

ADRIAN THOMAS, RB – Almost exclusively played  running back last night. Much attention on the Bulls receivers Miner and Biglow, Thomas earned tough yards inside and outside. Became the most consistent option for an offense that never really found a rhythm in the wet conditions. Ran the ball tough and never wore down. Became the primary option for Mark Kantor’s team in the second half.

JORDAN MINER, ATH – Started the game with and interception to set up the first score. Ended the game with the game sealing 54 yard run for a touchdown. Everyone in Wesley Chapel knew Jordan Miner would touch the ball often and even when Wesley Chapel bottled him up, he still gained positive yards. Defensively…quiet night. Wesley Chapel doesn’t put the ball in the air a bunch. But, had a huge impact on offense especially when his number was called late in the game scoring the touch down to ultimately put Wiregrass Ranch up 14-7.

ISAIAH BOLDEN, ATH – A ton of respect earn! We could leave it there and everyone who attended the game or watched it on Spectrum Sports would agree. Bolden started at Quarterback, Corner, Punter and Kick Returner. Started the game with a caused fumble created from a big hit. Took a beating as a runner. Never got a chance to make a play as a returner. Cramped all second half and made a few big plays when needed. The Oregon commit never came off the field. Left everything he had on the turf trying to win the game.

MALIK MELVIN, RB/S – Dexter Leverett leaves the game in the second quarter with and apparent upper body injury and the running back duties fell square on the shoulders of Malik Melvin. No problem. Melvin did all he could as a running back and then flipped over to defense, laying the wood to Bulls ball carriers. He never blinked. Handled his responsibility and took on even more without flinching.

AUSTEN WITTISH, LB – You may not even know the kid plays on the team. Not flashy. Not the center of attention. Just a guy. Just a teammate who does what is asked of him and at the end of the contest you may realize how much of an impact he really had on the game. Made several key stops in critical situations and harassed Wiregrass Ranch QB Grant Sessums all night.