Six Star Football takes a look at Class 5 quarterfinal teams, Pattonville, Vianney, Carthage and Battle.
CLASS 5 QARTERFINALS
Pattonville (7-3) at Vianney (10-1), 7 p.m., Friday
Pattonville 2018 Dakari Streeter is a big hitter for the Pirates.
Pattonville Pirates
About Pattonville: We knew Pattonville was for real after they beat an athletic Ritenour team for the first time since 2014. They then went on to win their district title game for the first time since 2007. Needless to say, this team is hungry for a state championship. Unfortunately, their biggest challenge will be this Friday as they take on the Class 5 favorite Vianney, a team who is loaded with D1 prospects.
Fortunately, Pattonville has a talented team as well. Kaleb Eleby is the team leader at quarterback who is known for making highlight reel passes to wide receivers Larry Washington, Reggie Oliphant Jr. and running back David Ellison Jr.
Defense will be key for Pattonville standouts Dakari Streeter (OLB), Charles Shelton (DB), Mario Rowland (DT), Bobby Bailey (DE) as Vianney’s high scoring offense just beat Jackson, 70-51.
Pattonville wins: Mehlville, Kirkwood, Rockwood Summit, Ritenour, Parkway North, Webster Groves, Hazelwood East.
Pattonville losses: Vianney, Eureka, Hazelwood Central
Players to watch: Kaleb Eleby (6’2, 205, QB, 2018), Dakari Streeter (6’1, 215, OLB, 2018), David Ellison Jr. (5’10, 170, RB, 2018).
Top College Prospect: Kaleb Eleby. A 6’1, 205-pound quarterback with a killer arm, Eleby has thrown for 2236 yards and 20 touchdowns with a passer rating of (120.3). He plays bigger than his listed height as he has a big, strong presence in the pocket. Eleby isn’t really a speedster, but he isn’t afraid to tuck the ball and run.
Underrated Performer: Dakari Streeter. It doesn’t matter how much love Streeter gets –– it’s never enough. Streeter also plays bigger than his listed height and weight, he is a strong, physical player who is a terrific tackler and is strong against the run. He does a terrific job of shedding blocks and looks to create contact and pursue the ball.
Vianey Griffons
About Vianney: Before their loss to Class 6 favorite Christian Brothers, many considered Vianney the best team in the state. This isn’t a surprise as Vianney is loaded with D1 propects and an offense that continues to set records.
Vianney has several talented athletes on both sides of the ball including the do-it-all Kyren Williams and Tionne Harris as quarterback. These two players are the two main ball movers for Vianney with WR Zach Zerwig contributing as well. Vianney also has some impressive players on defense with Tayvian Weary (DT), Nate Thurman
(DE), Jordan Guilfoy (MLB), and Fahreed Cheeks
(CB).
Vianney Wins: Pattonville, Cahokia, Battle, Chaminade, DeSmet, St. Louis University, Vashon, Rockwood Summit, Jackson.
Vianney Losses: Christian Brothers.
Players to Watch: Kyren Williams (5’10, 193, RB, 2019), Tionne Harris (5’9, 190, QB, 2018), Tayvian Weary (6’0, 280, DT, 2018), Fahreed Cheeks (5’9, 150, CB, 2019), Thomas Willett (6’3, 297, T, 2018).
Top College Prospect: Kyren Williams. It’s hard not to talk about Williams. The kid is terrific in the run game with the numbers to back it up. If he has a blocker leading the way, it’s nearly impossible to prevent him from gaining ten yards at a time. Williams already has several D1 offers including Nebraska, Arkansas, Wisconsin and Iowa.
Underrated Performer: Percy Mitchell. A junior with a big year still ahead of him, Mitchell is a solid player who sees playing time on both sides of the ball. Mitchell is a fast runner with good field vision, and has shown he is ready to take on a bigger role.
Carthage (8-3) at Battle (9-3)
Carthage Tigers
About Carthage: Their sixth game against Carl Junction was a tough 49-7 loss on the road, but they appear to have learned from it. Since then, Carthage has won five games in a row in a dominating fashion. In addition to improving their defense, Carthage’s offense is back on track averaging over 45 points in four of their last five games.
Carthage Wins: Branson, Central, Willard, Nixa, Republic, Neosho, Neosho Christian, Willard.
Carthage Losses: Ozark, Webb City, Carl Junction.
Players to Watch: Arkell Smith (6’1, 165, WR), Zeke Sappington (6’2, 190, QB), Dillion Lancaster (5’11, 180, SS), Clay Newman (170, 6’0, RB).
Top College Prospect: Arkell Smith. One player you can never count out, Smith is a quick thinking wide receiver that is good at bringing down passes thrown over his head and turning short routes into big plays. Smith was always athletic. But this season he has showed us he is committed to his improving his game over the offseason and from one game to the next.
Underrated Performer: Colton Winder
. The junior running back and linebacker has had a productive season this year staying active on important plays on both sides of the ball. Winder has also made some impressive tackles this year on defense, as well as several important blocks for Carthage’s running game.
Battle 2018 Dreyton Tyler has had a big season for the Spartans as a WR/DB.
Battle Spartans
About Battle: Battle is the only Columbia area team remaining in the playoffs, and you can say they have a chip on their shoulder. Coming off a huge win over Belton (44-21), they captured their fourth straight district championship as they look to improve on their thoroughly successful playoff run a year ago.
Battle has some talented players on their roster, but they don’t have to lean on one player in particular. Adopting a next-man-up kind of principle, Battle plays solid team ball which allows the hardest working player to shine.
Battle Wins: Mexico, Holt, Helias, Hickman, Truman, Hannibal, Ruskin, Raytown, Belton.
Battle Losses: Rock Bridge, Vianney, Jefferson City.
Players to Watch: Tre Morris (5’10, 200, OLB, 2018), Adrian Kenney (5’11, 165, FS, 2018), Dreyton Tyler (5’9, 170, WR, 2018), Nate Ferguson (5’7, 170, RB, 2019), Matt Page (6’1, 210, TE, 2018), Jaren Lewis
(6’3, QB, 2019), Jarel Hyler (6’2, 245, RB/DE, 2018).
Top College Prospect: Dreyton Tyler. A quick and creative player to watch, Tyler is good at covering WRs and is pretty good at playing that position as well. Tyler has good hands, quick feet, and is confident with the ball in tight spaces. We’re not sure if Tyler will find a home at the next level, but he has put on a show several times this season.
Underrated Performer: Jaren Lewis. One of the better quarterbacks in Mid-Missouri, Lewis is very good at leading receivers on the long ball and can gain ground by himself if needed. He has an athletic frame, a good arm, and can be difficult to bring down when he runs it or throws it on the go. Still a junior, Lewis has impressed this year with his competitive nature and his ability to help his teammates stay focused.
