ST. LOUIS — Lutheran North won a thrilling contest over Trinity to capture a Missouri Class 2 district championship to advance into the playoffs. The game featured numerous high-level performers on both sides of the ball. Here, Six Star Football takes a look at some of the top performers from Lutheran North.
Kevon Billingsley, 6’5, 250, OL/DL, 2020, Lutheran North
One of the more composed big men to play on the line this year, Billingsley is a fantastic young player who is sure to turn heads this summer. At 6’5, 250-pounds, he has wonderful size for his position and is great at holding off defenders and making his way up field against Trinity’s OL. Billingsley was also one of the first players to meet Trinity quarterback Isaiah Williams
at the one yard line during 2-point conversion play that likely would have sent the game into overtime. Big moments such as these are sure continue throughout his high school career.
Nicholas Lotts, 5’9, 160, WR/DB, 2018, Lutheran North
It’s hard to know if Lotts is more valuable on offense or defense. A quick two-way player who is comfortable running the ball and finding holes, that also provides good coverage on defense. While it’s clear Lotts makes it happen both ways, his most admirable skill is his ability to own up to his mistakes, and make up for them in a flash. After Lotts was unable to secure the ball on a punt return which resulted in a turnover, he intercepted a pass by Williams and sprinted down field for a 47-yard gain. Lutheran North would score soon after that play.
Ronnie Perkins, 6’4, 260, DE/TE, 2018, Lutheran North
The Oklahoma recruit was as dynamic as ever Friday night showcasing his physical style of play which has made him one of the most talked about defenders in the state. Perkins hit opponents hard from the first play, and continued to make their life difficult as Trinity avoided him as often as they could. At 6’4, 260-pounds, Perkins has great size, electric speed off the line and the strength to make one handed takedowns against quicker opponents. Oklahoma fans won’t have to worry about Perkins. This kid is legit.
D’Vion Harris, 6’3, 220, TE/DL, 2019, Lutheran North
We can’t get enough of Harris. This weak-side defensive end was everything but weak Friday night against Trinity as he provided stellar minutes rushing QB Isaiah Williams and forcing him to gamble through the air. On every one of William’s four interceptions, Harris was a few feet away with his hands in the air or already in motion to make a tackle. Harris also showcased his speed in open field as he made several important tackles nearly 20-yards away from his starting point. He was offered by Louisville this weekend and also holds offers from Florida, Kentucky and Toledo.
Canaan Brooks, 5’11, 205, RB/LB, 2018, Lutheran North
On a team loaded with running back talent, Brooks is a crowd favorite that can make plays happen on his own. He has a good eye for sideline openings and the athleticism to jump around and slide away from opponents who want nothing more than to stop his run before it gets out of hand. Brooks is best when he has room in open spaces, but he can create in tight spaces if his line are in position. Brooks rushed for 125-yards and scored twice. He currently holds several offers, including Illinois, Ball State, Indiana State, Southern Illinois and others.
Devin Ruffin, 6’2, 225, LB/TE, 2018, Lutheran North
Arguably the heart of Lutheran North’s linebacker crew, Rufiin helped break up Trinity’s passing game and helped slow down their run game up the middle. Ruffin is a physical player at 6’2, 225-pounds, who could easily play as a DE. His aggressive energy and all-around athleticism came in handy with countless stops on defense and a 2-point conversion dive on offense. Ruffin committed to Bowling Green this past summer over 18 other offers.
Isaac Glenn
, 5’11, 205, LB/RB, 2019, Lutheran North
One of the most underrated players on his team, Glenn made his case as an important piece for Lutheran North that doesn’t get the credit he deserves. At 5’11, 205-pounds, Glenn is a strong athlete with good vision that impressed us with his ability to trip up players who look like they have an open route to the end zone. If Glenn didn’t make the stops he did in the first half, Trinity may very well have been tied with Lutheran North at the half. A lot of respect for this kid.
Donovan Marshall, 6’0, 190, RB/DB, 2018, Lutheran North
An Arkansas State commit, Marshall is another running back whose performance was crucial to seal the win Friday night against Trinity, Marshall rushed for over 100-yards on about 18 carries. At 6’0, 190-pounds, he is a crafty runner who is good for large gains running up the middle. In addition to his contributions with the ball, Marshall is a fine blocker in open field. His biggest block could be seen from the back of the stands as he hit a Trinity safety so his team could easily run the ball in for a touchdown.
Isaiah Azubuike
, 5’11, 220, LB/RB, 2019, Lutheran North
A junior standout who can play on both sides of the ball, Azubuike was seen scoring a touchdown on a 2-yard run and stopping opponents in their backfield on defense. Azubuike is a strong athlete, with a solid frame who just makes plays. He is a grinder on offense and a determined defender on defense who can also provide good coverage when opponents throw the ball. Azubuike also received an offer from Louisville after the win, the tenth offer he has received. It is in addiiton to Iowa, Bowling Green, Northern Illinois, Iowa State and others.
Jordan Smith, 5’10, 160, WR/DB, 2020, Lutheran North
A young sophomore with a good future ahead of him, Smith is a speedy defensive back that came up big Friday night against Trinity. Smith is one of the players who made several last chance tackles when he was the only thing that stood in the way of a touchdown for Trinity. Smith has a thin frame for his size, and the football IQ to see plays developing before they happen.
