Weekday Warriors 2011: 11-1 Comment Count

Ace

This week on Weekday Warriors, Pharaoh Brown once again makes us all wonder if he could be a college tight end, a now-healthy Sione Houma puts up big numbers, suplexes abound thanks to Ondre Pipkins and Chris Wormley, and Jarrod Wilson comes through in all phases of the game for Buchtel.

2012 Commits

TN OL Blake Bars

Montgomery Bell amassed 358 rushing yards en route to a 35-0 victory over Pope John Paul II, giving them a 5-5 regular season record.

This week: The Big Red travel to Briarcrest Christian on Saturday for a first-round playoff game.

OH LB Joe Bolden

Bolden's Colerain squad defeated Caleb Stacey and Oak Hills, 40-14, to improve to 9-1 heading into the playoffs.

This week: The Cardinals host Walnut Hills on Saturday at 7 in a first-round playoff game.

MI OL Ben Braden

Top-ranked Rockford squeaked by West Ottawa, 17-10, in their opening-round playoff matchup.

This week: Rockford hosts Grand Ledge on Friday at 7 in their district final.

Pharaoh Brown (in white, above) is being recruited as a DE, but he's been putting up numbers on offense for Brush.

OH DE Pharaoh Brown

Once again, Brown came through with a big offensive performance, albeit in a losing effort, as he recorded nine catches for 105 yards as Brush fell 41-27 to Garfield Heights.

This week: The Arcs finish the season with a 4-6 record.

KY S Jeremy Clark

No stats to report for Clark as North Hopkins defeated Crittenden County, 49-0, to move to 8-2 on the year.

This week: The Maroons open their playoff slate on Friday at home against Allen County.

MI TE Devin Funchess

Funchess had two receptions for 19 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown catch, as top-ranked Harrison shut out Birmingham Seaholm, 35-0, in the opening round of the state playoffs.

This week: Harrison hosts Birmingham Brother Rice on Saturday at 7 in the district final. I'll be at this one.

OH S Allen Gant

Southview capped off a 9-1 regular season with a 35-6 victory over rival Northview, winning the Northern Lakes League title for the fifth straight year.

This week: The Cougars host McKinley on Saturday at 7 in the first round of the state playoffs.

MI DT Matt Godin

Godin recorded ten tackles and four QB hurries as Cathlic Central crushed Northville, 56-6, to kick off their state playoff run.

This week: The Shamrocks host Canton on Saturday at 1 in their district final.

UT FB Sione Houma

Houma, who has been limited by injuries, came off a bye week and racked up 178 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries to propel Highland to a 42-20 first-round playoff victory over Maple Mountain, going through two jerseys in the process:

“We worked hard in practice all week and just wanted to have another Monday with practice,” said Houma, who had to switch to the No. 3 jersey after his usual No. 35 ripped in the second quarter. “The touchdowns all go to the offensive line —those guys make things happen.”

Very fullback-y of you, Sione.

This week: The Rams play at Logan on Friday at 5 in the second round of the state tournament.

MI LB Royce Jenkins-Stone

Jenkins-Stone returned from a deep thigh bruise to record a big fourth-down sack and plunge four yards for a rushing touchdown as Cass Tech defeated Livonia Churchill, 35-6, to open the state playoffs.

This week: The Technicians host Dearborn Fordson on Saturday at 1 in the district title game.

OH OL Kyle Kalis

Defending state champ St. Edward finished the regular season at a disappointing 7-3 after losing to St. Ignatius, 20-17, on Saturday.

This week: The loss dropped the Eagles to the six-seed in their region, where they will play three-seed Cleveland Heights in the first round of the state tourney on Saturday at 7.

Multiple suplexes (seriously) and the rest of the recruiting updates after the jump.

CA OL Erik Magnuson

On the strength of 208 rushing yards, La Costa Canyon snapped a seven-game losing streak to conference foe Oceanside with a 21-16 triumph.

This week: The Mavericks (6-2) play at El Camino on Friday at 7.

MI DE Mario Ojemudia

No stats are available for Ojemudia from Harrison's 35-0 win over Birmingham Seaholm.

This week: Harrison hosts Birmingham Brother Rice on Saturday at 7 in the district final.

MO DT Ondre Pipkins

Park Hill fell to Central, 24-6, but Pipkins had at least one thunderous tackle for loss in a losing effort:

Park Hill’s 6-foot-3, 320-pound nose tackle nose tackle Ondre Pipkins rudely introduced himself to Jackson, suplexing him to the ground on Central’s first play from scrimmage. Jackson’s shoulder appeared to be injured on the play, but he returned shortly after a visit to the team’s athletic trainer.

“That hurt, but he’s a great player,” Jackson said of Pipkins, who’s commited to play at Michigan. “That’s what I told him after the game when we talked.”

Respect.

This week: Park Hill finished the season with a 5-5 record.

MI CB Terry Richardson

Richardson wasn't able to contribute on the defensive side of the ball due to a sprained ankle, but junior corner Jourdan Lewis (whose name is misspelled and flipped around on the Cass Tech roster, and therefore every newspaper article that mentions him) stepped up in his place as Cass Tech downed Livonia Churchill, 35-6, in the first round:

Yet the defense played exceptionally well and did not allow a touchdown led by the 5-11, 160-pound Jordan, who blanketed the dangerous Freeman in one-on-one coverage all night.

“Number one (Lewis Jordan) is a great player,'' Wilcher said. “He's one of our best players, one of our top players. Our number one cornerback didn't play this game, so J.D. (Jordan) had to step up and be that guy. We're happy we stepped up and got to lock up some people, and let some other guys free.''

They'll get your name right soon, Jourdan.

This week: The Technicians host Dearborn Fordson on Saturday at 1 in the district title game.

OH LB Kaleb Ringer

Ringer is sitting out the rest of the season due to a strained MCL suffered early on in the year.

MI LB James Ross

No stats are available for Ross as OLSM easily handled Detroit Pershing, 56-6, in the opening round of the state tourney.

This week: The Eagles play at Redford Thurston on Friday at 7 for the district title.

OH OL Caleb Stacey

Oak Hills fell 40-14 to Joe Bolden and Colerain, falling to 4-6 to finish the season.

This week: The Highlanders's season is now over.

IL CB Anthony Standifer

Standifer sat out with a separated shoulder as Crete-Monee continued their undefeated season with a 63-14 demolishing of first-round playoff opponent Bloomington. 2013 Michigan offeree Laquon Treadwell led the way with six catches for 119 yards and three touchdowns to go along with 1.5 sacks.

This week: The Warriors host Richwoods on Friday in the second round of the state playoffs.

OH DE Tom Strobel

Mentor finished the regular season with a 9-1 record after a shocking upset at the hands of Twinsburg, losing their finale 38-35. No stats were available for Strobel.

This week: The Cardinals host John F. Kennedy on Saturday at 7 in the first round of the playoffs.

OH TE A.J. Williams

Williams played offensive tackle as Sycamore dropped their final regular season game to Mason, 41-13.

This week: The Aviators (8-2) host Archbishop Moeller on Saturday at 7 in the opening round of the state tourney.

OH S Jarrod Wilson

Wilson had a fantastic all-around game, scoring on a ten-yard touchdown pass (pictured at right), recording an interception, and blocking a punt to lead Buchtel to a 34-0 victory over Firestone and the City Series title:

“He’s special. He deserves everything that’s positive that happens to him,” Buchtel coach Ricky Powers said of Wilson. “He’s going to Michigan. Need I say anything else?”

Wilson said it was important for him to leave a legacy at Buchtel.

“After the loss last week, I just realized that our playoff opportunities are very slim and this may be my last game, so I came out and gave it my all,” he said.

It appears to have been Wilson's last game, as they did not qualify for the Ohio state playoffs.

OH DE Chris Wormley:

Whitmer defeated Central Catholic, 38-21, to wrap up a perfect 10-0 regular season and the inaugural Three Rivers Athletic Conference title. I was there for this week's CVO, and here are Wormley's highlights from the game:

Wormley finished the game with two solo tackles (one TFL), three assists, and a couple of QB hurries.

This week: The Panthers host Anthony Wayne on Saturday at 7 in the first round of the playoffs.

2013 Commits

MI QB Shane Morris

Morris completed 11 of 16 passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns to lead De La Salle to a 48-14 victory over Roseville in the opening round of the playoffs.

This week: The Pilots host Warren Mott on Friday at 7 in the second round of the playoffs.

OH RB/S Dymonte Thomas

Thomas had 73 yards and a touchdown as Marlington defeated Alliance, 27-21, to finish the season 8-2.

This week: The Dukes did not qualify for the Ohio state playoffs.

Comments

Wolverine0056

November 1st, 2011 at 1:48 PM ^

How does Dymonte Thomas and Marlington go 8-2 but not make the state playoffs? Wow must be a tough conference / division. Even though I live in Ohio, I mostly only know the conferences in NW Ohio (NWOAL, NLL, etc.) and that record would be up there with the best, if not the best.

 

Wazoo

November 2nd, 2011 at 12:14 PM ^

Rad smartly pointed out a reference to Joe Eitel.  The site mirrors the Ohio state playoff system and seems to be spot on when it comes to its information on  football points.  Information is updated weekly during the season.  A great resource as to Ohio hs football.

Eye of the Tiger

November 1st, 2011 at 1:56 PM ^

I know the coaching staff recruited him as a DE, but it looks like he's got some serious skills as a TE, and we need more TEs.  Anyone know if Hoke and company are considering moving him to offense?

Ace

November 1st, 2011 at 2:02 PM ^

For now, I think the staff has made it clear that they're bringing Brown in as a defensive end, though he's mentioned that he certainly likes offense on at least one video interview I've seen (I'd link it, but this was a month ago and I honestly don't remember where I saw it). We'll see what happens after the season when the coaches are able to really spend some time looking at his film—as well as knowing how the rest of the class rounded out—and I think there's a definite possibility that they try him at tight end when he arrives next fall. Not sure what type of odds we're looking at here, but given the total lack of depth at TE and the sudden wealth of DEs on the roster, it'd be surprising if he didn't at least get a look on O.

Crentski

November 1st, 2011 at 9:03 PM ^

more that they beat Poland who is the 3 loss team that is ahead of them. But , Polands other 2 losses come from a Div 1 team who was pretty good 4 loss team (3 losses are from Div1 playoff teams), and from an undefeated Div 2 team from their own conference.

Much tougher schedule.

TampaJake

November 1st, 2011 at 2:22 PM ^

Ace,

I live in Florida (greater Sarasota area), I have two questions.

1.  How do I find out who in Florida, Michigan is looking at without signing up for a paywall site?  So, I can perhaps help out and get some local info on the kid.

2.  If I see a stud (insert position here), how/who do I notify?  Assuming anyone cares, of course...

Just trying to help..

Ace

November 1st, 2011 at 2:34 PM ^

1. 247sports does a good job of putting all the prospective targets from each class into one spot, and that section of their site is free. Here's the link for Michigan's target page for 2013—right now, the only Florida prospects are Laremy Tunsil and Ray Lewis III.

2. If you see a big-time recruit, or a player you think Michigan would have an interest in, shoot me an email (linked in my sig). I'm usually pretty good about answering within a day or two, and I will bribe people with mgopoints if they give me good info.

Appreciate the offer to help, Jake—can always use a hand, especially when it comes to prospects who are far outside out of Michigan.

WolvinLA2

November 1st, 2011 at 2:24 PM ^

Watching that Wormley video, I think he's a DT all the way. He doesn't look like a guy who's going to be a great DE, but he can be huge inside and be impossible to block. I think he'll be too big and strong to move, and athletic enough to get by single blocking on the regular. I don't think he's a DE though, which is OK since he's already 270 lbs or so.

msoccer10

November 1st, 2011 at 2:52 PM ^

I think the reason we took 4 defensive ends and 1 defensive tackle is that Wormley and Godin are both destined for D tackle. The kids will get a shot at what spot they want at first, but if someone is clearly ahead of them on the depth chart and there are other spots that are thinner they will be encouraged to switch for a better chance to get playing time.

WolvinLA2

November 1st, 2011 at 3:01 PM ^

My guess is that since Godin and Strobel are more polished at this point than Wormley, he'll redshirt next fall and show up in 2013 weighing 290+ and he'll be a DT from then on. I think he'll be a 300lb version of RVB.

gajensen

November 1st, 2011 at 3:14 PM ^

Agreed.  Several players seem to be better fits at positions than the ones they were recruited for.

This is what our 2012 depth chart looks like from where I'm sitting.

QB-?

RB-Sione Houma

FB-?

WR-Devin Funchess

TE-Pharaoh Brown 

OT-Ben Braden, Erik Magnuson, AJ Williams

OG-Blake Bars, Kyle Kalis

C-Caleb Stacey

DT-Chris Wormley, Matt Godin

NT-Ondre Pipkins

SDE-Tom Strobel

WDE-Mario Ojemudia

MLB-Royce Jenkins-Stone, Joe Bolden

SLB-James Ross

WLB-Kaleb Ringer, Allen Gant

CB-Terry Richardson

FS-Jeremy Clark, Anthony Standifer

SS-Jarrod Wilson

If it were up to me, I'd reconnect with TE Ron Thompson, accept the first to commit between Amara Darboh or Jordan Payton or Jehu Chesson, try to get Shaq Thompson in at SS, and work like mad to snake-oil a high rated player away from a rival.

WolvinLA2

November 1st, 2011 at 3:51 PM ^

I strongly disagree about the Ron Thompson thing, especially if we move Brown to TE. We need real receivers more than we need a fourth TE in this class. Funchess is a guy who can split out, but he's still a TE. And AJ Williams can move inside, but if we're counting him as an OL than we need 7 OL since he's not at the calibur for OL that we need to fill that spot.

A couple other disagreements: Standifer is a CB, and I'd switch Wilson and Clark, Wilson is a FS and Clark is a SS. I'd also put James Ross at WILL and Bolden at SAM.

jbibiza

November 1st, 2011 at 4:27 PM ^

According to Sam Webb Thompson is not a possibility for reasons that we are not meant to know.  As to crystal ball position predictions I agree mostly with WolvinLA2 with slight nuances: AJ will be a road grading TE; Clark is more likely at FS (along with Wilson); Gant at SS; I see Jenkins-Stone at SAM, with the other three competing for Wil and Mike; Kalis at RT or G (and in the 2 deep from day one).

One thing not mentioned here is the possibility that we are recruiting for a 3-4 defense.  If so then Pee Wee at NT flanked by any two of Strobel, Wormley or Godin is a likely scenario.  Time will tell, but great to have such talented recruits as options.

STW P. Brabbs

November 1st, 2011 at 5:20 PM ^

I'm not sure where Wormley is going to fit.  He's pretty big, but I'm not convinced that a tall DT with a somewhat questionable motor (or at least questionable aggression) is something that's going to be effective.

The more video I see of Mr. Wormley, the more I hope that he's got a significant, nagging injury that's hampering him.  Based on tape like this, it's hard not to wonder whether he's getting recruiting hype on measurables alone. 

WolvinLA2

November 1st, 2011 at 6:08 PM ^

Ace has reported that he doesn't feel Wormley has a lack of aggression. And it can't be only measurables hyping him up since he was the defensive player of the year in his league last year. I just think he's bigger than everyone he plays against and he needs to be pushed more, something he'll get in college.

I don't have a problem with the height. He's the same height as Heininger and RVB, lots of DTs are that tall.

STW P. Brabbs

November 2nd, 2011 at 12:06 PM ^

I'm saying that from this video and some of the others I've seen posted here, he goes half speed a lot of the time, and never seems interested in making a big hit.   There are plays where he gears down in the middle of pursuit, only to hit the gas again when he realizes the play isn't over.  I'll grant that Ace has a different perspective from actually being at the games, but my strong impression from these videos is that Wormley's current level of effort isn't going to get him anywhere near the starting lineup under Mattison.  Past experience also tells me that counting on coaches in college to light a fire where one did not exist before is usually wishful thinking - unless there are specific health or personal issues that we don't know about.  I hope you're right and that in a couple of years I learn not to try to interpret recruiting film on my own, but I'm pretty skeptical about Wormley right now.

96goblue00

November 1st, 2011 at 2:51 PM ^

Is this kid underrated? Rivals has him at 3* as does Scout and ESPN. I guess 3* is not bad, but is he close to a 4* status? Just wondering because, it seems like he is having a pretty good season. His junior year stats are pretty good as well (66 tackles, 28 for loss, 2 sacks). Is the league that he plays in just not that good, that recruiting gurus do not have high opinions of his abilities at the college level?

msoccer10

November 1st, 2011 at 2:55 PM ^

Is that he is a little bit of a tweener. Not quite as big or as strong as you would like for tackle. Not quite as quick as you would like for a pass rushing end. I also don't think he has the athleticism of a 4 star. But I think he will end up a good SDE or 3tech DT for us.

Denarded

November 1st, 2011 at 5:58 PM ^

Godin plays in arguably the best league in the state of Michigan (Catholic League Central) the competition he goes up againt every week is out of the question. He might get a 4th star in the offseason.