Week 11: Five area players to watch tonight

We have reached the semi final round of Sectionals and while more teams will see their seasons come to an end tonight, many more will be heading to play for a championship next Friday night.

Here are five players to watch tonight in Sectional week two play.

LABAN DAVIS, EASTSIDE

The sophomore quarterback started to settle in during the second half last week and he was able to start to methodically work against the Woodlan defense. Davis can throw a good ball, as seen with his third quarter touchdown pass to Wade Miller. For the Blazers to knock off a SAC opponent, Davis is going to have to start fast and get comfortable in throwing the football. It goes without saying that he is probably the most important piece in the Blazers lineup.

LAYTON MITCHELL, CARROLL

The Chargers made Mitchell the initial target the last time they played Snider and it worked out very well. Arguably the best receiver in the SAC, Mitchell is a long and rangy target that can haul in a lot of passes that other players in his same position can’t. One of the biggest games in the area tonight comes down to who can strike hardest, not first and if Mitchell can make plays, then Carroll will be hitting heavy throughout this Sectional semi final.

DUCE TAYLOR, NORTH SIDE

The last time that Bishop Dwenger played North Side, Taylor wasn’t in the lineup. Does it make a difference this time? Taylor works through his progression nicely and is bound to find the best option to throw the ball to as long as they can haul it in. Taylor has shown the ability be a big playmaker and in his postseason debut, all eyes will be on North Side’s QB1. There is intrigue to see how North Side and Taylor adjusted their game and mentality during the bye week to prepare for the defending Class 4A state champions.

HAYDEN JONES, EAST NOBLE

If DeKalb breaks down their first game with East Noble, they will see two things: they didn’t have the wheels to track down Hayden Jones the receiver and the biggest Baron weapon the first time was the pass game, challenging Knight DB’s including Jones. That makes the two-way player one of the most important pieces on the field tonight. While Jones as a pass target is important, he may be more important on the defensive end. If DeKalb can’t get things going on the ground, they will have no choice but to put the ball in the air. A composed Jones can thwart those hopes.

CARSON CLARK, BISHOP LUERS

Since the sophomore Clark has settled into the regular starter role, he has gone 2-2 and is coming off his first week without an interception. The blowout win against Central Noble likely did wonders for Clark’s confidence as he went 12-of-17 for 192 yards through the air. Friday’s matchup with Eastside features two teams with similar balanced approaches, hence why we feature both quarterbacks as players to watch. Can Clark follow up his breakout performance with a major win?