Football Gridiron Classic Unveils Promising Talent And Sets The Stage For An Exciting New Season

This photo of Franky Erxleben was taken from the St. Clair game last season.

By Wyatt Hardy

On Wednesday and Thursday night, the Sullivan Eagles hosted the High School Football Gridiron Classic. This is an annual jamboree with five teams who play scrimmages against one another. Both nights showed great promise of what is about to come for Sullivan’s next season.

The Sullivan Eagles, led by head coach Eddie Haar, have a playmaking offense with amazing rushers who easily break through defenders. They also guard the end zone very well with a tough defensive line and an excellent secondary. The Eagles also proved this last year with a record of 13-3 and advancing to their first semi finals since 2008.

During these scrimmages, quarterback Robert York (#3) showed quick agility and great pocket-awareness under pressure. He threw perfect spirals resembling the amazing javelins he hurled in track. This dual-threat leader has quick durability and can escape the intense pass-rush.

Mark Jennings (#26) is a quick and speedy running back, cutting through gaps like it’s nobody’s business. He can jump and juke his way for a few yards, racing the defenders all the way to the end zone. Jennings also shines as a linebacker, being a fantastic pass rusher. Receivers cannot stand his presence as he will knock the ball away from ever getting into their hands.

Franky Erxleben (#27) can run from midfield, straight into the end zone, dodging defenders and breaking their ankles for a score. The team can count on him to pick up a quick ten yards. Erxleben will run head-first into defenders, whether he has five on him or more. His amazing strength is impossible to take down.

Chase Blue (#21) is a beast of a running-back who tramples defenders to get touchdowns, executes clutch passes, and is impossible to tackle. They just fall and trip behind him as he spins and twirls around them. Blue is also an amazing linebacker and shuts down the rush-offense.

Aidan Cain (#20) runs with fury and is super feisty. He will stand his ground, not afraid to go face-to-face with players, and knocking their helmets off. Cain is also a great linebacker who punches footballs from ever going into the receiver’s hands. Anytime a player runs through him, Cain will throw them down onto the ground before he makes the end zone.

Jeremiah Rodriguez (#22) is a very strong and tough running back who will easily trample defenders. They can try to jump and hang on his jersey, but it is nearly impossible to bring him down. Rodriguez’s strong skill set also carries over into being a fantastic linebacker. Anytime he makes a great play, the crowd and team will chant his name. He’s a fan-favorite and everybody loves him.

Dominic Ransom (#7) is an incredible wide receiver and an amazing defensive back who will slam wide receivers to the ground. He will chase all the way to the end zone, keeping them completely guarded and they can never catch the ball.

Oliver Borton (#17) is the other quarterback who excels as a mobile pocket-passer. He can easily seek out open receivers and throw beautiful spirals to them. He also makes a good defensive back who is fantastic at blocking the receivers.

Benjamin Goly (#24) is great at finding gaps as a slick running back who can grip any pass and pushes through whole clusters of defenders.

These players and the rest of the Eagles exemplify the strengths of a dominant team that may run it big again for the next season. Their rushing offense quickly finds gaps and runs through defenders for touchdowns while their defense makes it nearly impossible for their opponents to pick up any yardage. These Sullivan Eagles are going to be a powerful team to look out for in the next season.