Impact Players | Who to watch in tonight’s Bellevue-Katy game
Published 12:59 pm Friday, September 11, 2009
RB #4 Will Jeffery, Katy
Jeffery runs only 5-foot-8 and 160-pounds, but don’t let his diminutive stature fool you; he’s a gamer. The MVP of the Texas 5A state title game a year ago, he’s a tough runner who has rushed for 299 yards and two touchdowns in Katy’s first two games. He’s averaging 8.54 yards per carry this season after rushing for 1,313 yards and 19 touchdowns a year ago.
OL/DL #55 Julious Moore, Bellevue
Moore will need to make his presence felt on the defensive line in order to stop the powerful Katy running attack, which has rolled up 496 yards on the ground in two games. Moore, a 6-foot-1, 250-pound UCLA commit, will also play a key role on the offensive line for Bellevue as it hopes its Wing-T offense can confuse the Tigers.
TE #88 Zach Swanson, Katy
Swanson, a senior with a full-ride to Stanford, is a force at 6-foot-6, 225-pounds and he plays like it. Swanson has a genuine mean streak, and loves to hit people. While he’s generally a blocking tight end, Swanson has good hands and could be an option in the play-action passing game.
RB #30 David Nguyen, Bellevue
Just like his brother, Peter, David Nguyen is a home run threat every single time he gets his hand on the ball, just like in last year’s 3A state title game when he broke off for a 41-yard touchdown against Union in Bellevue’s state title win. Although Bellevue will likely spread the ball throughout the backfield, it’s Nguyen who will need to step up for the Wolverines.
OL #78 Shep Klinke, Katy
At 6-foot-6, 290-pounds, Klinke is a massive force on the Katy offensive line. A Texas A&M commit, Klinke plays with a mean streak and has the size to back it up. Katy’s a run-first team, and Klinke is taller and heavier than any player that Bellevue has on the defensive line.
S #11 Nick Moyer, Bellevue
Moyer could be the best safety in the KingCo Conference this season. He’s a big kid physically, with a nose for the ball. The son of former NFL defensive back Paul Moyer will be an important part of Bellevue’s defensive plan, especially when the Wolverines need to make tackles in space on running back Will Jeffrey.
SS #25 Sam Holl, Katy
Holl is Katy’s big hitter on defense. The 6-foot-1 safety is looking for a shot at winning three-straight titles as a starter with the Tigers, having been a first-string player since his sophomore year. Holl had 20 tackles in a game last year. He’s committed to Baylor, where is sister, Holly, is a softball player.
OL/LB #5 John Kanongata’a, Bellevue
Safety Nick Moyer calls Kanongata’a the best football player he’s ever played with, and for good reason. Kanongata’a gets props from every Bellevue player as the hardest worker on the field. Coach Butch Goncharoff calls him the best linebacker the team’s had since current University of Washington starting linebacker E.J. Savannah. One other thing; Kanongata’a, at 5-foot-10, 200-pounds, is the hardest hitter on a team filled with them.
QB #7 Michael Stojkovic, Katy
Stojkovic started last season at receiver and spent some time behind center, but was injured and missed the second half of the year. He’s 11 of 29 for 130 yards this year, with two touchdowns and three interceptions, a result of a erratic play by the entire offense, said coach Gary Joseph. The Tigers will rely on its ground game but will need a big game from Stojkovic; Bellevue’s secondary is talented, fast and flies to the football. Not too many teams can make mistakes with balls in the air against the Wolverines.
RB #22 Will Fields, Bellevue
Fields has gotten better each year for Bellevue and scored 12 touchdowns a year ago. He’s a big, physical runner, but also has breakaway speed for the Wolverines. He may also see more time defensively for Bellevue at linebacker.
