Week 7 Players to Watch in the Concho Valley

SAN ANGELO, TX-- It's time to know who you need to keep an eye on in week 7 of high school football in the Concho Valley.

With a number of big matchups, it's tough to limit the list to three.

Two of the three come from arguably the biggest matchup in the area: Menard vs Miles.

Mason Bryan, Miles Bulldogs, RB, Sr.

Bryan is one of many players who have flourished in Charles Boles first year at Miles.

His senior leadership has also been instrumental in the rapid turnaround for the Bulldogs.

It's no secret that Bryan will see the lion's share of touches in their clash with Menard. The two teams live and die by the run.

Last time out, Bryan was held in check in the first half against Munday. He was held to 26 yards rushing on 12 carries.

He proved he couldn't be kept quiet in the second half. Bryan posted 91 yards and the eventual game-winning touchdown on seven carries in that second half.

But it will be the battle of dueling running backs on Friday night and Menard has a pretty good back of their own.

Christian Salazar, Menard Yellowjackets, RB, Sr.

As Salazar goes, so, too, do the Yellowjackets.

Last year, Salazar was the fifth-best rusher in the state with 1,750 yards rushing.

This year, some teams have had an answer for Salazar's physical running style and the Yellowjackets are 3-2 entering district play. Last year, Menard was 4-1 at this point.

Menard is still dangerous, though and Salazar will be another focal point of the long standing rivalry.

If Bryan and Salazar get momentum Friday night, the game will likely turn into a shootout.

Gage Weishuhn, Wall Hawks, DE, Sr.

Wall's defense has stepped up over the last two weeks. That's partly because Weishuhn has been a senior leader for the Hawks' defense throughout the year, as expected.

Weishuhn is tied for the team lead in sacks with four. The senior is also locked in a three-way tie for the team lead in tackles for a loss with five. 

This week the Hawks get their first test in the tough District 3-3A Division I with a trip to Clyde on Friday.

Much like the Menard-Miles game will be a battle of running backs, Wall's game will be a battle of two stout defenses.

Over the last two games, Wall has found their defensive stride. They're allowing 16 points and 263.5 yards per game.

On the flip side, Clyde held No. 9-ranked Stamford to just 13 points last week. The week prior, Stamford posted 90 points and is regarded as one of the top offenses in the lower classifications.

With Weishuhn being a senior leader, he will be looked to in order to set the tone.