Bee’s Best: Rocklin Thunder’s Eli Hardy wins Prep of the Week for big playoff performance
Eli Hardy had his best defensive game of his Rocklin High School football career right when his team needed it most.
In facing a fast, physical and prolific Jesuit team in a Sac-Joaquin Section Division II quarterfinal, Hardy produced 10 tackles, eight of them solo, and had an interception in an inspired victory, and the momentum continued into this week.
Hardy is The Bee’s Prep of the Week winner through fan voting.
With Hardy’s defensive effort and with Elias Brown and Mason Silva combining to rush for four touchdowns, the Thunder prevailed 34-13 and play at top-seeded Manteca in a semifinal Friday.
Hardy is a 5-foot-10, 175-pound senior who also handles the ball as a runner and receiver.
“Great kid that demonstrates leadership in every possible way,” Rocklin coach Jason Adams said of Hardy. “Hungry, humble, hard working and tough. Loves the weight room, conditioning, tackling and scoring touchdowns.”
And winning.
This story was originally published November 18, 2022 at 2:23 PM.