Don't forget about defenses at McKinley, Hoover
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Chris Beaven, Canton Repository
The McKinley and Hoover high school football teams both feature game-breaking tailbacks who claim their share of headlines.
But focus too much on the star tailbacks, and you might miss a big reason why those teams win games — their defenses.
“Our defense has been exceptional,” said McKinley coach Ron Johnson, whose team hosts Perry on Saturday.
McKinley’s defense has not given up more than two touchdowns in any of its four Federal League games. That has helped the Bulldogs win all four to take a half-game lead in the conference standings.
The Vikings have been even more stingy, giving up 16 points total in three league games — all wins. They visit Fitch tonight.
Hoover coach Don Hertler Jr. thought the unit was “outstanding” a week ago in limiting Boardman to 51 rushing yards. Boardman rushed for 423 yards the previous week.
“If we can continue that, stopping the run, and keeping the passing game in front of us, we’ll be in every game,” Hertler said.
Boardman took advantage of a short field twice for a field goal and a touchdown. Otherwise, the Vikings may have shut out the Spartans.
“The defense also came up with the big plays,” Hertler said.
Linebackers Tim Hartzell and Erick Howard each made key interceptions. Howard usually makes his biggest impact at tailback, where he’s gained 1,041 yards this season.
Hartzell, Roman Musisca and Jordan Witt are the starters at linebacker. The latter two also play tailback, but with Howard able to handle the load running the ball, Musisca and Witt can focus on defense.
“It’s given us a chance to let those guys develop as linebackers, ” Hertler said. “They’re both very active, and they’re starting to figure things out better each week.”
Other returning starters are defensive backs Jeff Meek and Dan Nettleton, defensive end Dom Boyle and nose guard Mike Kohler
“I’d say a majority of these guys are starting to play like seniors, ” Hertler said. “They were in more complementary roles last year, and they didn’t have to carry us. They’re stepping up now.”
McKinley’s defense is physical and versatile as Johnson makes sure to teach them a variety of positions.
“That allows us ... to understand the whole big picture of how the defense works together,” he said.
McKinley also plays two-platoon football. So when big-play threats Monterae Williams and Bryce Wilder lead the offense, Bulldog defenders are resting. McKinley takes keeping guys fresh a step further by using a rotation at most positions.
The two end slots feature combinations of Steve Miller, Mike Weir and Fred Johnson. Greg Korocedes, Jamaal McClain and Daryl Lee share the two tackle spots.
Jewone Snow is the anchor at middle linebacker. Outside linebacker features Ronald Gillom, Patrick Hunter and Freddie Burton.
Burton also can slide into the secondary at strong safety. Strong safety Derrick Gordon sometimes moves up to linebacker. Others in the secondary are Anthony Snell, Brice Everett, Jamon McClain and Desmond Johnson.
Johnson loves the results. “They will strike you. They’re physical, and they tackle exceptionally well.”
If both defenses lead the way to another win this weekend, it sets up quite a showdown next Friday when McKinley hosts Hoover.
NETWORK
Hoover High School linebackers: L-R LB senior Tim Hartzell, junior Jordan Witt and junior Roman Musisca.
Hoover Vikings Football
Hoover Vikings Football
Canton McKinley Bulldogs Game Preview
