Sports

Preps

Shutdown in these showdowns

By JOE SMITH, JOEY KNIGHT AND KEITH NIEBUHR
Published October 18, 2007

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We would be remiss in our assessment of tonight's Hillsborough-Armwood and Alonso-Chamberlain district matchups if we were to hype them as mere showdowns. They also happen to be showcases - at least for the defenses. Tonight, the planets align - in a 4-3 base formation, with a five-man front thrown in on occasion. Four of the county's top defenses converge on two local fields where, for all intents, district titles will be at stake. And of course, you know what they say about defense winning titles. But which of these four is the best? Well, in compliance with our defensive theme, we'll let you tackle that question, based on the following profiles.

Armwood (7-0)

What they run: A 4-3 alignment, with a nickel back used on occasion.

What they're allowing:The Hawks are surrendering 3.1 points and barely more than 100 total yards per game. Opponents are averaging 38.4 yards rushing and 64.6 through the air.

Best effort so far: Defensive coordinator Matt Thompson points to the season-opening 26-7 win over Plant, which has scored at least 35 points in its other five games. Using only a four-man rush (Armwood blitzed once that game), the Hawks sacked Aaron Murray eight times, forcing him to roll out almost constantly.

Who makes them go: Individually, that would be junior middle linebacker Petey Smith, but the Division I prospect has missed three games while recovering from a bladder infection that later required two abdominal surgeries. Collectively, Thompson points to his defensive front. "If you don't account for our four guys, they're going to make plays," he said.

What Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia says about them: "Stout, stout, stout. They play very well as a group and have overcome some adversity with injuries. It's going to be a great test for us, a great test for us. ... I have tremendous respect for Matt Thompson."

What Thompson says about them: "I don't even have a feel for them yet. I mean, we haven't peaked yet. ... I know the offense hasn't peaked and I know we haven't peaked."

Did you know? According to Thompson, Armwood hasn't played a game with all its starters. In addition to Smith, defensive end Sergio Joyner (torn meniscus) missed four games and strong safety Aaron Duncan (suspension, sprained ankle) missed three.

Hillsborough (6-1)

What they run: "An old-fashioned 5-2," defensive coordinator Dean Eychner says. "Anything we do from there evolves from that."

What they're allowing: In four of their six victories, not a point. In fact, the Terriers posted shutouts in 11 of the season's first 13 quarters.

Best effort so far: A 20-0 win at Chamberlain, in which Eychner's unit shut down the Chiefs on four trips inside the Terriers' 25-yard line. "We seemed to hit on all cylinders and executed our plan the way we drew it up and practiced it," Eychner said.

Who makes them go: Though linebacker Marc Thomas is the leader in total tackles (92) and defensive tackle Moses McCray (21/2 sacks) is the most-recruited player, Eychner points to strong safety Erik Fennell. Last year's starting quarterback, Fennell remains the backup. "(Fennell) has matured, he's a bright player and he's been consistent all year long," Eychner said.

What Chamberlain coach Billy Turner says about them: "They're well prepared and well organized. They don't ever line up wrong. I really admire what they've done on defense."

What Eychner says about them: "I think the effort's been there all year. ... but I'm a little disappointed in our performance in the elite games at this point. I'm proud of our guys, I'm always proud of our guys ... but for us to be considered elite, I think we need to step forward in these games and really make a statement."

Did you know? A native of upstate New York, Eychner, 41, was a quarterback in high school, but didn't play football at Cortland (N.Y.) State.

Alonso (5-2)

What they run: The Ravens' deceptive D tries to trick - then hit - you. They alternate between a 4-4 and 4-3.

What they're allowing: The aggressive Ravens have given up just nine points per game, including two shutouts.

Best effort so far: There was the domination of King, with the Ravens holding the Lions to 53 total yards in a 3-0 win. Or when they held county power Hillsborough scoreless in the first half of a 17-0 loss.

Who makes them go: Their defensive front, led by senior Jamal Crook. Crook, whose 13 sacks rank among the best in the state, combines with tackle Demonte McCallister for a potent 1-2 punch.

What coach Mike Heldt says about them: "We feel we've got the best defensive line in the county. All four are fast, they're aggressive. They setthe tone."

What Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia says about them: "I think they've really got one of the better defenses in the county. ... Oh, heavens yes, (they've come a long way). The first year we won 68-0 with a running clock. This one was a battle royal. Alonso made our team better."

Did you know? The Ravens have 28 sacks in seven games. Their biggest improvement was their secondary, led by tailback-turned-cornerback Chris Frierson and seniors Dion Price and Skip Pryce.

Chamberlain (5-2)

What they run: A 4-3 defense that likes to attack. The Chiefs blitz about 50 percent of the time, primarily with their linebackers, but sometimes with their defensive backs.

What they're allowing: Nine points a game. The Chiefs have three shutouts.

Best effort so far: Against East Bay's grind-it-out wishbone offense, Chamberlain won 31-0 and held the Indians to 78 total yards. East Bay had five first downs and averaged less than 3 yards a carry.

Who makes them go: DB Justin Bell. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound senior leads the team in tackles. He's one of the county's fastest defenders and is versatile enough to also play outside linebacker. For good measure, he has six blocked kicks.

What Chamberlain coach Billy Turner says about them: "Our guys really run to the ball. We have good team speed. Our tackles aren't very fast, but they're quick. The other nine guys can really run. They're all like in the 4.6 (seconds in the 40-yard dash) neighborhood."

What East Bay coach Brian Thornton says about them: "They're big up front. And I thought they had very good speed. We've always moved the ball on (Chamberlain) in the past, even years they beat us. But they stoned us (this season). They dominated us at the line of scrimmage."

Did you know? Chamberlain starts nine seniors on defense. ... Because the Chiefs have only 34 players, there isn't much depth. In a typical game, only 14 see action on defense.

[Last modified October 18, 2007, 00:02:19]

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