Sat Nov 21 2009
By TIM McDONOUGH
Coming off a tough loss last Friday against Lima Shawnee, the Bulldogs of Defiance won't find the schedule any easier this week. In fact, Defiance hits the road to take on the high-flying, state-ranked Kenton Wildcats, the only team without a loss in the Western Buckeye League.
Long-time DHS mentor Jerry Buti knows his Bulldogs (4-3, 4-2 WBL) are in for some test when they hit the field to battle Maty Mauk and the Wildcats (6-1, 6-0 WBL), who are ranked No. 9 in the state in Division IV.
"The thing that our seniors need to realize is this is their last shot to do something beyond the ordinary," said Buti. "Our seniors have one game left to do something nobody expects them to do and that is beat Kenton. Our kids know though, the greater the challenge ... the greater the victory."
Going up against the WBL's leading passer in Mauk and the top offense in the league won't be easy for the Defiance defense.
Mauk (6-2, 185, soph.) comes in having thrown for 2,512 yards on 207-of-320 passing with 26 TDs and 10 interceptions. Mauk is also among the top 10 rushers in the WBL, having run for 459 yards on 85 carries with 8 more TDs.
Said Buti: "Mauk is bigger, he's more physical, his arm strength is better and he throws the ball better than he did last year, although it's tough to believe that. He's just very accurate. What you've got to do defensively is pressure him and make him throw the ball while he's moving his feet. You've got to try and confuse him, if you can.
While Mauk gets most of the acclaim, having the top four receivers in the WBL certainly helps. Max Morrison (6-1, 165, junior) has 50 catches for 745 yards and 10 TDs, Dustin Howell (6-1, 180, junior) has 46 catches for 425 yards and 8 scores, Daniel Lombardo (5-11, 175, senior) had 39 catches for 313 yards and 3 TDs and Andrew Tillman (5-10, 160, junior) has 34 receptions for 404 yards and 5 scores.
Of course Buti is impressed with Mauk's targets, but for more than just their ability to catch the football.
"The thing about Kenton is, their receivers can all the catch the ball, but what makes them stand out is their blocking on the perimeter is amazing," said Buti. "Anybody can be taught to catch the ball, but to be able to block physically and aggressively like they do, that's what makes their offense go. They allow their guys to run with the ball after the catch, which is the most underrated aspect of their offense."
So how do you defense the Kenton offense?
Said Buti: "You can bring your three or four man rush, keep Mauk in front of you and drop into your zone. You can bring six guys and lock up the receivers in man-to-man and try to get to Mauk, but when you do that he throws the ball very quick. And, have a combination of both, but that's tough to do too. It's just a very tough offense to defense."
Linebackers Zach Dempsey and Max Peter continue to pace the Bulldogs in tackles, with Dempsey leading DHS with 72 stops with 2 sacks, while Peter has 69 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks. Tackles Dominic Jones (49 tackles, 2 1/2 sacks) and Jake Suman (33 tackles) will anchor the front.
Stepping into the spotlight this week will be the secondary. Alex Nofziger, Aaron Swanson, Derron Pritchett, Nick Lopez, Evyn George and most likely Ryan Cordray will have the task of trying to slow Kenton's receivers.
Of course, one way to slow down Kenton's offense is not let them on the field. Possessing the football this week will be a top priority for the DHS offense, against a Kenton defense that Buti thinks is underrated.
"That's name of the game is to keep their offense off the field by possessing the football," agreed Buti. "It's easier said than done though. We think we have a good plan and of course running the football is what we think we do best. We've got to try and get first downs and not give them a short field as much as possible when we do have to punt.
"But, nobody talks about Kenton's defense, but it's very, very good," continued Buti. "The Fackler kid at middle linebacker is the son of their defensive coordinator, you don't think he knows that defense inside and out? If he doesn't he probably doesn't get any supper. Any time Kenton has had a good inside backer they've been good and they certainly do this year."
Mark Fackler (6-4, 230, senior) is the second-leading tackler in the WBL with 105 tackles, while also coming up with three interceptions. Up front, Scot Gammon (5-11, 180, junior, 86 tackles) Lucas King (6-3, 285, senior) and Weston Burnworth (5-10, 250, senior) anchor the defensive front, while Brice Fackler (6-3, 195, soph.) has five picks at safety.
Although two games back of Kenton heading into the game in the WBL title chase, Buti isn't giving up hope just yet.
"The league race isn't over yet, and we're not out of it, but our candle is flickering in a strong wind and it's not looking good," concluded Buti. "I'm looking for our guys to play all-out and see what happens. You're playing the best team in the league, what do we really have to lose? The bottom line is we're looking forward to the challenge."
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