Unity, experience drives defensive success for OHS

November 13, 2019 | 1:10 am

Updated November 13, 2019 | 1:11 am

Unity and experience have been key for Owensboro's defensive success this season. | File photo by Ryan Richardson

Owensboro’s defense is arguably one of the best of any football team in the state, and their success largely boils down to hard work and unity.

It starts up front with a defensive line that can wreak havoc in opponents’ backfields, but the Red Devils have gotten plenty of help from the linebackers and secondary alike.

“They play really hard as a unit, and that’s what defense comes down to,” said head coach Jay Fallin. “You better have 11 guys who play hard, and we do. We have about 18 guys who rotate with varsity defense, and they all get out there and do a nice job.”

Through 11 games so far, OHS has allowed 67 total points — tied for third fewest of any team in Kentucky — and they’ve recorded five shutouts.

Senior nose tackle Yovani Sales, who is second on the team with 48 tackles and 9.5 sacks, said the Red Devils have made it a point to keep teams out of the end zone.

“When you play well and play as a unit, that’s just what happens,” he said. “Then you start to take pride in it as you go on and show how good you can play. We have played as a unit and everybody has come together to do the best we can to keep other teams from scoring.”

Fellow senior Kobe Skortz, who has played several positions this year, leads the team with 67 tackles and 11.5 sacks. He said years of playing together is a major factor in the camaraderie of this year’s team.

“We’ve been working together since middle school,” he said. “This year we’ve been trying to go hard and give everything we’ve got. Everyone on our defense has worked together to create team success.”

Owensboro has forced 21 total turnovers this year, including 14 fumble recoveries and seven interceptions. Cameron Thompson leads the team with four recoveries, while Julius Eberhart has a team-high four picks.

While Fallin gives credit to the entire unit, he said the defensive line’s ability to create pressure is especially important.

“A stat that’s not kept on the KHSAA website that’s valuable is pass breakups,” Fallin said. “We’re able to get our hands on the ball a lot. That’s just as vital as any statistic on defense because odds are if you get your hands on it, the other team’s not catching it.”

Sales said despite a solid 2018 campaign by the Red Devils, he still didn’t expect such a strong showing this year until the season got nearer.

“I honestly didn’t (expect this much success on defense),” he said. “But then as the summer went along, I feel like people had the mindset of having something to prove.”

Fallin and his coaching staff always had plenty of confidence in their experience-laden group, and the players have risen to the occasion week in and week out.

“I’m really proud of the way the varsity group prepares,” Fallin said. “That’s what sets them up for success. People come out on Friday and see the product of success, but it starts with the preparation Sunday through Thursday.”

As the Red Devils prepare to take on Graves County this week in the second round of the state playoffs, Sales said the mindset going forward is simple.

“Continue to play with unity,” he said. “Let’s continue to shut people out.”

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November 13, 2019 | 1:10 am

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