Captain Kangaroo Posted November 11, 2004 Report Share Posted November 11, 2004 Getting defensive Subscribe By Kevin Gorman TRIBUNE-REVIEW Thursday, November 11, 2004 The notoriety normally reserved for offensive stars is instead focused on the other side of the ball in the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs. All four semifinalists feature Division I prospects who are difference makers on defense. The attention will be on the defensive line when West Mifflin (6-5) and pass-rushing end Kevin Garner play West Allegheny (11-0) and run-stopping tackle C.J. Davis at North Allegheny. The secondary will be at the forefront when Blackhawk (8-3) and Jeremy Bruce meet Thomas Jefferson (9-2) and Brad Dawson at Pine-Richland. "Whether it be the playoffs or the regular season, it's a huge thing," Blackhawk coach Joe Hamilton said. "You need that leadership on defense." Aside from starring at tailback on offense, the West Virginia-bound Bruce has provided a shutdown presence for the Cougars as a cover cornerback. "Jeremy Bruce is a threat," Hamilton said. "People like to stay away from him. That's the nice thing about our defense. It's set up so we can put our best defender on their best receiver. We're not used to having that kind of speed." Neither is Thomas Jefferson, where junior linebackers Jason Kolodziej and Nate Nix have been overshadowed by Dawson. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound senior has returned three of his seven interceptions for touchdowns this season. Dawson also is receiving Division I interest at quarterback. "Dawson has been incredible," TJ coach Bill Cherpak said. "Anytime anybody tries to throw the ball, he closes down their receivers." The 6-3, 290-pound Davis helped West Allegheny shut down opposing running backs. The Indians hadn't allowed a 100-yard rusher until last week, when Hampton's Steve Paskorz ran for 145 yards. Davis provides a huge presence on the interior line, and has drawn scholarship offers from Akron, Indiana, North Carolina, Toledo and West Virginia. "If it wasn't for our defense, we probably wouldn't be here right now," Davis said. "Our offense is good, but our defense makes the difference." The same could be said at West Mifflin, where the 13th-seeded Titans have held Franklin Regional and Canon-McMillan to a combined 14 points. Garner, a 6-2, 225-pounder, is a four-year starter who has a dozen sacks this season. He has offers from Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, Can't State and Toledo. "Kevin's been playing for four years and knows there's a lot on the line," West Mifflin coach Ray Braszo said. "It's always good to have one kid who rubs off on everybody else." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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