Big plays by defense help Wildcats take down Patriots
Defenses aren't usually smiling when they walk off the field after surrendering 34 points. But, El Dorado, after subtracting the 10 points the Wildcats' defense scored and the 14 points allowed late in the game, felt pretty good after watching the film of Friday night's 45-34 win at Marion.
El Dorado (2-3, 2-0) led 30-20 at the half and 45-20 going into the fourth quarter.
“I'm really proud of our guys coming out and fighting, even though we didn't seem to have our best stuff,” said defensive coordinator Trey Outlaw. “They fought really hard and they never quit, ended up scoring 10 points on defense alone. You can never be upset when your defense puts 10 points on the board with two safeties and a touchdown. But there are some things we need to clean up going into this week against Sylvan (Hills).
“The good news about it is, it's something we have video evidence of that we can show our players and it's something we can go and fix. It's not an effort thing.”
The Patriots had a pair of 80-yard touchdown drives in the first half and another 12-play drive resulted in a 26-yard field goal.
“The first half was not our best half,” Outlaw said. “But you go back and watch the second half and the adjustments we made at halftime. You really like how our defense comes out and plays the second half, shuts them out the third quarter.”
The Wildcats forced three turnovers, including a 75-yard fumble return by Jyrin Steward in the second quarter. Mario Ganter had two interceptions, broke up two passes and had six tackles. Damarian Rester had seven tackles and stopped a Marion back in the end zone for a safety.
Hollis McCuien led the team in total tackles with nine from his
safety position. Whalen Snowden had eight tackles with one tackle for loss. Patrick Sixbey had seven tackles and a sack. Javin Steward had six tackles. Jyrin Steward, Ahmayus Young and PJ Denkins had five tackles apiece. Denkins broke up two passes.
Other players who stood out, according to Outlaw, included Cameron Margis, who had three tackles, playing defensive line.
“Nick Wilson, as always was fun to watch,” said Outlaw. “Lots of plays we saw on film where the ball is thrown down the field, complete pass or incomplete pass, you see him down with the secondary because he just turned and ran.
“Jyrin Steward had a big, big scoop and score. It was fun to watch that on film because you saw 10 other guys in the end zone with him as he crossed the line.”
The fumble return proved to be the momentum switch that the Wildcats would never relinquish.
El Dorado is scheduled to host Sylvan Hills this week.
“Big challenge this week playing the flexbone,” said Outlaw. “We’re very thankful that we played Magnolia earlier this year, so it won’t be a foreign offense to our defense. That will give us an advantage but it’s still an offense you don’t get to see a whole lot. We’re really looking forward to the challenge.”