Red Devils’ defense locks down victory
The Germantown High School defense was in midseason, runstuffing form Friday night as the Red Devils muscled their way to a 13-3 victory over Millington on the road.
The Trojans looked good at times and actually led the game, 3- 0, at halftime. But a penaltyplagued second half — and the Red Devils’ defense — was their downfall.
“I’m really proud of the defense and the special teams,” Germantown coach Charlie White said. “On offense, we’ve got to get to work and get better.
“But I was certainly pleased with what we did on the defensive side of the ball.”
Star turns: It seemed like everyone who played a defensive snap for the Red Devils showed some star potential. Linebacker Patrick Bianchi, defensive lineman Rodney Wooden and free safety Joseph Rodgers were just a few of the biggest contributors.
Turning point: Millington still led, 3- 0, early in the third quarter when it faced third-and- one from its own 28-yard line. The Red Devils stuffed the play, forcing a punt, and it seemed like the Trojans never recovered.
Germantown took the lead, 6-3, on its next possession with a 1-yard plunge by quarterback Wesley Dacus, and the air seemed to go out of Millington and what had been a raucous crowd.
Talking points: White on the big third- quarter stop: “The body language on their sideline really seemed to change after that. They seemed to get a little down when they realized they couldn’t move the ball.”
Germantown linebacker Patrick Bianchi on the big stop and the D’s big night: “That stop was just what we needed to turn things in our direction. We still have things we need to work on – we can always tackle better – but we have a chance to be a really good defense.”
Extra points: Between penalties and plays that lost yardage, Millington went backwards an alarming 18 times during the second half. The low point was a mishandled punt snap that resulted in a Germantown score midway through the fourth quarter.
What’s next: Germantown will return home next week to host Christian Brothers, and Millington will attempt to generate more offense on the road at Brighton.