Gritty Dragons' defense proving its mettle

JEFFERSON -- Casual followers of the Jefferson football team certainly can see the obvious: a light bulb-popping offense, flashy stats, blowout wins. But for the insiders, they understand that the REAL secret to the headline-grabbing offense may actually reside on the other side of the ball. The Dragons defense has been downright nasty in 2014 yielding just 105 total points (8.9 ppg) and no opponent has been able to put up more than 16 in a game, managed by both Morgan County and Oconee County. They will be put to the test Friday night against Blessed Trinity in the Class AAA quarterfinals. Both teams come in undefeated at 12-0 and the Dragons rank just ahead of the Titans in both offense and defense in Class AAA. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Stadium and will be broadcast on 102.9 FM. Despite yielding a touchdown or less in eight games, including just one touchdown each in their two playoff wins, the unit's signature game may have come in the regular season finale against Hart County. They held the powerful Bulldogs to just 14 points, including a late goal line stand in the final two minutes to preserve the win. Jefferson coach Ben Hall said early on the defense would have to carry his team until the offense could find its legs. But even he was a little surprised at the tenacity of the group as a whole. "We had (QB) Evan (Shirreffs) coming back and (RB) Sammy (Williams) but it was an inexperienced group in some spots and it always takes a little longer for the offense to jell," Hall said. "But I was impressed from the opening game [a 50-14 domination of Rabun County]. Coach (Tom) Parker and his staff have done a tremendous job every year but this is a special group I think." Parker, who has been the defensive coordinator since 2007, said their philosophy isn't rocket science. "We try to make the other team earn their points," Parker said. "No big plays. We teach our guys not to guess but to remember their reads and get in the right spot to make the play. "We want to get the other team off the field and give our offense the opportunity to do something. I think it's worked out pretty good so far." Turnovers also are a big part of their success. The Dragons have forced 22 takeaways in 2014, including 17 interceptions. Kendrick Robinson (5) and Traad Porter (4) have terrorized opposing receivers all year with nine combined picks and the defense as a whole has 39 pass breakups on the season, an average of more than three a game. "The Hart County game was a great example," Parker said. "They scored twice but it took long drives. It showed the resiliency of our group. We also forced two interceptions to stop drives. "The stand at the end we read their run plays correctly and got pressure on their quarterback on the final pass. Our guys up front have been great all year." Seniors Cole Stanfill and Michael Paolozzi and juniors Joseph Randolph and Deshon Lester have given the Dragons a solid foundation on the line. Senior linebacker Trent Sorrells and senior safety Porter have been instrumental leaders on the field. Porter (80) and Sorrells (70) lead the team in tackles and Sorrells leads the team in tackles for loss with 13 on the season. "Those two guys in particular have been tremendous for us. They stay calm and keep the guys focused on the field," Parker said. "They were around when we won the title and have been able to draw on some of that experience." However, when comparisons to the 2012 unit -- which was instrumental in the playoffs in helping lead the Dragons to the state title -- come up, Parker is hesitant to to acknowledge it. "Two different defenses entirely," he said. "The 2012 group was a unique group in that it was a big play-making unit and a little more free-wheeling. This group has playmaking ability but it's a little more physical than that group, especially up front. "Is this group good enough to help us win a title? Absolutely. Without a doubt. It just will do it in its own style if we get that far." Hall said they will need perhaps the best effort of the season against a Blessed Trinity offense that is just as explosive as the Dragons. The Titans are averaging 38.8 ppg on the season but have upped the pace in the playoffs averaging 45 ppg so far. "Blessed Trinity is definitely one of the best teams in the state," Hall said. "They have turned it up some in the playoffs. Our defense will have to play probably its best game of the season so far but I feel they'll be up to the challenge." The Dragons are certainly no stranger to challenges. They play in what has to be considered the toughest region in Class AAA. Besides Jefferson, both Hart County and Elbert County are among the top eight teams still alive in the playoffs. Hall said the success of all three should not come as a surprise. "We played a tough schedule, as did those two teams, and when you play that many high-caliber teams plus a tough non-region schedule, it usually shows up in the playoffs with experience and toughness," Hall said. "It's a strong region and is showing that in the playoffs. Blessed Trinity will be tough, make no mistake. But we've played tough teams all year and I'm sure our guys will be ready."