Published: November 19, 2007 02:09 pm      

Stopping the Run

Cayuga's success against the running game helps Wildcats get to playoffs

By SCOTT TYLER

H-P Sports Editor



BETHEL — Many football coaches would say the key to defense is stopping the run.

For Cayuga, the ability to stop the run is one of the reasons why the Wildcats are preparing for the playoffs this week.

“In high school football, you have to be able to stop the run and we have been able to do that for most of the season,” Cayuga head coach Tommy Allison said. “For the most part we have played really good on defense.”

The Cayuga defense has allowed 18.7 points and 198 yards of offense a game. For the season, the Wildcats have only allowed 109.6 rushing yards a game and have held opponents to under 100 yards rushing in six of 10 games.

“We have a goal to hold the other team to under 100 yards and we try to aim for that each week,” sophomore Shakeal Jenkins said.

In non-district play, Cayuga held two teams — Frost and Colmesneil — to under 100 total offensive yards but during the bye week before the start of district, Allison made some changes.

“The week before district we made some changes, mainly personnel moves to get kids in the right spots,” Allison said.

The changes were made to make Cayuga a more aggressive defense.

“Coach Allison put us where we needed to be to be successful,” senior Randall Slate said. “We come up with the big stops when we need them and we have fun out there.”

In district play, Cayuga has held three teams to under 100 yards rushing including 13 yards on the ground to Cross Roads in a 56-14 win that clinched a playoff berth for the Wildcats.

“We know we have to be able to stop the run,” sophomore Melvin Shead said. “We do a good job flying to the football and gang tackling.”

The only team Cayuga has struggled against in stopping the run was No. 1 Alto, who rushed for 340 yards. Without the Alto game, Cayuga has allowed only 84 rushing yards on the season and 77.5 yards during district play.

“Other than Alto, we have done a great job on defense during district,” Allison said. “They have improved on their tackling since the beginning of the year and just keep getting better with each game.”

Allison said the aggressive style of defense has allowed Cayuga to have success against the run.

“We want to be aggressive instead of sitting on our heels and just reacting to what the offense is doing,” Allison said.

The Cayuga head coach also credits his secondary for being able to play man-on-man defense, allowing the Wildcats to commit more defenders to stopping the run.

“We have confidence in our secondary to handle the pressure and contain the pass,” Allison said. “And our front does a great job being aggressive and making plays.”

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Scott Tyler may be contacted via e-mail at styler@palestineherald.com