Getting defensive in AAA
Thursday, November 30, 2006
By RICK RYAN - The Charleston Gazette

Most times, it’s points aplenty in the Class AAA championship game.

The winning team in the big-school title game has tallied at least 24 points each of the last 10 years, and there have been scores like 69-52, 31-28, 29-22 and 27-24 in that stretch.

But don’t count on a lot of scoring in this year’s AAA finals. It’s the defenses that could be making their point instead.Both No. 1 Parkersburg (13-0) and No. 2 Martinsburg (12-1) have banked on unforgiving defenses this season as they made their way to Wheeling Island Stadium for Saturday’s noon championship game.

You want numbers that numb? The Big Reds allow just 6.4 points and 162.5 yards per game; the Bulldogs, 8.9 points and 219 yards.

Martinsburg, however, has clamped down even more in the postseason.

In games against Brooke, South Charleston and Fairmont Senior — teams averaging, respectively, 20, 27 and 33 points per game — Martinsburg allowed a combined nine points.

That’s one touchdown, which came on a trick play by Brooke in a 49-7 win. The Bulldogs also collared SC 13-2 and blasted Fairmont Senior 40-0.

“We’ve played pretty well defensively [in the playoffs],’’ said Martinsburg coach Dave Walker. “I think the difference is we played spread teams and we matched up well with those guys, athletically, with the things they did.’’

Parkersburg coach Bernie Buttrey was in attendance for Martinsburg’s semifinal win over Fairmont Senior and quarterback Kyle Allard, a Kennedy Award front-runner.“It’s just amazing what they did to Fairmont Senior,’’ Buttrey said. “Fairmont Senior was supposed to have the state’s No. 1 offense. They made a couple drives, but never really threatened too much. Obviously, Martinsburg was in control the whole game and kind of dominated them.’’

Martinsburg held the Polar Bears to 226 net yards, a week after limiting explosive South Charleston to 118 yards. Brooke managed 194.

On their other visits to Wheeling for the state finals, the Bulldogs toted Kennedy Award-winning talent such as quarterback Nate Sowers and wide receiver Brandon Barrett, both recruited to play at West Virginia University.But this year’s team carries a more defensive posture.

“Absolutely,’’ Buttrey said. “Not knowing much about them and getting a chance to see them for the first time, I was impressed with both sides of the ball. They are really noted for their offense in the past — and their offense is still very good — but the defense has caught up and looks to be just as good. Which makes them very scary.’’

Walker hopes the new look pays dividends Saturday afternoon. Martinsburg is 0-3 in the state finals since 2001.

“We’re not really flashy,’’ he said, “like maybe we were in other years when we had a couple big-name players. This is a little different chemistry and a little different team. We’ve got some good players, obviously, but it’s more of a team effort than a couple guys carrying us.’’