LJ FB: Defensive highlights of the first three games

"M" back Anthony Stanley had 27 tackles in the

Vikings' first three contests.

(Photo by Ed Piper)

Connor Walton stands out in defensive numbers from La Jolla High's first three football games with a notable 31 tackles. Walton is followed by linebacker Anthony Stanley with 27, Da'Jour Tims 22, and Mike Deiro 20.

One thing that affects the Viking defense is the fact that the LJHS hurry-up offense means more plays from scrimmage, but more plays by the opposition offense as well. That means that the red and black defenders are out there a lot. This was really apparent in the game at Fallbrook in week 3, when the two teams' offenses alternated scoring touchdown after touchdown. A whopping 107 points were scored in the game.

Another fact in high school football is that many players go both ways, playing offense and defense. So, right after Carter Simington, for example, catches a pass and the Vikings score, he has to go right back out there on defense to try to stop the opponent. There isn't a lot of breathing time on the sidelines.

Da'Jour Tims (being stretched) had 22 tackles

in the first three games from his safety position.

(Photo by Ed Piper)

But each of the teams La Jolla has played so far has had to face the same challenge. Bishop's, which La Jolla played in week 2, employs many players on both platoons. Bishop's has a small student body. Fallbrook utilized up to eight different backs carrying the ball, but several Warrior offensive players were also laboring for the defense. Fallbrook won on a late touchdown in the fourth quarter.

The two-way factor can be enervating, but it can also super-charging, if players are fired up and being effective. Bishop's Bulla Graft carried for multiple touchdowns against the Vikings, while also playing the whole game at safety. It really depends on the particular player and particular game.

I remember a friend who played football for a rival school in high school talking about the hot baths and recovery he went through after each game. He was a tight end, doing a lot of blocking. His body was pretty banged up after the game. Then it would recover over the next few days. It was worth it to him: his high school, Rio Mesa, won the CIF AAA title in the Southern Section.


Copyright 2014 Ed Piper