Glades Central's defensive line has been taking care of business

Thursday, November 12, 2009
by Joseph Kairalla

One of the biggest questions Glades Central High football coach Jessie Hester had entering this season has, after nine games, been answered: The Raiders' defensive line is getting the job done.

"There's no question about it, they've been great," Hester said, as his Raiders (9-0) prepare to host Pahokee (6-3) in the annual Muck Bowl, 6 p.m. Saturday.

But Hester was concerned in the off-season, knowing that the defensive line returned only one starter in senior defensive end Isiah Corbett.

Since then, however, the line — a rotation made up of Corbett, Robert Way, Everon Morgan, Michael Smith and Delbert Clarke — is playing above expectations. While Central's offense is as potent as ever (scoring 330 points this season), the line has anchored a defense that's allowed only 58 points.

"They've been unbelievable, their progression was somewhat expected but the level they've played at has been unreal," Hester said.

It's a line that puts so much pressure on the opposing quarterback, Glades Central doesn't have to rely on blitzing as much as other teams. The Raiders blitz only two to three times a game.

"There's no need to blitz," said Hester, who played 11 seasons in the NFL. "Those guys are so big and quick, they're able to do everything themselves."

The line has accounted for more than 50 tackles for losses and 30 sacks, led by Way (11) and Clarke (five), while allowing less than 80 yards rushing per game. But those staggering numbers aren't what impress Hester the most.

"It's what they allow the guys playing behind them to do," he said. "Our linebackers and defensive backs never have to worry about anything but filling their gaps and playing their schemes. They know the guys up front are going to take care of their business."

Partly because of the job of the line, the Raiders' loaded secondary — featuring top-tier Div. I prospects Greg Dent (oral commitment to Miami) and Travis Bell (oral commitment to West Virginia) — have combined for nine interceptions this season.

They know the impact the line creates and, without them, their individual success would suffer.

"We don't have to worry about attacking the quarterback because they get there so fast," Dent said. "That allows us to just sit back and make plays."

Still, Saturday's showdown with Pahokee may present a big challenge for Glades Central — stopping the Blue Devils' talented receivers, which includes former Raiders receiver-turned-running back Fred Pickett.

Hester knows stopping Pahokee starts with his defensive line, and he has faith they'll come through.

"They're the most important part of our team right now," said Hester. "They've been playing as an 'A-plus' unit all year and this week should be the same thing."