The Best of 2A Defense: Celebrating Each Region's DPOY

<p>In 2A football, there's always that one player on defense who becomes the backbone of their team — a linebacker who never misses a tackle, a defensive back who seems to be everywhere at once, or a defensive lineman who dominates the line of scrimmage. These Defensive Players of the Year (DPOY) embody grit, toughness, and a relentless drive to keep their opponents at bay. Let's meet the players who anchored their defenses and made game-changing plays across each 2A region this season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A Agua Fria</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Thaine Cook was a tackling machine for Camp Verde, racking up an impressive 114 total tackles, including 78 solo tackles in just seven games. Cook's consistency and ability to read plays made him a nightmare for opposing offenses, often attacking running lanes without hesitation, and meeting ball carriers head-on in the gap. He's incredibly versatile as a smaller-framed inside backer, able to do a nice job in coverage when asked. Cook also added two interceptions and was instrumental in forcing turnovers with four fumble recoveries on the year. His relentless motor and quick reactions made him a cornerstone of Camp Verde's defense, averaging 16.3 tackles a game.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A Black</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='954414' first='Brock' last='Haws'] practically lived in the backfield for Pima this season, totaling an impressive 36 tackles for loss out of his 100 total tackles. Haws was a force on the defensive line, constantly disrupting plays before they had a chance to develop. His ability to get off blocks and attack the quarterback resulted in 16.5 sacks on the year, along with 27 quarterback hurries that kept offenses on their heels. Haws does a great job of mixing in both speed and power with his rushes, driving offensive linemen back and quickly peeling off of blocks when needed. He also excels at keeping his eyes on the ball carrier, ensuring he doesn't overpursue and always remains in position to make a play. Haws showed what a well-rounded defender he can be, making an impact in multiple facets of the game. His dominance on the defensive line was a key factor in Pima's success this season.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A Gila</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Jayden Kloth made his presence felt on the defensive front for Tonopah Valley with an explosive drive off the ball that was simply unmatched by most offensive linemen. Kloth's quick first step allowed him to get the jump on blockers, giving him a significant advantage from the snap. When linemen were able to get their hands on him, he did an excellent job of using his hands effectively to fight off blocks and find his way into the backfield. This relentless approach earned him 9 sacks and 6 tackles for loss over the course of the season, with 22 quarterback hurries that left offenses scrambling. Kloth's tenacity and quickness made him a constant threat, and his relentless motor kept him fighting through blocks to make key stops. His strong season helped anchor the Tonopah Valley defense and earned him the region's Defensive Player of the Year.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A Little Colorado</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Christian Lerma was a reliable force for Holbrook's defense. Often tasked with covering the wide side of the field, he did a nice job of playing the run without jeopardizing his coverage responsibilities. Lerma's quick reactions and solid tackling in space allowed him to rack up 97 total tackles over the course of the season, with six of those being tackles for loss. Lerma's coverage skills were impressive, he showed great awareness and quick reactions to stick with his assignment and limit big plays. His ability to read plays ensured that he was always in the right spot to make a difference, making him a dependable presence on the field.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A Salt</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Lamario Claiborne was a dominant force on the defensive side for Heritage Academy Laveen. He consistently found himself in the backfield, thanks in part to his long strides that helped him quickly gain depth and wreak havoc on opposing offenses. Claiborne totaled 33 tackles for loss and 16 sacks over the season, using his explosiveness to blow past blockers and disrupt plays before they could develop. He also made a significant impact by forcing six fumbles, showing his clear focus on attacking the football whenever he made a tackle. Claiborne's relentless approach and athleticism made him a player that offenses struggled to contain.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A San Pedro</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Ismael Cuevas was a reliable playmaker for Willcox, always stepping up when his team needed him. His quick feet were a big part of his success, helping him get to the ball carrier quickly and stick with shifty slot receivers when needed. Cuevas finished the season with 94 tackles, showing just how dependable he was at bringing guys down all over the field. He wasn't afraid to take on lead blockers either, blowing up plays without worrying about the contact so his teammates could finish the job. On top of that, he racked up three sacks and forced two fumbles, always looking to make a big impact. Whether it was against the run or in coverage, Cuevas made his presence felt every game.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A Verde</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1353915' first='Braydon' last='Tatko'] was a force in the middle for Scottsdale Christian, doing an excellent job of controlling the trenches against the run. Tatko's strength started with his feet—he planted them firmly and stayed square, making it almost impossible for opposing linemen to push him out of a play. His upper body strength allowed him to drive linemen back, keeping them on their heels and giving him room to work with. Tatko finished the season with 69 total tackles, including seven tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage. He also recorded two sacks and had a knack for making key stops in short-yardage situations. His presence in the middle was a huge reason why Scottsdale Christian's defense was so effective against the run this season.</p>

In 2A football, there's always that one player on defense who becomes the backbone of their team — a linebacker who never misses a tackle, a defensive back who seems to be everywhere at once, or a defensive lineman who dominates the line of scrimmage. These Defensive Players of the Year (DPOY) embody grit, toughness, and a relentless drive to keep their opponents at bay. Let's meet the players who anchored their defenses and made game-changing plays across each 2A region this season.