The Hit Squad: Top Tacklers Wreaking Havoc

Defense wins championships, and these relentless tacklers proved why they were the backbone of their teams. From sideline-to-sideline range to disruptive plays in the backfield, these defenders made their presence felt every snap. Here's a look at the state's top tacklers who left offenses battered and bruised.    Ramirez showcased his ability to track down ball carriers with 73 total tackles, including 38 solo stops. His four tackles for loss and lone sack highlighted his knack for shooting gaps and making plays behind the line of scrimmage.     Mitchell racked up 73 tackles with 34 solo efforts as a do-it-all defender in the secondary. His 9.5 tackles for loss and two sacks proved he wasn't just a cover man—he thrived in the box. Adding four QB hurries, an interception, two PBUs, and a blocked field goal, he consistently impacted games in multiple ways.     Louis patrolled the middle of the field ferocity, tallying 73 tackles, including 43 solo. His four tackles for loss and five sacks made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, while six QB hurries and three forced fumbles cemented his ability to create havoc.     The young linebacker played beyond his years, logging 72 total tackles with 49 solo efforts. His five tackles for loss and a sack showcased his ability to get downhill, while three QB hurries and a fumble recovery rounded out a well-balanced defensive season.     Bolyston was a disruptive force in the trenches, tallying 72 tackles and an astounding 22 tackles for loss. His 2.5 sacks and four QB hurries reflected his ability to penetrate the backfield, while three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery demonstrated his turnover-inducing ability.     Few defenders were as consistent as Nhaha, who registered 71 solo tackles on the season. His ball-hawking skills were on full display with three interceptions, while a forced fumble showcased his ability to separate the football from ball carriers.     Lazzaro was a jack-of-all-trades on defense, securing 71 tackles (41 solo). His nine tackles for loss and a sack highlighted his ability to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage, while two PBUs made quarterbacks think twice about throwing his way.     Another key contributor for Rampart, Werth made an impact with 71 tackles, including 15 for loss. His three sacks and three QB hurries showed his effectiveness as a pass rusher, while two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries demonstrated his ability to make game-changing plays.     Gray's instincts and sideline-to-sideline speed allowed him to rack up 70 tackles. His three tackles for loss, three QB hurries, and two interceptions made him a threat at every level of the defense. Six PBUs, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries rounded out an exceptional season.    The 2024 season was stacked with defensive stalwarts who made their presence felt all season. Whether they were shutting down the run, pressuring quarterbacks, or forcing turnovers, these players proved to be difference-makers as they prepare for the next level—whether college football or another season of high school dominance—these defenders have cemented their reputations as some of the best tacklers in the state. Keep an eye on them because their impact on the gridiron is far from over.

Defense wins championships, and these relentless tacklers proved why they were the backbone of their teams. From sideline-to-sideline range to disruptive plays in the backfield, these defenders made their presence felt every snap. Here's a look at the state's top tacklers who left offenses battered and bruised.