SWMO Defensive "Mid-Season Film Review"

Everyone loves the high-scoring offenses that thrive in the Southwest region of Missouri. I must admit it's always fun to see a high-scoring football game in the Midwest. But at the end of the day, as cliché as it sounds, defense wins football games.   These six young defensive all-stars have been playing lights out so far in 2025.    I'm already a huge fan of Washington.   I'm not sure if there is a linebacker playing better in Southwest, Missouri than [player_tooltip player_id='1621650' first='Deric' last='Washington']. He has been nothing short of magnificent for the Glendale Falcons. There were times last year when he struggled with trusting his eyes and relied on pure athletic ability. This year, it seems he has put it all together and is playing his best football in his young career.   Washington's junior year was eye-opening, midway through his senior year every college program would be lucky to grab this kid.      Haymes has been a defensive monster for the Ozark Tigers.   Haymes has entered his junior year with a point to prove. In his sophomore year, Haymes played like a player wise beyond his years; he was a game-changing tight end for the Tigers and posed a mismatch for defenses every time Haymes went out for a pass.   Now, at the midpoint of the 25-26 football season, Haymes has really caught my eye on the defensive side of the ball. Playing this year out on the edge, Haymes has virtually been unstoppable. He's still working on refining his pass rush moves, and is very raw, but just screams potential for a college program.      Jariah Clark has really stepped up his game this year.   Clark was already a well-proven prospect last year. In the year 25-26 Clark has only continued to exceed expectations by playing lights out on the defensive side of the football. Clark can play any spot in the secondary and play it at a very high level.   Clark is a very unique type of player in the sense that his instincts are off the charts. He always seems to be at the right place, at the right time. While also showing he can be an imposing finisher as a tackler.   2025 has already been a great year for Clark; a strong finish will only solidify more colleges to come his way.     Neier has really caught my eye in 2025.   Every defensive coach in college football loves a player who can set the edge. A player who can also bend the corner and pressure the quarterback will no doubt earn himself a spot on a college football roster. Bentley Neier is very much on his way to being on a college football roster.   Neier has everything you look for when you imagine an edge prospect. He stands 6'5, 235 pounds with long arms and a motor that never quits.   I'm going to keep a close eye on Neier, and colleges will do the same.     One of the most consistently underrated athletes in Southwest Missouri.   Dickerson is a player who always seems to make plays. The former Central Bulldog turned Parkview Viking has been criminally underrated for far too long. Regardless of his overall size, Dickerson is a highly functioning, cerebral athlete who deserves just as much recognition as all the other defensive backs in the area.   Not only is he a great athlete, but he is a vocal leader that is great for any college locker room let alone a college roster.   Dickerson doesn't deserve to be labeled underrated anymore; he has done far enough to earn his college offers.

Everyone loves the high-scoring offenses that thrive in the Southwest region of Missouri. I must admit it's always fun to see a high-scoring football game in the Midwest. But at the end of the day, as cliché as it sounds, defense wins football games.