Sectional Standouts: Highlighting Defensive Performances

We're heading to the defensive side of the ball today to highlight some of the better defensive performances of the week.    Ogden put together one of his best games of the year when they needed it most. South Vigo came to play, and they found themselves in a heavy-hitting game. Ogden was playing with a sense of urgency that you need when it's do or die. He ended the game with 12 tackles, 1 TFL, an interception, and then forced a fumble. It was a complete game from him from start to finish, and I liked how physical he was.     Aytch is the senior leader for the defensive front and a big part of why they've had the year they've had. Friday was no different, and he disrupted the McCutcheon game plan from the start. He was in the backfield all night creating pressure, getting TFLs, and forcing the QB to make quick decisions. He ended the game with 11 tackles, 4 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, and 6 hurries. Jefferson looks to keep the momentum rolling, and if they are, Aytch is pivotal.     Mallory and the North defense were in a slugfest against Central, and while they came up just short, Mallory did his part. He was all over the field and made tackle after tackle. He was in the QB's face and was an issue for the Central running game. He ended the night with a game-high 20 tackles, 2 TFLs, 6 hurries, and a forced fumble. Mallory wrapped up his HS career with 285 tackles, 43 TFLs, 8 sacks, 90 hurries, and was in on 9 different fumbles. It was an outstanding career for an incredibly talented big-body LB with a bright future.     Keevers and the Flashes found themselves in a shootout against Columbus North, but it came down a few key plays that made the difference, and Keevers was in on some of them. He kept his side of the field shut down for the most part and didn't get beat over the top. He ended the night with 5 tackles, 4 PBUs, and blocked a punt. The extra possession was what they needed and he delivered. He's confident, just came back from an injury a few weeks ago, and should be ready for another big test next week.     Taylor's impact on the field is oftentimes bigger than the numbers he puts up, but he's still highly productive. He's a menace up front and dominates the offensive line right at the point of attack. They focus on him, which creates opportunities for the guys around him. Friday night, he had the Norwell offense so paranoid that they gave him a few openings, and he took advantage. While he only had 5 total tackles and 1 TFL, his presence was what they were afraid of.     Babb is a lengthy DB who has good instincts on the field and the weight to get after the QB and be effective near the LOS. With his range, I think he's someone who can be a hybrid-type player long-term. He checked his boxes on Friday and did what he was supposed to when the time came. He made a few open field tackles, got some sacks, and had an all-around complete game. He ended the game with 4 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and forced a fumble.

We're heading to the defensive side of the ball today to highlight some of the better defensive performances of the week.