8A Championship Game Rankings Comparison: Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 8A State Championship game is next week, so right now, I'm comparing the two rosters, going position-by-position to break down the teams. On Tuesday, I compared the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/8a-championship-game-rankings-comparison-offense/">offensive position groups</a>. Find out which team holds the advantage at each defensive position in this Rankings Comparison.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Rankings Comparison: Hough vs. Millbrook</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Interior Defensive Line</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hough's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284088' first='Chris' last='Hilliard']</strong> (125) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='799142' first='Nathaniel' last='Mitchell']</strong> (233) are each among the top interior defensive linemen in the state. More productive as run-stoppers than pass rushers, the two anchor a strong defensive line. Millbrook has its share of quality defenders, as well, with one highly-ranked interior pass-rusher. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1158999' first='Markez' last='Wilbert']</strong> is ranked No. 76 in the 2027 class, but I give a slight edge to Hough's depth</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Advantage: Hough</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Edge Rusher</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hough prefers to use a 3-4 defense, meaning the outside linebackers are usually the ones firing off the ball as the defensive ends set the edge. So, if you put <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='974827' first='LJ' last='Porter']</strong> (No. 31 in the 2026 class) in the edge rusher category, he certainly gives Hough points here. But, Millbrook has the top edge rusher in the 2027 class in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1553113' first='Rashad' last='Streets']</strong> (No. 4). <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1782184' first='Chase' last='Sizer']</strong> (No. 105, 2027) is an excellent secondary option, with 3.5 sacks on the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Advantage: Millbrook</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Linebacker</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These teams are loaded at the linebacker position. In addition to the aforementioned Porter, Hough has true off-ball linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='950969' first='Ryan' last='Peterson']</strong> (No. 6, 2028), who has had a fantastic season. Millbrook's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='651173' first='Quinton' last='Cypher']</strong> (No. 5, 2027) is even more highly-regarded by our staff as the No. 2 linebacker in the 2027 class. Though not yet ranked, Millbrook's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2072354' first='Carsen' last='Adams']</strong> led the team in interceptions and is a well-regarded pass defender. These second-level defenders flow easily both downhill and sideline-to-sideline, making it difficult for opponents to run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Advantage: Tie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Back</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Out of all of the talented players in this game, Hough corner <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284097' first='Samari' last='Matthews']</strong> (2026 No. 2) is the highest-rated player for either team, and one of the best pure corners we've ever scouted in North Carolina. The Huskies also have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1153738' first='Micah' last='Bright']</strong> (2026 No. 56) at safety, who leads the team with four interceptions. Though not quite as highly ranked, junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1788073' first='Jackson' last='Heath']</strong> (2027 No. 177) is the team's leading tackler, a booming safety who can come down into the box to make plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Millbrook's secondary is built from the back, with safeties <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1608326' first='Cairo' last='Williams']</strong> (2027 No. 55) and <strong>Malcolm McIntyre</strong> as the top secondary players. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Huskies have a distinct advantage here, and if Millbrook falls behind, I'm interested to know if the Wildcats can throw their way back into the game, given the talent in Hough's secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Follow Prep Redzone for more high-quality coverage throughout the playoffs and offseason. Want to get in front of our scouts this offseason? 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