Refugio defense is on the money
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Edna at Refugio, 7:30 p.m., Friday
REFUGIO - Leverage might be a dirty word on Wall Street, but the Refugio defense hopes it will pay big dividends against Edna.
"Our whole scheme this year is based on leverage and quickness," Refugio coach Jason Herring said.
The Bobcats (4-0) have put their defensive scheme to good use, limiting opponents to an average of just over eight points and 187 yards per game while climbing to a No. 5 ranking in the state Class 2A poll.
Refugio looks to continue its success against an undefeated Class 3A Edna (3-0) team led by versatile quarterback Kam Jones on Friday night at Bobcat Stadium.
"We're a Bobcat swarm defense," linebacker Bryan Castellano said. "It's basically in our blood to do it. We get to the ball and swarm like we usually do. We have to keep our leverage and keep our eyes open."
Refugio lost a number of linemen from last season and made the switch from a 50 to a 3-4 defense under the direction of assistants Steve Heryford, who coached at San Angelo Central last season, and Jacob Ray.
"The concepts are the same," Herring said. "It's the kind of kids you use. Last year, we had 280- and 290-pound guys up front. This year we're putting athletes on the field instead of beef. We're able to get to the football. The bottom line is in football speed kills whether it's on offense or defense."
Refugio's quickness on defense has helped it force 12 turnovers and create good field position for the offense.
"Basically we've got a lot of skill kids on the field and we just get after it," said linebacker Marquise Brown, who has two interceptions and returned one 43 yards for a touchdown in last week's 42-6 win over Industrial. "We get to the ball a lot faster than we did."
Edna coach Mike Pierce has been impressed with Refugio's quickness on defense.
"They run to the football well," Pierce said. "The number of turnovers, that tells you the athleticism they have. If you have athletes, you have a tendency to get turnovers.
"It will be a good test for our offense," he added. "We're going to play teams like this in our district. It will be a good measuring stick for us."
Refugio is looking forward to facing Brown, who has passed for 495 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 185 yards and one touchdown.
"Edna is just like we are," Herring said. "They're going to take the opposite of what we stop. If you try to stop the run, they're going to pass. If you stop the pass, Jones is going to run.
"You've got to have a balance and you've got to keep them guessing. Our defense is built around leverage. You have leverage and there's no holes in the defense."
NOTES: Herring will be going for his 100th career win. He has an overall record of 99-40 in his 12 years as a head coach and a 30-2 mark in his three seasons at Refugio.
