By Staff
Charles Prince, Hartselle Enquirer
Football coaches often say games are won in the trenches, the battle between the offensive and the defensive lines. Both coaches agree this week's Etowah at Hartselle playoff game will be decided by the big boys up front.
"The Etowah defensive front has very good size," Hartselle coach Bob Godsey said. "It will be a challenge for us. They're very athletic and they run to the ball well."
The Etowah defense's front four had recorded 18 quarterback sacks this season. The defensive front is the key to the Blue Devils success, according to head coach Gene Hill.
"We're usually bigger than the offensive lines we play," Hill said. "We've been able to win eight games because of our front four. We feel it's the strongest part of our team."
Godsey thinks the Blue Devils have other strong units on their defense.
"Their secondary is very active," Godsey said. "They've played well every game we've seen on tape."
The Etowah defense has allowed only 145 points in 10 games. The number is not an accurate one according to Hill.
"Our junior varsity kids gave up more than 40 points of that total," Hill said. "We led Albertville 71-14 and they came in and it wound up 71-48. Our starters have really given up only about 10 points per game."
Hill doesn't think his defense will be able to hold the Tiger offense like they have other teams this season.
"Everything is different this week," Hill said. "I think Hartselle will score on anybody's defense."
"We need to play hard, if we're going to play well," Godsey said. "We just need to get prepared for it again and play hard. We need to limit their big plays and drive the ball."