For an appropriate sound bite reflecting Quince Orchard’s newfound emphasis on defense, look no further than the Cougars’dangerous offensive weapon — Travis Hawkins.
“Offense sells tickets,” says the junior safety/running back. “Defense wins championships.”
Last year, the Cougars discovered how not to win a title when they surrendered 56 points in a lopsided loss to Northwest in the Maryland 4A West Region final.
But after a summer committed to defense, No. 1 QO (3-0) has given up just six points — a cosmetic fourth-quarter score by Wootton in a 41-6 blowout. Last week’s 35-0 victory at Damascus was just the second time in 10 seasons that coach Dan Makosy’s team was blanked. QO held Damascus standouts, RB Evan Zedler (9 carries, 41 yards) and QB Kyle Frazier (14 of 16, 69 yards), to their lowest combined output in two seasons.
Senior linemen Zach Kerr and Jamie Rodriguez had fourth-down stops to halt Damascus drives. Junior cornerback Cody Schecter added an interception and two tackles for losses. Sophomore DE Cody Magill, a transfer from Bullis, contributed two sacks.
Tonight when QO travels to Magruder (1-2), the Colonels will try to solve a unit with size, speed, and depth, but most of all, resolve.
“We simplified what we do on defense. We went back to fundamentals,” said QO coach Dave Mencarini. “We realized it’s not about what we know as coaches, it’s about what our kids can handle.”
And what the front seven can’t handle, the Cougars’ safeties — Hawkins and Travis Turner — can. They have the same first name, so they go by different monikers on the field.
“Travis is (Indianapolis Colts’ safety) Bob [Sanders]. I’m (Redskins safety) Sean [Taylor],” said Hawkins. “I don’t care if I don’t get the ball on offense. My thing is defense. I want to hit people.”
QO clamp down
» Five key linemen are underclassmen — sophomores Emil Cosbert (5-11, 300) and Cody Magill (6-3, 235), and juniors Dake Williams (6-0, 235), Terrence Stephens (6-2, 265) and Jason Ankrah (6-4, 235).
» Senior outside linebackers Greg Rutland (5-10, 170) and Chuba Anekwe (6-2, 215) lead QO in tackles with 24 each.
» “We’ve got some linemen that teams have to double,” said QO coach Dave Mencarini. “That really frees up our linebackers.”
