Dalton Defense Facing Big Test Friday Against Northside Warner Robins

November 20, 2014

Rick Nyman,

Dalton, GA-(WDEF) Dalton’s defense has pitched three shut-outs this year, and they gave up just two field goals in their opening round playoff win.

But the Catamounts ‘D’ will get a huge test Friday night with their playoff trip to Northside Warner Robins.

Said head coach Matt Land,"We are a defense first school. That’s how we have become who we are."

And that label is developed through intense workouts.

Said running back Kelvis Rhodes,"We always want to be physical. We always go full pads on Tuesday just to make sure we are always physical every week. No matter if it’s a playoff game or a bye week."

Said Land,"We go ones-on-ones every day here. We’re not afraid of injury. If somebody gets hurt, somebody else will have to step up. We know that the only way that we are going to be able to compete is, we’ve got to be tougher than the team we are playing."

The Catamounts might need some extra tough practice sessions this week to prepare for Northside Warner Robbins.

Said Land,"They’re so many things if you look at just on paper, that we shouldn’t have a chance. You’re talking about an offensive line of scrimmage for the Eagles that probably most SEC schools would like to have. You’ve got from 6’4, 303-pounds to 6’4, 338."

But facing big talented teams is life in the Class 5A ranks.

Said linebacker Nate Mays,"It’s basically what you live for. Whenever you move up to 5A, you ain’t got no choice but to play higher level teams."

Said Rhodes,"This is really an exciting game for us. It’s always good to face some really good competition. It always brings the best out of you."

Said Lane,"Greatness is always measured in the great games. That’s the great thing about this week. We are going to find out whether or not we are a great team."

And a great game plan for Dalton calls for a few turnovers.

Said Land,"Turnovers. It’s the life blood of the defense, and it is the cancer of an offense. So we put a tremendous amount of pressure and stress on our team, helping them understand, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, we have got to have turnovers. That’s how we have got to win. We’ve got to play together. We work together. We sweat and bleed together. We need to win together."