Roll Call at the Ball

In order to have a great defense, you must have great pursuit and gang tackling. In order to have great pursuit, you must emphasize running to the football throughout the entire practice. This includes the time spent in our individual and team periods. You must grade the effort of your players everyday. We’ve had outstanding defenses the past few seasons. In 2000, we finished first in the nation in total defense and rushing defense and fourth in scoring defense. In 2001, we finished first in rushing defense again, giving up 211 yards in 12 games (17 yds. per game, 0.6 per carry). I think this success has been attributed to the philosophy of our defense – pursue the football and tackle the football. PURSUIT Pursuit is the most significant part of dominating defensive football. Pursuit eliminates long touchdowns. Pursuit discourages your opponent. Pursuit is first a mental process.