TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Hawks Defense Takes A Beating

ADVERTISEMENT

By KATHERINE SMITH, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 8, 2007

MIAMI - It was only a week ago that Plant coach Robert Weiner declared Armwood's defense the best in the state. That was after Armwood dismantled the top offense in Hillsborough County.

The Hawks defense looked anything but the best in its 34-14 loss to Miami Washington on Friday night. Washington literally ran all over Armwood's defense. And when the Tornadoes weren't taking it to them on the ground, they attacked through the air.

"They came out explosive, from the first play," said Armwood defensive end Ryne Giddins, who had one of the Hawks' five sacks.

Washington, led by quarterback Torrance Moise's 190 passing yards and two touchdowns, put up 338 yards of offense on Armwood's defense.

There were uncharacteristic mistakes by the defense, including poor tackling and at times a lack of focus. Then there were the injuries that limited starting linebacker Casey Callahan, who left the game momentarily with a broken finger, and defensive back Nick Greene, who limped off the field near the end of the third quarter.

One problem may have been Armwood's schedule. Giddins pointed out that the team might have worn itself out before the game by their tour of Miami.

"All day, we were running around on the bus," Giddins said. "I don't think we were mentally ready.

"I saw us playing around way too much. I wish I could take all of that back."

Another problem was clock control. Armwood's defense spent most of the game on the field, with Washington able to convert third and a lot of fourth downs.

"I think our offense was on the field for about five minutes," Armwood linebacker Petey Smith said.

That Washington had good field position throughout the game certainly didn't help the Hawks' cause.

"We have to make people go 80 yards against us and look pretty good," Armwood coach Sean Callahan said. "But when you give them a short field, we're not very good."

Washington's leading rusher, Eduardo Clements, credited film work and breaking down Armwood's defense as the difference in the game.

"We started running a lot in the second half, because on film, we saw that their linebackers were a little weak," said Clements, who had 90 of Washington's 148 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

As for the debate on how great Armwood's defense is, Clements had his own thoughts.

"Their defense is good," he said, "but they just get tired too fast and lost momentum."

Reporter Katherine Smith can be reached at (813) 259-7860 or ksmith@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT