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Panthers Defense Faces Tall Order Against Hawks

Tribune photo by JASON BEHNKEN

The Plant defense gang tackles Armwood running back Matt Eastman during their game on Sept. 5.

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By KATHERINE SMITH | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 3, 2008

TAMPA - Plant's co-defensive coordinator James Harrell spends the better part of his Saturdays breaking down game film.

A statistics lover at heart, Harrell breaks down every play and every formation of the Panthers' opponents to look for tendencies and to help better prepare his defense.

"We're just trying to make sure our guys are in the best position that gives us a competitive edge," Harrell said. "It gives us the best chance to win. You have to be able to get the kids to line up right in high school. That's 90% of it. If you can get them to line up right and tackle well, you've got a chance to be a real good defense."

A former NFL player and NFL Europe coach, Harrell learned the value of preparation before setting foot on the field. Come Friday night, he puts the game in the players' hands. Against Armwood Friday night in the Class 4A regional final, the Panthers will stick to that plan.

So far this season, that formula has worked. Plant's held opponents to an average of 9.3 points per game. In the regular-season 9-2 loss to Armwood, after giving up a touchdown early on, the Panthers defense clamped down, ultimately limiting the Hawks to 119 yards of offense.

Armwood offensive coordinator Chris Taylor said Plant's defense is the best at getting off their blocks and getting to the ball of any team they've faced this season. Led by defensive lineman Javon Mention, team leader in sacks with 19, and Austin Clark, linebackers Beau Hume, team leader in tackles with 101 tackles, Mike Mirabella and Josh Varon and safety Hunter Baldwin, the Panthers have a knack for swarming to the ball.

That collective effort has helped produce 35 sacks in Plant's past five games.

"They have a real desire to play with a defensive attitude," head coach Robert Weiner said. "And that means to play smart and understand what's going on, and just to play super aggressively and fly around. We've really made some good athletic quarterbacks look not very good."

That will be the goal Friday night against Armwood. In the first game against the Hawks, Mywan Jackson looked extremely uncomfortable. Since then, he's established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the county.

"They live and die with Mywan. That's the guy right there," Harrell said. "As he goes, so goes the offense. He's a lot like [Chamberlain's] Dontae Aycock. You have to hold him to 10 yards or less on every carry. If you do that, you've got a chance.

"He has the ability to take it 80 or 90 yards. He can go the distance in a heartbeat, so you've got to be aware of where he's at on the football field at all times."

Reporter Katherine Smith can be reached at (813) 259-7860.

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