Kevin Foster is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover McClintock High School for AZPreps365.com.

 

McClintock was able to gain its first regional win of the year Friday night against Desert Mountain on the back of its defense.

The Chargers' bend-don’t-break defensive approach was the key to the 21-7 homecoming win. 

“As long as we don't break, then we will be OK,” said Sammy Johns, defensive coordinator for McClintock.

At the beginning of the game it looked as if the defense would not be needed much as McClintock scored two quick touchdowns early. But then the offense stalled and the defense had to pick up the slack.

The Chargers were able to get some timely turnovers, including two interceptions that stopped drives in which it looked as if Desert Mountain was going to score.

The interceptions were made by senior Gavin Bell and junior Ben Roberts.

“I got the interception to really turn things around for us,  leading to more defensive stops,” Roberts said.

Both interceptions were on deep passes to inside the 5-yard line, which really sticks to Johns’ philosophy: “Nothing cheap, nothing deep, and make 'em earn it is our philosophy, and everything else will take care of itself. 

McClintock was also led by senior David Cisneros on the line who had seven tackles, six of which were solo tackles, and four sacks for a total loss of 30 yards.

Almost all of the big defensive plays came at timely moments.

“It seems as if when we get down here [the red zone], we don’t panic, and we are not worried about it, and we expect our guys to make a play,” Johns said. “We don’t want to be giving up chunks like this, but I know that we tighten up and the boys realize that.”

Head coach Corbin Smith was also happy with how the defense played.

 “Our motto is to get off the field. They got off the field,” Smith said.

The defense is definitely the most consistently reliable part of McClintock’s team.

“We feel like we can count on them any time, any place, and any spot on the field," Johns said.

The Chargers (4-2) will face a tough test when they host undefeated Notre Dame (6-0) next Friday at 7 p.m.