THS defense looks to stuff another spread offense

Local Sports

November 19, 2009

Clint Thompson The Times Enterprise Thu Nov 19, 2009, 05:56 PM EST

THOMASVILLE — Thomasville’s defense has stood strong so far against spread offenses.

It’ll get another shot tonight.

If the Bulldogs hope to make the third round of the Class AA playoffs, they’ll have to slow down Jefferson County’s high-octane offense, led by Georgia Tech-recruit quarterback Barry Bostic.

“He’s a real good athlete,” Thomasville defensive coordinator Lamar Landing said. “They spread the ball around to several receivers, and he pulls it down and runs it.

“We’re going to have to improve this week if we're going to be successful. That’s the key, to continue to improve.”

The Bulldogs improved greatly last week against Henry County’s spread offense. Thomasville pitched its fourth shutout of the season and forced five turnovers in a 44-0 rout. It looked nothing like the team that was scorched for 49 points by Fitzgerald a week earlier.

“They play fast and physical,” Jefferson County coach J.B. Arnold said. “I’m going to be honest. To me, they were so much faster than Henry County. They played at a whole different level. I give coach (Richie) Marsh a lot of credit. I think he does a wonderful job down there. They're well coached, and I just think the first round was a testament to him and his coaching staff.”

Containing Bostic will be another challenge for Marsh and his defensive coaches. The senior signal-caller has thrown for 983 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also has 1,054 rushing yards, highlighted by a 167-yard effort two weeks ago against Dublin. He’s one of two quarterbacks Jefferson County has utilized. Chester Stone has thrown for 561 yards and six touchdowns. Jefferson County has also been dangerous on the ground, churning out 2,563 yards, led by Bostic. The Warriors’ spread attack is just the latest spread offense facing Thomasville’s defense. Of Thomasville’s previous opponents, Colquitt County, Mitchell County, Cook, Early County and Berrien utilize the popular system.

“We’ve faced it several times. Each one has its own unique way of doing what they do,” Landing said. “This team is no different.”

Marsh added, “That’s the offense of choice. A lot of people are running it now. It’s the fad now. Everybody’s running it.”

Despite a 34-19 loss to Colquitt County, the Bulldogs held the Packers to 238 total yards. Thomasville limited Cook’s pass-happy attack to just 47 yards and 14 incompletions. Thomasville’s defense is a definite concern for Arnold and the Warriors offense.

“Looking back through films of Thomasville, they’ve handled spread team very well,” Arnold said. “This will be the fastest team we’ve seen all year.

“We’ve got to match the intensity Region 1 brings every week.”

Jefferson County enters tonight’s game 11-0 for the first time in school history. The reason for the Warriors’ success is the ability not to look past anybody. Arnold insists that’ll be the case tonight.

“Thank goodness, and I give God all the credit. We’re fortunate enough to be undefeated at this point against a pretty tough schedule,” Arnold said. “We hope it continues, but again, we look at it week to week.

“This is the best football team we’ve seen. That’s the bottom line.”

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