El Dorado’s defense shines at Magnolia

El Dorado’s defense had its hands full when it traveled to Magnolia on Friday. The Panthers’ flexbone had rang up 52 points the previous week against Little Rock Christian. The Wildcats fell short, 27-23, surrendering the go-ahead touchdown with 33 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

But El Dorado defensive coordinator Trey Outlaw saw a lot of positives his team can build upon going into league play this week. The Wildcats held Magnolia’s explosive rushing attack scoreless in the second half until the final drive. Sophomore Garrison Curry finished with 115 yards rushing for the Panthers but was still fairly contained by El Dorado’s defense.

“We went all week knowing that (Curry) on that team was a really special player. The way we aligned was to try to make it to where he was not the guy who was going to get the ball. We really wanted the offense to play lefthanded, so the speak. I felt like we did a really good job of that, even in the first half,” said Outlaw.

During halftime, El Dorado adjusted to try and keep Curry from getting to the outside on the pitch plays.

“We lined up in more of a condensed set. We took a guy who was inside their tight end and widened him out. We took a guy who was pressed up on the tight end and backed him up to give him some space and help him set an edge a little better,” Outlaw explained.

“I think if you go back and watch the film, you’ll see Magnolia did something they haven’t done all year. Number one is their best running back, by far. They took him from one of those slotbacks and moved him to fullback, just to give him the ball more because we were putting some pressure and stress on them to where they were having to give the ball to guys they didn’t want to give it to.”

El Dorado scored a defensive touchdown on Marquees Waller’s fumble return in the first half.

Jyrin Steward led the Wildcats with nine tackles, one tackle for loss and one forced fumble. Patrick Sixbey and Josh Hill had seven tackles apiece. Javin Steward had six tackles, including two sacks. Hayden Owen had six tackles and PJ Denkins had five tackles, including a tackle for loss.

“I was really impressed with our defense, flying around playing hard and scoring a touchdown on defense,” said Outlaw. “The great thing about non-conference is it’s over now. Every team in the 6A-East is 0-0. It doesn’t matter if you went 3-0, 2-1, 1-2 or 0-3. It’s brand new. We’re looking forward to getting ready for a very good Jonesboro team.”

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