0. 0. 14. 0.
Those are subsequent number of points that the Jefferson Cavaliers have given up in their last four games.
But they also represent something more; a culmination of effort that has been put forth daily from the defensive unit.
“I think we’ve done a pretty good job. I think our defense is playing at a really high level,” said Head Coach Vincent Benedetto. “Our defense has kept us in games and it’s a team sport and when you win, a win is a win right? So be 5-2 with all the new faces that we have, we’re pretty happy with that.”
When put into context, a 5-2 record with three shutouts is indeed quite impressive. Question marks were raised in various spots after losing a large senior class filled with numerous All-State players. But a 28-11 win over Harrisburg on the road in week 1 proved they had talent filling in. They just needed the experience.
“It was huge for us,” Bendetto said of the win. “There were a lot of unknowns going into the year at that time. We thought we had a chance to be a pretty good team and we proved it that night. We proved that we can compete with anyone we play and that was big for us.”
The Cavaliers then carried that momentum into their development over the last month and half, working diligently every day in practice to try and gain experience.
“We are just trying to make practice feel like the game so hopefully we can speed up that process of going from an inexperienced team to an experienced team.
“We have a lot of guys that played their first seven games of varsity football and look where they are now. We just have to keep getting better and plugging away and we’ve done some things in practice where we are competing.”
Meanwhile, Jefferson has had numerous seniors develop into leaders on the squad, specifically on the defensive end.
“It’s new roles for them really. They were really good players last year, but that’s all they really had to be. Now they’ve been asked to be leaders and set the tone and coach up the younger guys and you’ve seen the results of that as the younger guys on defense have continued to get better. So I think those guys have done a really good job.”
Combine that work ethic and leadership and you get a defense that currently has given up the second-fewest points (14 ppg) in 11AAA behind #1 Lincoln (12 pig).
“Those guys are playing really well. The majority of the seniors on our team are playing defense and it’s showing. Tommy [Heiberger], Rylan Aman, Dawson Schescher, Caden Johnson. Those senior defensive guys are playing at a really high level.
“And I’m really happy with the progress of some of our younger guys. I think Austin Miller has a bright future for him. Damaris Fields has been playing really well on the corner and we’re happy with how they’re playing and the fact they [the defense] give us the chance to win just about game we’re in.”
Many seniors have also stepped up to take on different roles, including a growing number of offensive snaps that have allowed Jefferson to fill in the gaps down the stretch.
“We had an injury at QB last weekend and Tommy [Heiberger] did a pretty good job of coming in and being quarterback. He started at tight end last week too and he had a few big catches.
“We’re in crunch time in the season and if we’re going to struggle on offense, I don’t want to look back behind me and see guys like Dawson and Tommy standing there and watching. They need to be on the field and they’ve done a really good job of going both ways.”
The Cavaliers now set their sight into a critical matchup with Brandon Valley. A win would secure a home game for the Cavs in the first round of the playoffs.
And Coach Benedetto is excited for the opportunity.
“I really enjoy playing Brandon because I think number one they have really good players. They’re really well coaches and it’s always a good, competitive game. So it’s going to be fun to play against a good team. They pride themselves on being physical and so do we, so it’ll kind of be a battle there.”
Tonight’s game is at 5:00 P.M. at Howard Wood Field.
This article is our part of our weekly coaches’ interviews presented by The Move Group. To see the complete list, check out our website below.
Looking to buy or sell your home? With a consistent track record of success, The Move Group has the knowledge and drive to help with your real estate needs. Check out their website here.
You can check out the Cavaliers’ complete schedule below.
Follow along for more coverage of the 11AAA season on our:
Twitter (@DigitalZSD)
Facebook (Digital Z SD)
Instagram (Digital Z Sports)
Website (Digitalzsports.com)
