Southridge Has State Title Goals

The Southridge Spartans’ defense looked in midseason form in last week’s 42-0 kickoff classic blowout at Blanche Ely.

There were eight seniors who started on defense led by defensive backs Tyrique Stevenson, Joe Smith, and Chris McDonald.

“If it’s true that defense wins championships, we should win a championship,” running backs coach Sedrick Irvin said. “On that defense, everyone can run and has got a good work ethic. I think we’ve got an athletic defense.”

The defense did not allow the Tigers to cross midfield until the second half and only gave up one first down before the break on a late hit out of bounds. The defensive line led by senior Marvin Strong was relentless and junior Emmanuel Belgrave scooped up a fumble for a 7-yard touchdown.

The Spartans’ defense has speed at all levels with plenty of depth, which should lead to more positive results coming off a 5-5 season.

I see our secondary being one of the best down South with me, Chris McDonald, Treveon Pope,” Stevenson said. “All of us have got our heads on straight and we know what we want to do this year. We just feel we’re the best down South so that’s going to bring us to another level. The two linebackers (Kirk Williams and Naquon Fagan) that are starting right now are headhunters and our defensive line is amazing. Once we get the feel of each other and we click, I’m pretty sure nobody will get over 100 yards of total offense on us.”

Even with a number of upperclassmen filling spots, sophomore defensive tackle Leonard Taylor is capable of having a breakout season.

The offense appears to have some clarity at quarterback as Antwan Anderson completed 6 of 8 passes for 182 yards with a touchdown and interception while rushing for 63 yards on four carries as he out-played junior starter Jaylin Willis, who completed 2 of 4 passes for 27 yards and a touchdown.

Senior Courtney Reese and junior George Young are the team’s top running backs while junior breakaway threat Marcus Fleming paces the wide receivers. Stevenson is also a threat on offense as he hauled in four passes for 132 yards and a score.