Defense sets the tone for South Putnam football

Chuck Sorrell has been around the game of football long enough to know that defense wins championships. 

The South Putnam coach proved that adage correct a season ago, as the Eagles rode a tough defense to the Class A state championship and it has only improved heading into a week seven clash against Northview (6-0, 4-0 Western Indiana Conference) Friday night with a conference title on the line. 

Through six weeks, the Eagles are allowing 5.5 points per game.

The starting defense has not allowed a point all season. 

The Eagles have scored a defensive touchdown in six straight games.

And, South Putnam has posted three shutouts and has not allowed more than 14 points all season.

All those stats bring a smile to Sorrell's face; he also doubles as South Putnam's defensive coordinator. 

"On defense, we have scored seven times this season. Making a good play or scoring on defense significantly increases your chances of winning," Sorrell told The Putnam County Post. 

Heading into the season, Sorrell knew he had another solid defense, which featured the likes of Keenan Mowery-Shields, Drew Cox, Blake Witt, Drew Cline and Brody Burdge. 

What he didn't know was how good his defense would play against the run. 

If there is one thing that has surprised him this year it is that. 

"I knew we would be good with our run defense, but there hasn't been any holes. If you get an 8 or 9 yard carry on us, the next play will be a tackle for loss. Championships are won on the defensive side in 2A, and it will take a solid defensive effort from us to get a win," Sorrell said. 

Through six games, Mowery-Shields has 71 total tackles and 17-and-a-half tackles-for-a-loss and has primarily only played the first half of games. He also has two sacks, 16 hurries, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble. 

Cox has established himself as one of the top defensive players in the conference, recording 43 tackles, 10 tackles-for-a-loss, four sacks, 14 hurries, and a fumble recovery. Witt has recorded two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, a pass deflection, 22 tackles and six stops for a loss. 

What has been the secret for South Putnam's defense this year? 

"Our team plays as a unit. To have a 3-3 stack defense that has two edges, a middle linebacker line we have, there is no weakness inside the interior and you get to the outside of it, you have five seniors who have started for three years playing on the backend, if you throw the ball, we are there. We have had a defensive touchdown in six straight games, which is crazy. We've had five pick six's and to do the things I have not seen is amazing. I think it is because we are so relentless. I just hope we continue to stay in our gap and play solid defense," Sorrell said. 

The Eagles will be tested by Northview, who comes in averaging just over 52 points per game and has scored 42 points or more in every game. 

Sorrell admits there is a very good chance his starting defense will give up its first points of the season Friday night. 

"That will probably change. Let's hope we get the ball and can take advantage early. There will be adversity in this game. We fell before early and fought back. I thought this game changed the overall season for us last year. We never lost a second half after this game. This is where it started and we won every second half on the way to Lucas Oil. These guys have faced adversity before. Northview is going to score points, we know that. If we hold Northview to no points, then this team is truly special, but I think it comes down to a handful of plays and who has the mentality to fight until the very end. I know those guys, and to beat a good Northview football team, we have to play smart and aggressive," Sorrell said.