As Indiana high school football moves into semistate week, the Ben Davis Giants have proven they are a team that is here to win.
With talent on both sides of the ball, one of the things making the Giants one of strongest teams this season has been their defense.
“They are doing things that not every single year you get to see,” first-year head coach Russ Mann said. “Both are special teams and defense has scored some points for us. That has been huge.”
The 11-1 Giants host 11-1 Center Grove Friday with the winner advancing to the state title game. Mann knows defense will be the key to advancing.
“Center Grove is not a team that typically turns the ball over,” Mann said. “We will have to create some opportunities and we have shown we can.”
In the sectional opener against Brownsburg, junior defensive back Mark Zackery made the big play with a pick-six near the goalline that keyed a 28-25 comeback win. Last week against Cathedral, the Giants scored on a 27-yard interception return by defensive end Jalen Harris and then sealed the game in the final seconds on an interception in the end zone by Alvin Contreras.
“Our goal is always to score from the defensive side of the ball,” Mann said.
The defense is led by senior linebackers Nylan Brown, Drew Evans and Toreeq Oyesigi, but Mann is quick to point out it is more of a team effort.
“The key player for us is the whole defense,” Mann said.
Mann also knows why the defense is playing well.
“They are all able to communicate to each other and remind each other of things pre-snap,” Mann said. “That allows us to make plays when the opportunity presents itself.”
That defense will be put to test against Center Grove. The three-time defending Class 6A state champions have won 18 straight tournament games and are riding a current 11-game win streak.
