Known strictly as an offensive juggernaut, Tylertown’s defense has gone highly underpublicized this season.
The Chiefs have been known to give up a point or two in the first half, but after halftime, the defense becomes undeniably sturdy.
In 11 games this season, Tylertown has allowed a stingy 46 second-half points, good for an average of 4.18. Six of those games resulted in shutouts, including last Friday’s win over Port Gibson. The offense clicked, scoring on three of their first four drives, but the defense allowed 18 points as Tylertown went to the break up 22-18.
Port Gibson might as well have thrown in the towel. Tylertown’s defense clamped down and helped the offense tack on 20 more points for the easy win.
“Defensively, we have to have time to come in and make adjustments, and our coaching staff has done an excellent job of making those adjustments at halftime,” Tylertown coach Jason Johnson said. “That’s why you see those big changes in the second half.”
Tylertown (10-1) hopes to continue its defensive prowess Friday night in the second round of the 4A playoffs against Greene County.
The Chiefs are only two wins away from playing for the 4A South State championship and a possible berth to Jackson for the state title.
Greene County enters the game fresh off a big win over Laurel last Friday. The Wildcats enter the season at 7-4 and finished third in Region 8-4A behind Forrest County AHS and Bay High.
Johnson has a long history with Greene County coach Johnny Ainsworth. The two squared off for years when Tylertown and Greene County were in the same district up until the early 2000s.
“I’ve looked up to him a long time and he’s kind of been one of those that’s given me advice in the past,” Johnson said.
Ainsworth runs a gimmicky spread option, which mimics what Florida ran with Tim Tebow several years ago.
The Wildcats use motion and misdirection plays out of the shotgun and aren’t afraid to throw it, either.
Greene County quarterback Terrance Woods threw for 193 yards and three touchdowns against Laurel.
“Everybody has to have assignments and they have to be where they’re supposed to be,” Johnson said. “You try not to be caught up with the motion because most of the time motion in an offense is nothing but smoke and mirrors — just trying to disguise something is all motion does.”
On offense, Tylertown will look to expose Green County’s defense, which has struggled of late. The Wildcats have allowed 23.8 points over their last five games.
The Chiefs come into the game averaging 360 rushing yards per game, behind the legs of senior standout quarterback Tyre’oune Holmes
Senior fullback Phillip Slocum has picked up his play of late as well, earning three 100-yard games in his past five contests. Slocum rumbled his way to 145 yards and three touchdown against Port Gibson, pushing his touchdown total to 16 for the season.
