Defense carries Lions into nine-man quarterfinals
Nine-man football can be a wide-open, high-scoring game.
But at playoff time, defense can be even more important than an explosive offense.
Linton-HMB heads into the quarterfinals of the state playoffs with an offense capable of putting up points in a hurry. But the Lions are every bit as excited about their defense.
"We pride ourselves on our defense," Lions coach Kurtis Walls said. "You need a good scoring offense, bit what wins championships is typically good defense.
"Our defense might give up some yards but they don't break down and let them in the end zone. The guys really but into that. Our guys get fired up big plays on defense even more than then do for big plays on offense."
Linton-HMB is 9-0 and earned the No. 4 seed for the nine-man playoffs on the strength of an offense that averages 38 points per game and a smothering defense that limits opponents to 13.1 points per game.
Seven times in nine games, the Lions have allowed 21 points or fewer. The most points they've allowed in a single game is 22 – in wins over Kidder County (24-22) and Central McLean (38-22). Last week, they opened the playoffs with a 20-0 shutout win over South Border.
The Lions host Cavalier (7-3) at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Linton.
It has been a collective approach for the Lions, who have gotten contributions from all over in reeling off nine straight wins.
"It's been a collective group leading the way," Walls said. "Our quarterback, Gentry Richter is a great player for us and plays a big role at middle linebacker for us. Kashton Moser anchors our lines and really brings a lot of physicality. Every game it's been another guy stepping up."
Down the stretch, junior wide receiver Jacob Hayes has played a big role, with five touchdowns in the past three games, including three in the win over Central McLean to lock up the Region 8 title.
"He's really stepped it up the last two regular-season games and last week, He's really been an offensive threat on the outside, stretching the field vertically," Walls said.
The Lions are piling up 366 yards per game while limiting opponents to 212. They've forced 12 turnovers for a plus-12 turnover margin.
Richter has completed 85 of 126 passes for 1,296 yards and 17 TDs. He also is a threat in the ground game, with 672 yards and 12 rushing TDs.
Levi Kenney leads the Lions with 898 yards and nine scores on 118 rushes. Hayes has a team-high 566 yards receiving and nine TD catches.
Justin Bosch has 19 catches for 357 yards and three scores.
Cavalier has won five of its last six games, including playoff road wins over Four Winds (42-12) and North Border (44-14). Their only loss in the last six games came in a 26-16 loss at North Border in the regular-season finale, which they avenged last week.
"We don't see them a lot, but they're tough, they've got a physical running game and they're not afraid to go to the passing game," Walls said. "They've got a dynamic quarterback and a 6-2 receiver they like to go to.
"They like to bring the fight to teams. Their record really does not exemplify who they are. They have three losses but their starting quarterback only played one of those games and the other two, they were almost able to come out with a win without him. They're a solid team and they're coming ready to play."
At playoff time, avoiding turnovers and mistakes is a big key.
"This is where discipline takes over," Walls said. "Usually the teams that are most disciplined put themselves in position to win. Just doing your job, nobody out there trying to be Superman, playing like you have all season."
A win on Saturday would mean a semifinal matchup with either No. 1 LaMoure-Litchville-Marion (9-0) or No. 8 South Prairie-Max (6-3).
"We're just getting ready, try to keep the train going," Walls said. "We've got a good football team and we're happy with where we're at but this is going to be the biggest challenge we've faced this season and we need to answer that call."
Storm travel to NRSM
Region 7 champion Grant County-Flasher (6-3) hits the road on Saturday to take on No. 2 seed New Rockford-Sheyenne-Maddock (9-0).
The Storm is coming off a 22-14 win over Central McLean.
After opening the season with three straight losses at Central McLean (20-12), vs. South Border (33-22) and at Linton-HMB (28-8), Grant County-Flasher has reeled off six straight wins, avenging its loss to the Cougars last week.
The Rockets, who were the No. 1 team in the final state media poll, have outscored their opponents 547-58 this season. NRSM has three shutouts and has held seven teams to eight points or fewer, allowing 14 points in a game twice, at Cavalier and against North Prairie.
Class A quarterfinals
Shiloh Christian didn't allow an offensive point in the month of October, but the start of November brings a stiff test.
The Skyhawks (8-2) travel to Kindred to take on the No. 1-ranked, unbeaten Vikings (10-0) at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Region 4 champion Killdeer puts its unbeaten 10-0 record on the line against Langdon-Edmore-Munich (8-2) at 1:30 p.m. in Killdeer.
No. 2 Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison (8-1) hosts Harvey-Wells County (7-3) at 2 p.m. in Velva.
