You know the phrase defense wins games.
In this week’s list of top high school plays, three of the best six come on that side of the ball.
In the following videos, you’ll see some remarkable interceptions and a tackle in the backfield that blew up the play so quickly the announcer didn’t even have time to finish saying “handoff” before it was over.
Of course, there’s a still the usual array of crazy catches and broken tackles.
Take a look, and vote at the bottom for your favorite.
10. Going horizontal can work
Sometimes, a 60-yard touchdown isn’t just 60 yards. Two-sport star Jalen Suggs reversed back across the field before going down for the touchdown.
Jalen Suggs going ALL THE WAY 🎥 @JalenSuggs2020 pic.twitter.com/R9q4898bYY
— Overtime (@overtime) September 28, 2019
9. Reverse handoff
Couple neat things here. Branden Baxter’s ability to take the contact from the lineman after receiving the handoff and still making an accurate throw is impressive. Then, the catch itself by Jax Cooper was mighty fine as well.
Baxter connects with a big pass to Jax Cooper #PSR pic.twitter.com/RUdfgYGvE9
— Patriot Sports Radio (@acspatriotradio) September 28, 2019
8. Awkward angle
Great job by Koby Bretz going up, snagging the ball at the awkward angle, and still holding on through contact.
He got mossed!
Great catch by the @WHS_WarriorFB receiver. #gametimeom pic.twitter.com/Oq6dOwD87O
— YurView Omaha (@YurViewOM) September 28, 2019
7. Keep your ankles safe
Look at No. 82 try to stop Caleb Williams. Then watch No. 27 try as well. Spoiler alert: Neither could.
Caleb Williams broke EVERYTHING in sight 😈 @CALEBcsw pic.twitter.com/hdNaamUobE
— Overtime (@overtime) September 28, 2019
6. Stuffed in the backfield
“It just sounds different … I didn’t have to even know who it was, I heard it.”
That’s some great broadcasting to describe Chosen 25 linebacker Justin Flowe.
The #1 LB in the country @justin_flowe sent this runner into oblivion ☠️
(via @prepzone)
pic.twitter.com/HgzBUQF7Bt— FOX Sports West (@FoxSportsWest) September 28, 2019
5. You gotta send another one
Fast forward to the halfway point of this video to watch in slow-mo. Even with it, we’re not totally sure how Jayson Johnson came down with it. Even when there are two defenders on him, you gotta send another one.
We didn’t have many to choose from, but this catch was more than deserving of the #22Fever Highlight of the Night. @marianhsknights‘s @MaddixBogunia goes up top to Jayson Johnson who goes over two defenders on the 1st play of the game for the 61-yard TD. #mossed pic.twitter.com/rCT4teCa06
— Adam Derengowski (@AdamDerWSBT) September 28, 2019
4. See it, snag it
Great awareness by Kenneth Shaffner to see and snag the ball as it bounced off the would-be receiver on the ground.
One of the more impressive plays of the night:
St. X’s Kenneth Shaffner makes a great heads up play to get the interception in the first quarter against Trinity. pic.twitter.com/I9vuFDmULY— Dominique Yates (@RealDYates) September 28, 2019
3. Dane Key touchdown
There’s something about those off-balanced catches, ones in which the receiver has to reach with his entire body, the back at an angle and using one hand to grab it, that really speaks to us. Scoring a touchdown on the play is a nice addition, too.
@DaneKey12 RELAX… 🤦🏿♂️ #SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/EqQxrJHV7h
— JV (@jv_859) September 28, 2019
2. Tip pick
There was good pressure on the quarterback and then an outstanding pick on this play. Great job by the Douglas County (Douglasville, Georgia) defense as a whole for another interception that needed the tip drill.
My favorite defensive play of the game. Quarterback rush, interception. Don’t sleep on @JoshuaRob1nson @IsaiahAJones11 @notahooper_ @Jon_thadon1 @CoachJTW @TrenchAcademy @KeithWag323 @JohnFarmer60 @Coach_Ken_Quinn @OfficialGHSA @RecruitGeorgia pic.twitter.com/D0CRFRrsdY
— RickMartin (@RickMartinMedia) September 28, 2019
1. ‘Just catch it!’
We honestly don’t have anything to say about this play. Just watch.
Could this be Texoma’s Play of the Year!!!!!!!!!!?????@kchounds Abraham Nevarez 37 yards to Tyler Delosrios off the helmet of his Greyhound teammate!@ESPNAssignDesk pic.twitter.com/rinjO1qKkR
— Tobin McDuff (@KfdxTobin) September 28, 2019
