Published: November 02, 2009 11:13 pm         

Defense steps up for Eagles

Watonga’s players left the field after a 14-0 win over Luther Friday a bit disappointed “because the score wasn’t bigger,’’ according to Eagles head coach Shannon Grimes.

Grimes didn’t share the opinion.

His defense not only posted a shutout over a team bound for the playoffs but forced six turnovers — five interceptions and a fumble.

Luther had only 14 yards rushing, the third time this season Watonga has held an opponent to less than 100 yards rushing.

“I would say that’s the best we have played on defense all season,’’ Grimes said. “I felt good about how we won it. Those are the types of games you’re going to have in the playoffs.’’

The 14 points were a season-low for a Watonga offense that came into the game averaging 35.5 points per contest. The 287 yards of total offense (121 rushing and 166 passing) was the second lowest of the campaign.

“That was probably the worst we have played on offense,’’ Grimes said. “We didn’t have a good night throwing the ball (9 of 19 for 166 yards) but they had a big kid inside who made a couple of plays. We still made some plays in the passing game (64-yard TD pass from Trevon Hartfield to Corbin Nelson).’’

The biggest positive for the Eagles is they clinched a home playoff berth with second place in District A-2). The Eagles are expected to host Okeene in the first round of the playoffs next week.

“That’s a good deal for us,’’ Grimes said. “It’s going to be pretty exciting around town next week. We want to make a good accounting of ourselves.’’

Watonga still feels the pain of a 43-8 loss to the Whippets last season on the road in the first round. The Eagles haven’t won a playoff game since 1998 (14-7 over Hobart in the first round).

“Okeene had a great team and they hammered us,’’ Grimes said. “I know the kids felt like when it was over, we didn’t play as well as we would have liked to. We wanted another opportunity to show everybody we’re better than that.’’

Watonga has shown that in 2009. The Eagles will take 6-1 district and a 7-2 overall record into the regular season finale at Thomas.

The Eagles two losses came against Kingfisher (35-27, season opener) and Cashion (40-33, Oct. 15). Watonga had the ball on the 4-yard line when the game ended against Cashion and on the 20 when the game with Kingfisher ended.

“We feel we can play with anybody,’’ said Grimes. “I really feel good about the way the season has gone for us.’’

Javis Flynn had two interceptions against Luther. Hartfield, Donell Hayes and Nelson had the others.

“Our secondary has played well all season,’’ Grimes said.

Kyle Keplinger, a 257-pound lineman, and D.J. Richey, a 253-pound defensive end, have graded high on defense all season.

“D.J. is playing as well as any defensive end that I have had here,’’ said Grimes, who is 26-15 in his four seasons with the Eagles. Watonga was 16-24 in the four seasons before his arrival.

Hartfield has thrown for 16 touchdowns and has scored 15 touchdowns. Nelson has caught seven TD passes and has an 87-yard kickoff return for a score. He is closing in on 1,000 yards in receptions.

Hayes has run for eight touchdowns and has caught two TD passes.

“Donell has been a good back for us,’’ Grimes said. “Our offensive line has gotten better as the season has gone along. We struggled a bit in our pass protection Friday but I’m really pleased with how we have played.’’