After several starters graduated last year, NorthWood's defense had something to prove.

"After last year, no one thought that our defense would be any good, especially our linebackers," said senior linebacker Tony Garl. "People said we were too small and we were not as good as last year. We wanted to prove them wrong."

"We're more motivated now," said senior linebacker David Higley. "Last year a lot of defensive players graduated and we had something to prove. We've gotta get the job done every game. Every game we are getting better."

However, in their quest to prove themselves, the Panthers football team faced a game that became a turning point in the season. That game came in the third week of the season against Concord when NorthWood fell to the Minutemen 35-28.

That game was an eye-opener for the Panthers. Since then, the NorthWood defense has stepped up and helped lead the Panthers to a 9-0 record.

"We have really improved since the Concord game," said NorthWood coach Rich Dodson. "I can't ask any more from our defense. They have played with good intensity and have been able to create some turnovers that have really helped us out. Some of the plays the defense has made have helped turn the momentum in our favor. "

"The Concord game made us step back and look at ourselves," said Higley.

"We have steadily improved since the Concord game," said Garl. "That game upset me to no end. Now we come out with something to prove. Everybody wanted to step up and prove that we worked hard and got better."

The Panthers have improved by achieving specific goals Dodson has set for them. The team is reminded of them each day when they walk into the lockerroom and see those goals listed on a green bulletin board.

"Some of our goals?" said Dodson. "Try for a shutout, hold our opponents under 100 yards rushing and hold our opponents under 100 yards passing. That means we hold our opponents to under 200 yards total offense. We also want to recover two of our opponent's fumbles and intercept 1-of-12 passing attempts. Also, don't allow a touchdown pass, and don't allow any runs over 20 yards."

"We have a lot of goals defensively," said Garl. "Primarily, we want a shutout."

"We want to keep our opponents under 100 yards rushing and under 100 yards passing," said Higley. "Most games we have done that.

"We try to get as many guys to the ball as we can. We don't want to allow big plays."

"I think the defense has met every test up to now with success," said Dodson, "but they're not overconfident. The defense comes out and plays hard on every down. I'm proud of the job they have done so far. We have done a good job of obtaining our goals. They are good men. They play hard."

Now the Panthers will face their biggest challenge of the postseason when they play Norwell Friday in Ossian.

"It is a new season," said Garl. "If we want to continue our season, we need to play hard and do our job. If we don't play well, we won't be playing next week. If we don't go 110 percent, we'll be turning in our pads and going home." [[In-content Ad]]