Defense wins ball games
The Clinton Dragons’ defenders were monsters on the field all season, led by now Defensive Assistant of the Year in Region 3-5A, Coach Xavier Mitchell. Coach Mitchell, or Coach X as he likes to be called, joined Head Coach Darell Keith’s staff this year and made an immediate impact.
Mitchell, hailing from Long Beach, Miss., played four years with the Tennessee Vols, 2004-2007, before joining the Cleveland Browns staff. During his career in Knoxville, he amassed 109 tackles, eight sacks and an interception, while playing in three bowl games and one SEC Championship game.
During this season with the Dragons, the Dragons gave up 20.4 points per game, their lowest total since 1995.
The defensive front line held opposing rushers to 3.7 yards per carry, and 118 yards and one touchdown per game. The defensive line/linebackers also tallied 12 sacks and 71 tackles for loss.
The defensive backs were ball-hawks all season long. They held opposing teams to just 126.9 yards per game, 12.5 per reception, and just over one touchdown per game. Overall, the defense gave up just 4.6 yards per play last season.
The Dragons’ defense also forced 18 turnovers, nine fumbles and nine interceptions, while returning four of those turnovers back for scores. Let’s all congratulate Coach Xavier Mitchell and the entire Dragon staff on a tremendous season.
