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West Lake's return specialist Devon Smith (right) cuts wide outside for an 88-yard touchdown in the Wolverines’ 13-0 win over Wilde Lake. (Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah)
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By Perry Green
AFRO Sports Writer
(December 9, 2008) - Most football experts would say: “Defense wins championships.” And West Lake proved last Thursday that even with an explosive offense, the game can still be dominated with a shut-down defense.
Not only did the Wolverines’ defensive unit shut down Wilde Lake’s offense in the 3A state championship, but they also completely shut them out, 13-0, at M&T Bank Stadium.
West Lake’s defense, led by linebacker Evan Harris, stopped the No. 7-ranked Wilde Lake (12-2) from scoring on eight drives that reached the Wolverines’ territory.
The Wolverines (12-2) were perhaps most impressive with its containment of Wilde Lake’s elusive quarterback Danny March. “We had to control the lanes more, but more importantly was for us to take care of the cutback," Westlake Coach Dominic Zaccarelli told the media following the game. "March could stop on a dime and bring it back, so we needed back-side pursuit and people to stay in their lanes.”
With its defense clicking, West Lake was then able to produce points on offense with tailback Antoine Reese, who converted a 66-yard run for a touchdown. Return specialist Devin Smith scored West Lake’s first points of the game with an 88-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first half.
Those would be the only scores West Lake needed to win its first state championship, the first for Southern Maryland high since 2000. No. 9-ranked West Lake has been one of the more consistently successful teams among Maryland high school football, reaching the playoffs for six straight seasons.
But coach Zaccarelli, who won his first championship in his 14-year coaching career, suggests this years’ squad offered something more special than team past. "There was always something missing…there [were] no guys who weren't willing to share the ball or share the limelight, and I think that's maybe been some of our problems in the past,” Zaccarelli told the media. “This group hasn't been selfish. That's been the difference between this team and other teams we've had."