Tharptown coach pleased with Wildcats' defense

By Staff
Scot Beard
THARPTOWN – With less than two weeks remaining before the start of the season, the Tharptown football team is still trying to grasp the new offense.
Although the team is a little behind on the learning curve of the offense, coach Barry Laster sees one bright spot – the Wildcat defense.
"In our scrimmage (Monday) the defense looked good," Laster said. "They really got after it."
He said the defense started slow, but has come on strong in recent practices. The Wildcats defenders are able to recognize offensive plays as they develop.
Laster is also pleased that all the members of his defense are beginning to pursue the ball.
He said there have been several players that have contributed to the defense's success.
"Trevor Hallmark has moved to defensive end and he has the interior linemen looking good," Laster said. "Roger Bayudan has really stepped it up. He looked good (in the scrimmage)."
The defense also features three players Laster nicknamed headhunters because they love to hit.
Hallmark is one of these as is quarterback Tyler Cagle. The other is Nathan Gray.
"He is a wild man. He would rather hit people than anything else," Laster said. "He reminds me of (former New York Jet) Mark Gastineau. He is a lot of fun to watch."
While the defense is taking shape, the offense is still trying to find its feet.
Laster believes the change of the system has led to some of the problems.
"Last year we ran the spread. This year we are running a veer-style offense," Laster said. "We have had to spend a lot of time on offense, and they are finally starting to realize we can do this."
The Wildcats will host Red Bay in a jamboree game Friday.