By Brian Pitts
Davie Enterprise Record
Devore Holman loves the bend-but-don’t-break style of play as Davie’s defensive coordinator. Holman is not the aggressive type that dials up a bunch of blitzes, not unless Davie’s back is against the wall. He patiently waits to see if the opposing offense will crack before reaching the red zone.
Holman got his wish - for about the 11th time this season - in Friday’s first-round 4A playoff game against visiting Ragsdale. Davie forced five turnovers as it buried the Tigers 38-8.
The Tigers moved the ball OK. They collected 13 first downs, 179 rushing yards and 258 total yards. But they failed on eight of 12 third-down tries and didn’t score on offense. It was bend-but-don’t-break at its best. Ragsdale’s only score came from its defense, returning a fumble for a fourth-quarter touchdown when the score was 38 to zip.
The defensive performance was everything the previous week’s game was not. In a 34-24 loss to North Davidson, Davie allowed the most points in 21 games and was shredded by quarterback Chase Mitchell (16 of 19, 210 yards, two TDs). Davie posted 10 straight terrific defensive outings before that poor showing.
Davie improved to 9-3 and will host league rival Mt. Tabor this Friday after the Spartans stunned High Point Central 15-12. Ragsdale finished 7-4.
“In practice we stepped up our ...