By Bruce Campbell, Staff Writer
A no-name defense led the Miami Dolphins into Super Bowl VI against the Dallas Cowboys.
Another no-name defense could lead Hennessey to its first state championship game since 1962.
The No. 3-ranked Eagles, who face No. 1-ranked Tonkawa at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in a Class A semifinal at Putnam City High School, have reached the Final Four with an aggressive defense.
The Eagles have allowed an average of only 60 yards rushing in the postseason. Opponents are 31-of-76 passing for 370 yards and two TDs. Hennessey has forced 12 turnovers — nine interceptions and three fumble recoveries.
“We have been trying to ingrain into these kids since I’ve been here that you win on defense,’’ said Hennessey coach Shannon Watford.
The Eagles have been fundamentally strong, Watford said, but they have won on heart.
“Once you get lined up correctly, it comes down to want to,’’ Watford said. “I don’t know if we have any stars, but we have a bunch of kids who play hard.’’
Hennessey, Watford said, “has made its own luck,’’ in forcing the turnovers.
“When you play hard, good things happen,’’ Watford said. “Playing good, hard-nosed football is one way to get teams to turn the ball over.’’
Tonkawa’s Jake Love, who rushed for 280 yards in a 19-6 win over Watonga in the quarterfinals and scored on runs of 27, 69 and 1 yards will be the ultimate test for the Eagles.
Only two opponents — Texhoma (125 yards) and Turpin (105) have gained more than 80 yards rushing against the Eagles.
“He’s fast and he runs hard,’’ Watford said of Love. “He’s one of the best in the state.’’
Tonkawa, Watford said, is much like the Eagles — a smallish team by Class A semifinal standards but who like Hennessey — plays with heart.
“Being big doesn’t always win you championships,’’ Watford said. “Just because you have kids that are 160, 170 and 180 pounds doesn’t mean they’re not going to whip somebody’s tail. It’s going to be a tough game.’’
Both teams are a perfect 13-0. The Eagles, in the last 40 years, have won 10 or more games four times — three of which have come in the last three years — 12-1, 11-3 and 13-0.
Hennessey beat Talihina 26-14 last week to complete its third perfect season at home under Watford.
Watford attributes a lot of that to his seniors. In junior high, the group watched Hennessey go 2-8 in both 2004 and 2005 before now-superintendent Joe McCulley led the Eagles to a 6-4 season in 2006.
“It’s a special class,’’ Watford said. “They have been a big part of our turnaround. Hennessey is here to stay.’’
Hennessey quarterback Matt Luetjen has completed 74 of 146 passes for 1,266 yards and 18 touchdowns and only two interceptions. He has rushed for 1,366 yards and 23 TDs.
“Matt is doing pretty good but we have a lot of others not named Matt Luetjen who are having a heck of a year,’’ Watford said.
Dillon Morgan has rushed for 1,018 yards and 13 touchdowns. Omar Moreno, despite missing much of the late season with a high ankle sprain, has gained more than 600 yards and scored three touchdowns.
Ben Aguirre has caught 23 passes for 591 yards and eight touchdowns.
Converted quarterback Caleb Weaver has caught two touchdown passes in the playoffs.
Tonkawa’s defense has allowed only 81 points. Only two teams — Haskell (61-14) and Yale (48-14) have scored more than one touchdown.
“Nobody has been able to run the ball on them,’’ Watford said. “They will get after you and pressure you.’’
Hennessey has averaged 294.7 yards a game rushing in the playoffs after averaging 268 yards a game in the regular season.
Playing on Saturday will change both team’s routines, Watford said. He likes playing the afternoon game because it will be warmer and there’s less free time to distract the players.
It will be the second time Hennessey has played on turf. They lost to Morrison at Yukon a year ago.
The winner will face the OBA-Stroud winner next week at Oklahoma State’s Boone Pickens Stadium.
“That’s a lot of incentive to win,’’ Watford said. “When you’re playing football in December, it means you have arrived.’’
The game can be heard on KFXY (1640 AM).
