It’s an adage that football coaches continue to use today: Offense wins games, but defense wins championships. And area high school football teams hope to sport tough units as they look to win league titles and perhaps state crowns.
As the first day of official practice July 29 draws near, here’s a look at 30 defensive players to watch out for this season:
Qaivon Allen, Richlands: The senior defensive lineman looks to step up and lead the Wildcats.
Quan Bacon, Southwest: The junior linebacker looks to play a bigger role after he had 24 tackles last year.
Esiah Bannerman, East Duplin: The senior defensive back had 93 tackles, seven for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble and a recovery.
Kaiden Bell, Northside: The senior defensive back was third-team all-area after he had 37 tackles and two interceptions.
Judah Bloomfield, Jacksonville: The senior defensive lineman looks to step up after he had 18 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery.
Lazarus Bloomer, White Oak: The senior defensive lineman was second-team all-area after he had 62 tackles, 11 for loss, seven sacks and a blocked punt.
Carter Boal, Croatan: The senior defensive back was third-team all-area after he had 56 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one interception and a fumble recovery.
Dwayne Davis, East Duplin: The junior defensive back was second-team all-area after he had 92 tackles, four interceptions, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble while also rushing for 383 yards and seven touchdowns.
Nick Davis, East Duplin: The senior defensive back had 37 tackles and an interception.
Jacauri Hill, East Duplin: The senior defensive line was third-team all-area after he recorded 89 tackles, including nine for loss.
Payton Hughes, Richlands: The senior linebacker was second-team all-area after he notched 100 tackles, one sack, one interception and two forced fumbles.
Demarri June, Jacksonville: The senior defensive lineman looks for more production after he had 36 tackles, one sack and a fumble recovery.
Hayden Link, Croatan: The senior linebacker looks to be a leader after he had 24 tackles.
Caleb Malpass, Liberty Christian Academy: The senior defensive lineman was third-team all-area after he had 50 tackles and five sacks.
Keeshon McKinnie, East Duplin: The senior defensive back was first-team all-area after he registered 130 tackles, eight for loss, four sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and a recovery.
Jamir Mitchell, Northside: The senior defensive end was first-team all-area after he had 69 tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles and one recovery.
Anoop Monroe, Northside: The senior linebacker was first-team all-area after he made 167 tackles, four sacks, forced a fumble and recovered one.
Zach Patterson, Jacksonville: The senior linebacker has big shoes to fill following the graduation of several in his position. He had 19 tackles last year.
Jacob Rigsby, Croatan: The senior defensive lineman looks for more production after he had 19 tackles, five for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble.
Sammie Rogers, Jacksonville: The senior safety was third-team all-area after he had 60 tackles, four interceptions and 10 defended passes.
Connor Roth, Swansboro: The senior linebacker was third-team all-area after he had 50 tackles, six for loss, and five sacks.
Marquis Sam, Swansboro: The junior defensive back had 26 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Semaj Scott, East Duplin: The junior defensive lineman had 80 tackles, 10 for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles and a recovery.
Matthew Smoot, Northside: The senior safety was first-team all-area after he recorded 100 tackles, seven interceptions, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and blocked two field goals. He also committed to play at Navy.
Hunter Talley, Dixon: The junior defensive lineman had 36 tackles, one sack and a fumble recovery and is asked to help the defense improve this season.
Colton Taylor, Croatan: The senior defensive lineman also looks to step up after he had 18 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
Alex Torres, Southwest: The senior linebacker had 54 tackles and one sack.
Dominic Williams. Jacksonville: The junior defensive back, who is highly recruited by several Division I programs, was second-team all-area after he had 45 tackles, two interceptions and 16 defended passes.
Daniel Wisnewski, Northside: The senior defensive tackle was first-team all-area after he recorded 108 tackles, eight for loss, 6.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble.
Keyondre Wright, White Oak: The senior defensive back was third-team all-area after he had 29 tackles and an interception.