Despite New Faces, Wright Likes York D

With one of the statistical best defenses in the Upper Cumberland last season, York Institute Coach Derwin Wright said he wants to double down as the season begins Friday.

Last regular season, teams averaged 5.9 points a game against the Dragons. Three teams went scoreless. Wright said the credits goes to his coaching staff and defensive coordinator Mark Winningham.

“I help with the outside linebackers and I let him run the defense,” Wright said. “And he’s done a great job, so he’s been a great asset to me. I have enjoyed watching him and his schemes.”

York’s defense graduated key contributors during the off season, but with a new class of seniors filling in, Wright said the defense will not miss a step to start the season. Part of the reason for his confidence comes from his starting linebackers. Junior Blake Voiles and senior Tanner Tallent lead a position group that Wright said is wise beyond their years both on and off the field.

“Blake is just a hard worker,” Wright said. “He’s been starting inside linebacker ever since he walked in as a freshman two years ago. He’s played 28 games as starting linebacker. Tanner Tallent, who’s a senior, he’s been our starting linebacker for the last two years. You know, those guys lead by example.”

York Institute had its best year in program history in 2023, going 13-1 with the lone loss coming in the State Championship game against East Robertson, 35-31. Prior to the state title game, the Dragons highest scoring opponent was Bledsoe County who scored 17 in a September match up.

Wright said to be able to accomplish the team goal of heading back to the State Championship and bringing a title back to Jamestown, the team has to stick to the principles that have made his return to York a successful one.

“I’ve always been pretty simple in my philosophy of coaching,” Wright said. “And I told our guys, ‘Number one: be able to out hit, out hustle and out execute,’ The guys have bought in on that and did a great job the last two years.”

In the two years prior to Wright’s return the team went 6-17. And in his two years back, the Dragons have gone 22-6.