Cavs Defense Peaking As Green Hill Visits

The (7-1) Cookeville Cavaliers face undefeated Green Hill Friday and head coach Taylor Hennigan said the defensive unit playing some of its best ball.

Hennigan said senior captain Thomas Johnson’s return from injury has proven to be a huge asset for both the offense and defense. He said the defensive back’s performances peaking, just ahead of an explosive Green Hill offense.

“Thomas coming back healthy really helped us in the secondary as well,” Hennigan said. “I thought he probably played his best game on defense last week. So, I think our secondary has played well, a little bit inconsistent. And I think there’s room for improvement.”

The Green Hill Hawks have averaged 37.5 points this season and have held five teams scoreless this season. Hennigan said it will take all three phases of the game to win this game.

Hennigan said he has been encouraged to see another team captain, True Mclaughlin, play his finest football.

“On the field, I think he’s gotten better and better as the season progresses, specifically on defense,” Hennigan said. “I thought one of his best performances was last week. Just the detail things, the consistency of just doing the simple things put him in the opportunity to make a lot of plays last week.”

Last week the Cavs held Lincoln County offense that had been averaging 37 points a game to their season low 14. Defensive coordinator Marcus Walls and company has this unit rolling as those Friday nights get brighter and the games mean a little more.

Green Hill visits Cookeville with kickoff Friday at 7pm.