Paul Delos Santos •
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• Published: November 05. 2010 5:25AM
|   | | | HURRICANE - Linebackers deliver the marquee hits that make SportsCenter highlights and turn average high school prep athletes into YouTube superstars.
When safeties and corners score on an interception, it's called electrifying. When a lineman scores, it's after he rumbled into the end zone.
But when a defensive lineman makes a tackle, it's usually nothing flashy.
'Tis the life of a defensive lineman. Glory is rarely theirs, and Hurricane coach Chris Homer reminds his linemen that the praise will mostly come from their teammates rather than the outside world.
"They don't get any praise. They don't get any glory or newspaper articles," Homer said. "If (the media is) going to talk to anybody, it'll be safeties and linebackers."
So whenever anyone asks about his defensive line, Homer beams.
As he should.
The defensive line is one of the reasons why the Tigers will host Emery today at 5 p.m. in the quarterfinal round of the 3A playoffs.
The line dominated the point of attack in Hurricane's 35-10 win over Morgan on Oct. 29, limiting the potent Trojan rushing attack.
"We had to dominate the line of scrimmage. If we did, then we could stop them," Homer said.
Defensive lineman Eric Canfield said the defensive line came out with a purpose to stop the run - it was the spark the Tigers needed.
"It made a big difference for our whole team. Our defensive line was on fire," he said. "It means a lot. ... The (others) draw fire from what we do. They benefit big."
The Tigers use a rotation of six players - Canfield, Obike Nkwocha, Mike Reynolds, Daniel Nielson, Jesse Bettridge and Derek Yazzie - on their line.
All of them are capable of making an impact on the field, meaning opposing offensive linemen will keep facing fresh pass rushers.
"We're a band of brothers," Yazzie said. "We all play well and hard. I can see all of us like a family."
Hurricane allows an average of 14.4 points per game, a stingy amount Homer said should be credited to his line.
By creating pressure up front, the linebackers and safeties can focus strictly on their responsibilities and not have to worry about covering holes left by the guys in the trenches.
"I have the utmost respect for our middle linebackers, outside linebackers, safeties and corners," Reynolds said. "They have a tough job just like us. ...If we can't get it done, they'll get it done."
While defensive linemen are rarely filling scrapbooks with quotes and press clippings, many take pride in being able to be on the front line, getting the first crack at the ball carrier.
"That's the best feeling in the world. It's why I play defensive line. It's fun for me especially."
Nielsen added, "Three guys doing their job really well can disrupt an offense."
Said Bettridge: "We make the initial hits."
Teams like the New York Giants have built championship-caliber defenses on the line, and Nkwocha said the Tigers have the pieces to make another run at the state title.
If the Tigers get back to the championship game and break the two-year state title curse, odds are the linebackers and safeties will draw plenty of attention, sending the defensive line back to relative obscurity.
That would be just fine with Nkwocha.
"Everyone on my team knows I work hard and that's enough for me," he said.
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