LYNN — Defense wins football games.
At least that’s been the recipe for the KIPP Academy Panthers, who find themselves one win away from claiming their program’s first sectional title in as many postseason appearances.
The Panthers, who defeated Charlestown in the Division 8 North opener and Roxbury Charter in the semifinal, have allowed just two points in the postseason.
“We’ve been relying on this defensive unit all year,” KIPP coach Jim Rabbitt said. “We knew we had something going in, just based on our size and speed combination. We’re big in our front seven. Couple that with our secondary and it gives teams a lot to think about. You have to pick your poison against us. It’s a testament to the kids. We come up with a game plan every week and the kids execute it.”
Rabbitt said it starts with his linemen winning the battle up-front. Mike Brice, who leads the team in sacks (two) and ranks second in tackles (48) carries the defensive line. Juan Castillo and Kenneth Beato complete the unit.
“When you have a three front, a lot of times teams will shoot gaps and slants to make holes in the offense,” Rabbitt said. “Mike takes up two, often times three blocks at a time. That frees up the linebackers to make plays. If those guys can chew up linemen it frees up our linebackers. Our linemen eat up blocks and our linebackers make tackles. We pride ourselves on finishing tackles and we can do that because of our linemen.”
Making plays and finishing tackles is exactly what KIPP’s linebackers have done. Dave Filias, who leads the Panthers with 72 tackles, anchors the unit. Joining Filias are Alex Ogando, Daniel Oluwausyi and Taofeek Lamina.
“Dave and Daniel have both been there since year one,” Rabbitt said. “We didn’t know what we had position-wise but those guys really blossomed over the past two years. They’ve really developed in filling holes, hitting the gaps and just being ruthless and aggressive. That’s what we have and that’s been our recipe for success.”
Perhaps the strength of KIPP’s defense through the postseason run has been its secondary. The Panthers have locked down in coverage with eight interceptions over the past two weeks. Piero Canales and Taj King pair up at safety with cornerbacks Bhenzel Cadet and Juan Setalsingh. Canales and Setalsingh, a freshman, have six interceptions apiece this year.
“Bhenzel was an undersized sophomore last year but he was always in the right place at the right time,” Rabbitt said. “He understood things and picked them up quickly. Piero and Taj are a formidable combination over the top. Juan has three interceptions returned for touchdowns this season. He’s chasing Taj’s interception record from last year (nine). They’re ballhawks. They love when teams want to throw.”
Standing in No. 3 KIPP’s way Friday night (7) at Manning Field are the No. 4 Keefe Tech Broncos. They punched their ticket to the Division 8 North final with last week’s 29-8 win over Lynn Tech. The Panthers made quick work of the Broncos during their regular-season meeting- a 40-6 KIPP win.
Jaydon Francy-Weber, who rushed for 198 yards and three touchdowns in the win over Lynn Tech, powers the Broncos’ offense.
“We played them the first time and we knew we had to shut him down,” Rabbitt said. “We executed that game plan nicely when we played them. That doesn’t mean it’ll be the same thing this time. We’ll come up with a solid game plan, hopefully contain him and dictate the game defensively. That’s the recipe for us.”
