Middleton will rely on its defense

Posted Aug 11, 2010 by Nick Williams

Updated Aug 13, 2010 at 11:05 AM

The Middleton Tigers graduated several players from its offense last spring, leaving coach Jason Stokes with the cold, hard fact his defense will have to carry the team this season. That doesn’t mean, however, the Tigers, and its offense in general, won’t be successful this fall.

“We’ll be like the (Baltimore) Ravens when they won the Super Bowl (in 2001),” Stokes said.

Which is high praise, considering the Ravens led the league in fewest points allowed and fewest rushing yards allowed that year.

So when asked about his defense, which returns starting defensive tackle Matt Parker, defensive end Demetree Taylor and strong safety John Taylor., Stokes was so excited… he could have giggled.

“Our defensive front should be strong, our linebackers are solid and our secondary is solid,” he said.

Yet there is hope for the offense.

“I told them, just because you’re a young offense doesn’t mean [you won’t produce].”

Junior Aaron Midthus will start at quarterback after backing up Florida A&M commitment Willie Clay last season. Middleton also graduated three running backs and a starting receiver, but Stokes said seniors Anthony Thomas and Denerio Dooley have shown they can handle carrying the ball.

“Our receivers will be run by committee,” he said.