Patriots defense shows improvement

Posted Sep 10, 2009 by Adam Adkins

Updated Sep 10, 2009 at 03:19 PM

CDS Prep coach Lane McLaughlin didn’t think his team would have much problem scoring points in 2009 with a bevy of offensive starters set to return. That’s why most of the team’s focus during the offseason was spent trying to find ways to shore up a defense that allowed 37 points per game in 2008.

In The Patriots’ season-opener, there was marked improvement.

CDS Prep forced five turnovers and allowed less than 100 total yards in a 37-0 win over Cambridge Christian, a game that was canceled just before the end of the first half because of inclement weather. McLaughliln was very pleased with the unit’s effort, and gave a lot of credit to defensive coordinator Sal Cuono.

“He’s really done a good job getting guys in the right places,” McLaughlin said.

McLaughlin hopes the Patriots defense can turn in a similar performance this week at Oviedo Master’s Academy. CDS Prep is trying to earn its first regular-season road victory since starting 11-man football last season.

The Patriots should have a good chance. Master’s Academy fell in its season-opener against Winter Garden Foundation Academy, a team CDS Prep defeated 52-20 in the spring behind big efforts from quarterback Billy Embody (300 passing yards, four touchdowns) and running back Darius Bing (290 rushing yards, two touchdowns).