How far can Mallard Creek go in NC 4A playoffs? As far as Mavericks’ ‘D’ takes them

By now, it is no surprise to anyone that the Mallard Creek Mavericks’ defense is one of the best in the state. The defenders are constantly in their opposition’s backfield causing chaos for opposing quarterbacks, getting turnovers and being dominant on that side of the ball.

That defense will be the key to the Mavericks’ playoff success. Mallard Creek’s offense is averaging more than 24 points per game, but has struggled against teams in the N.C. 4A playoffs, averaging just 16.

In a first-round playoff win over Ardrey Kell, the Mavericks’ defense turned the game with several key turnovers that flipped field position for their offense, giving them a short field to manage.

This has been the key to Mallard Creek’s success the majority of the season. Friday, the Mavericks maintained a lead after going ahead early, 20-0. Mallard Creek won, 26-14.

Mavericks coach Kennedy Tinsley was proud of his group’s effort, but knows that in order to win a state title, they must clean up areas of their game that weren’t as good as others.

“The biggest thing (to clean up) is the penalties and the lack of execution on offense,” Tinsley said after the game. “We have a lot to work on. But, we talked earlier about facing adversity and finding a way (to win). So, I am proud of them for that.”

Tinsley feels like this team’s defense has been their best offense all season long, but they are trying to get everything to click at the right time, and there is no better time than now.

“We’ve just got to continue to improve until everything clicks for us,” Tinsley said. “When everything clicks, we have a chance to be really good but when they don’t click we have to find a way, and the guys definitely did that.”

The Mavericks have only given up more than 20 points twice all season, once to Buford (Georgia) and once to perennial state title contender and conference rival Chambers.

Defensive coordinator Damon Coiro wasn’t satisfied with his unit’s performance. He said his team, and especially his defense, is capable of much more.

“We’ve got to do better,” Coiro said. “We’ve got to do better, we have to take control, get more turnovers. Defensively it is who we are, it is what we have to do and what we will continue to do.”

Defensive scores were the difference in the last meeting between Mallard Creek and Hough — a 13-9 Mallard Creek win — the Mustangs’ next opponent. In a second-round game that will feature two of the state’s best defenses, Coiro expects another low scoring game.

“They (Hough) will have (Markell) Quick back this time, and we did not see him last time,” Coiro said. “We have to match their speed, match their intensity and just keep them on their toes. I think what we do well defensively is that we are able to move and adjust. We treat the defense as if we are the offense if you will. I think that is our mindset.”