PUSHING FORWARD

11/9/2012 12:12:00 AM PUSHING FORWARD Wildcats find success on defense despite coping with several injuries

Ninety Six High School’s Rod Johnson (21) helps close in on a tackle. Despite the Wildcats’ abundance of injured defensive players, coach Chris Liner’s team has played improved defense as of late. (Index-Journal | File) By SCOTT CHANCEY NINETY SIX -- Six Ninety Six High School defensive starters have been lost at one point or another because of injuries this season. First, it was Marquise Williams in the opening game. From there, the casualties never seemed to stop. The latest was Jo-Jo Chaney in last week's first-round playoff victory against Liberty. Yet, here the Wildcats are, preparing for tonight's second round of the Class AA, Division II playoffs at Blacksburg. But instead of thinking about all those injuries, the Wildcats' defense has actually played better during the past few weeks. After giving up 38 points against Batesburg-Leesville and 42 against Newberry, the Wildcats responded to those losses by allowing 14 against Saluda and then 20 against Abbeville and Liberty, each, in victories. "That's the definition of team," Wildcats coach Chris Liner said. "Now, a lot of guys playing predominantly on offense are now also having to play on defense. We've done some extra running this week, though. We know we have a lot of talented kids at a lot of different positions. They're just going to have to play a lot more football. But at this time of year, it's cool outside and a lot easier to do. It's always exciting to see someone step up and feel a role and go with it." SEE MORE IN FRIDAY'S INDEX-JOURNAL.