Parma football relies on stifling defense

The Panthers give up an average of 32 rushing yards per game and have only allowed two touchdowns on the ground this season.

The Parma High football team is the kind of group that spends as much time together off the field as it does on it.

Weekends are filled with video games, movies and thinking about football.

"We are kind of like a family, really," junior middle linebacker Israel Urrabazo said. " We always go hang out and try to build chemistry."

The Panthers' chemistry - as friends and football players - has translated to a stellar season.

Parma (10-1) plays for its first 2A state championship since 1996 at 4 p.m. Friday at Bronco Stadium against Declo (8-3).

The chance to contend for a state title in football for just the second time in school history has brought a renewed sense of pride to the Parma community and its team.

"That swagger is back in the hallway," Parma coach Greg Asbury said. "I didn't see that the first three years I was here. It's been a definite attitude change."

Parma's championship hopes are rooted in a strong defense that's vicious against the run. The Panthers have given up just two rushing touchdowns all season - one each to Homedale and Marsing - and allow opponents an average of 32.0 rushing yards per game.

"There's no real superstar in the group, but they all play extremely hard" Asbury said. "We like to say they play for each other."

Meet the players behind Parma's run-stifling defense:

THE DEFENSIVE LINE

Parma's defensive dominance begins with an experienced line made up of two seniors and two juniors who have all started for at least two seasons.

Tackles Kieran Riley (6-0, 315) and Moe Hampton (6-0, 255) give the Panthers size, while ends Cesar Navarrete (6-1, 210) and Jed Ferguson (6-0, 175) are agile, athletic defenders on the outside.

"We work as a team and group tackle," Ferguson said. "We have good communication on the line and we just work really well together."

THE LINEBACKERS

Urrabazo (5-11, 210), junior James Stell (5-10, 200) and sophomore Randy Riley (6-0, 205) are in their first season starting as linebackers, but each has over 100 tackles.

The trio has helped the Panthers limit opponents to 8.4 points per game, including three shutouts and six games in which teams have scored a touchdown or less.

"We come out and stop somebody in the first half and that really gets everybody going," Riley said. "It feeds our offense and leads to us scoring points."

THE SECONDARY

Parma's last defensive hope has contributed plenty of game-changing plays.

Two juniors - cornerback Devin Erickson (6-2, 165) and safety Tyler Ford (6-1, 180) - and two seniors - cornerback Cam Stewart (5-11, 180) and safety Dalton Koplin (5-11, 165) - have combined for more than 30 interceptions this season.

For all 11 defensive starters, Friday's game will come down to confidence, something Asbury said his team has finally found.

"I like our chances this week," the Parma coach said.

Rachel Roberts: 377-6422