Hard-nosed 'D' has Parma in title hunt

PARMA - It is a Tuesday afternoon and the sun is just beginning its descent into evening. The goal post casts a long shadow on the field and cows graze in a nearby pasture.

The quiet is interrupted by the blow of a whistle, then a hard smack as two helmets meet.

This is Parma High football - rural in its roots, but robust in its love of competition.

Hard-nosed defense has been at the heart of the Panthers' success. Even when the offense has sputtered, Parma has been able to rely on its defense.

The result is a 9-0 record heading into Friday's 2A state semifinal game at Glenns Ferry (8-2). Kickoff is 4 p.m.

"We work a lot on tackling," Parma coach Greg Asbury said. "It's something that we do from the very first day of practice in double days until next week if we're in the state championship game."

The Panthers take their tackling drills seriously.

On Tuesday, players went head-to-head in "The Drill," as Asbury calls it.

One Panther acts as running back, the other as a defender. They hit at full speed and often don't back down until someone is on the ground or a coach blows the whistle.

"We fly around and put heads on the ball," said senior linebacker Israel Urrabazo, summing up the reason for the Panthers' defensive dominance.

The Panthers have posted five shutouts and the starting defense has not allowed a rushing touchdown. Seven players have grabbed interceptions - including four by defensive back Devin Erickson - for a total of 11.

Linemen Mo Hampton, Jed Ferguson and Mike Condie have combined for 15 sacks.

Opponents average just 3.6 points per game.

"Our philosophy here is if you can stop the run, you're going to have a chance to win high school football games," Asbury said. "That might not be true at the college level, but at the high school level it is absolutely true."

Parma's juniors and seniors have had plenty of practice in Asbury's system. The veteran coach and defensive line coach Shawn Riley have been working with the group since seventh and eighth grade.

"It's been nice. You already know what to expect, so each year you progress," Ferguson said. "By practicing and practicing, you're hoping someday that you'll perfect it and become the best that you can at your position."

As the defending state champions, the Panthers have already attained a piece of perfection.

"We want it. We're hungry for more," said Ferguson of the possibility of repeating as state champion. "Once you have it, you're eager to have it again, but you have to work twice as hard for it."