DALTON, Ga. - There's a sense of pride that surrounds the Dalton Catamounts football program, and it's well-earned through decades of excellence.
If there's one thing that connects the teams of Alf Anderson, Bill Chappell, Ronnie McClurg and now Matt Land, it's a clear idea of how the team wants to win games.
The prep game, like college football, has seen an explosion of offense over the past 10 years, where spread offenses and up-tempo play-calling has led to football teams putting up points that would make basketball teams blush. Coaches are putting their best athletes on offense, beginning at the younger levels.
Not at Dalton, where power football still reigns and defense is not overlooked.
"We've always been a defense-first program," said Land, himself a prep and college defensive back. "Dalton has always prided itself on it, and this team is no different. It starts with our coaching staff. They've done a phenomenal job of breaking down film and putting our guys in the right place."
It's more than that, though. The great majority of Dalton players grow up knowing defense rules and being physical on a Friday night isn't optional.
"Yes, getting on the big-hit list is the best place to be on, in my opinion," said Dalton senior linebacker Jase Chastain, who will lead the Catamounts against Glynn Academy tonight in a Class AAAAA second-round playoff game. "You really have to be in the best shape and be able to understand to play on our defense. Coach (Kit) Carpenter has a lot of formations, and he keeps us in the right spot all the time."
The team's best all-around athlete, Chastain was forced to play quarterback due to injuries at the position starting the season. With their top defensive player having to focus on offense, the Catamounts struggled.
Once J.P. Tighe became healthy and assumed the quarterback role, Chastain was able to do what he does best.
"Jase Chastain to me is the best athlete in the area," Land said of the 6-foot-3, 207-pound linebacker.
"He can completely shut down one half of the field and forces offenses to play into the boundary. He's such an instinctual player, and he's really brought our defense together."
After all-star defenders Nate Mays and Eder Mora graduated, many believed the Catamounts would struggle defensively. However, Matt Cook transferred in and is leading the team - and most of Georgia - in tackles with 140 for a unit that has allowed under 10 points in five of its last seven games.
Linemen Jake Myers and Jamel Darville consistently draw double teams, allowing linebackers room to make plays. If teams try to go the air, the Cats have elite cornerbacks in two-time all-star Jordon McKinney and Maddux Houghton, who leads the team in interceptions with five.
It's a unit that doesn't just stop people. Dalton defenders have caused 15 fumbles and have intercepted 14 passes.
"They're just so opportunistic, with sacks, interceptions, caused fumbles, putting pressure on quarterbacks that cause bad plays," Land said. "The great thing about the defense is we can also play it safe and force you to make plays and execute, and most teams can't do that.
"It's really been a year where everybody has come together on both sides of the ball, but defense is still number one here."
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6296; follow on Twitter @youngsports22.