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Snap judgments: Whitwell playing brick-wall defense so far

Staff photo by Robin Rudd / Whitwell's Brandon Easterly, right, is tackled by Chattanooga Prep's Cedric Bauilding (8) and Chevy Armour during a preseason jamboree matchup on Aug. 17 at Finley Stadium. Both teams boast tough defenses this year, with Whitwell's having not allowed a point and Chatt Prep on a streak of three straight shutouts.
Staff photo by Robin Rudd / Whitwell's Brandon Easterly, right, is tackled by Chattanooga Prep's Cedric Bauilding (8) and Chevy Armour during a preseason jamboree matchup on Aug. 17 at Finley Stadium. Both teams boast tough defenses this year, with Whitwell's having not allowed a point and Chatt Prep on a streak of three straight shutouts. Staff photo by Robin Rudd / Whitwell's Brandon Easterly, right, is tackled by Chattanooga Prep's Cedric Bauilding (8) and Chevy Armour during a preseason jamboree matchup on Aug. 17 at Finley Stadium. Both teams boast tough defenses this year, with Whitwell's having not allowed a point and Chatt Prep on a streak of three straight shutouts.

By Stephen Hargis, Patrick MacCoon, Lindsey Young 9 min read

Through the first half of the regular season, the Whitwell defense has yet to give up a point.

Zero. Zilch. Nada.

TSSAA Class 1A’s fourth-ranked Tigers began their season with four straight road games but still were dominant, and they cruised in their home opener Friday against Sale Creek.

Whitwell has outscored its first five foes a combined 218-7, with the lone score against the Tigers a pick-six by Jo Byrns in week three.

“It’s definitely a big deal for our guys,” said Tigers coach Owen Kilgore, who also oversees the defense. “Our kids take a lot of pride in it, and they’re holding each other accountable to not give up any points. It all goes back to how the kids compete in practice. They show up every day focused on working to get better.