KFDM COOP Posted November 12, 2008 Report Posted November 12, 2008 DE Robinson a sparkplug for Stangs Van Wade The Orange Leader WEST ORANGE — For years, everyone has know about West Orange-Stark’s jaw-rattling ‘Chain Gang†defenses. We’ve seen dominating linebacker play and strong safety play. Usually it’s been those guys that have led the squad in tackles over all the years. Well, in 2008 It’s been a different story. Senior defensive end Kevin Robinson leads the third-ranked Mustangs (8-0) with 79 tackles. Not exactly what you would think on any football team, right? “That just goes to show you how physically and mentally tough Kevin is,†said long-time Mustang defensive coordinator Cornel Thompson. “He’s so quiet going about his business. You look at the film though and he’s everywhere.†Robinson also leads the squad with 11 tackles for losses, including seven sacks. “Kevin isn’t that big of a kid, but heck, our whole defense is small,†said Thompson. “He beats people with his quickness and his reads. He’s a kid that has a great competitive spirit. He’s not a rah-rah type of kid, he leads with his heart and determination and the kids can just look at him and his work ethic and they can follow that type of leadership.†For Robinson, it’s been a dream senior season. “I played some on defense last year and got even more playing time late last year,†said Robinson. “Physically, I thought I was there last year, it was just about learning more about the game and my position. Coach (Cornel) Thompson put a lot of faith in me in the offseason. He helped make me stronger but he also taught me a lot about my responsibilities at the defensive end spot. Everything just flows naturally for me out there now. It’s an awesome feeling, knowing how much we’ve been able to stop people this year.†Robinson has definitely been part of something special. The Mustangs are allowing a mere 107.8 yards a game and have given up just 284 yards (35.5 ypg.) on the ground. WO-S has allowed just 41 points all season and has yet to allow a single point in the third quarter. “I think people kinda take us for granted when we take the field because we look so small,†said Robinson. “Once they run off a few plays they feel totally different, you can tell by the look in their eyes. We may be small but we all can get to the football with our speed and quickness.†“I like to say we have a few good men on defense,†said Thompson. “We have 16 kids that line up and play defense for us. This is one of the smaller defenses we’ve had here but they make up for that in so many ways. This group, it’s hard to get around the outside on them at all. What’s been even more impressive is that we’ve stuffed the run inside very well too. What I really like about this group is that they’re not only physically tough, they’re mentally tough.†Preparation has been key for Robinson and his mates. “Coach T (Thompson) has us in such good shape when the season starts, by then we’re ready to go physically, it’s just about preparation for that next opponent,†said Robinson. “He gives us that drive, that will to succeed. We take heart to that and nobody leaves it on the field like our defense more on game nights.†Stopping the run has really been special. “We’ve had a lot of quarterback sacks but shutting down the run is what I love best,†said Robinson. “There’s nothing quite like a run blitz, especially when the other team doesn’t see it coming.†Robinson feels the numbers don’t lie. “We’ve been able to dominate some games with all 11 of us flying to the ball,†said Robinson. “It’s not very often when you find less than four or five of us around the ball on a play. We’ve just got to keep it up. It’s playoff time and every game will be tougher and we know that. We’re going to run into some bigger and tough teams so we’re going to have to continue to execute.†Robinson and the Mustangs will line up against the Coldspring Trojans (6-2) in the Class 3A Region III Division II bidistrict round of the playoffs Saturday at 6 p.m. at Deer Park’s Clyde Abshire Stadium. The Mustangs beat the Trojans 51-14 in the same round last year, breaking away after owning a 12-7 halftime edge. “Coldspring has a great football team, you have to be pretty good to reach this level,†said Robinson. “They have a big back and a fast quarterback and tailback. They will be a challenge for us. Forget about last year’s score. They played hard against us last year but made some mistakes. Hopefully we can get them to turn the ball over again.†Robinson also has a “side gig†that he enjoys and that’s being the backup tailback. He has 160 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries. He carried 10 straight times for 61 yards on one scoring drive late in the second half in the 67-0 win against Orangefield last week. “I do whatever it takes to help our team win,†said Robinson. “I’ve been a running back all of my life so I enjoy it when I get in there. We had fun with that drive last week. They were wearing me out and it was funny, going back to the huddle and hearing that I’m getting the ball like that. Fun times, that’s what it’s all about.†Unless you’re a running back heading Robinson’s way. Fun might be out of the question.
Gasilla Posted November 12, 2008 Report Posted November 12, 2008 Good article, sounds like the boys are focused.
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