Glendale Defense Key to Early Wins

The Glendale High football team is relying on more than a strong running game to mow down opponents. In fact, the team, which is 2-0, has been moving as well without the football as with it.

The Nitros stingy defense has given the offense good field position, especially in last week’s 23-3 win over La Canada.

“The running game went well but defensively, we really played well. That was the key,” Coach Don Shoemaker said. “The defense is really what won the game for us.”

Glendale had limited La Canada to 1 yard in total offense when, with 2 minutes remaining in the first half, the Spartans recovered a fumble and drove 20 yards for their only score, a 37-yard field goal.

La Canada managed only 77 yards even though 2 Glendale defensive starters were out with injuries. “I expected the defense to do well,” said Shoemaker, who has 8 returning starters on defense. “They never let La Canada get any sustained drives.”