DSH after considering my earlier comments and thinking back on the seasons mentioned, as well as others, I don't really see any need to soften my evaluation. 2014 had some name kids on defense that have gone on to have some collegiate success, however, while the talent level may have been higher than either 2012 or 2007 it did not translate to results on the field, particularly considering the cake schedule. I will still go with 07 because while giving up 63 to Amherst that schedule at least had a pulse compared to the weak sisters of the Piedmont GW has faced in more recent times. As I said in the previous post, the changes in the way the game is played and the rules, as well as practice schedules, has some effect on the increased offense but, even allowing for that I think GW has just played very poor defense for going on two decades now. Bottom line for me is the true proof is in the playoff performance and GW, without significant improvement in its defense, cannot be considered an overwhelming threat at the state level of the playoffs(expect normal exit somewhere between round 1-3) because they are guaranteed to play at least one opponent, if not more, where they will actually have to be able to make a stop to have a chance to win. The depth of their playoff runs will hinge largely on home field advantage but, even that advantage will be overcome when they encounter teams more balanced on both sides of the ball. Anderson is far better than Teague who was a total disaster but, if they ever want to make noise at the semifinal or final level of the state playoffs significant improvement will be required on the defensive side of the ball. This is a philosophy issue, not a talent issue, because with kids like Malik Clements, Tim Glass, Donald Smith, etc., etc., etc., GW has had more than enough athletes through he years to be at least as good on the defensive side of the ball as they have been on offense.
