THE BIG GAME / HELIX-ORANGE GLEN : Helix Defense Overshadows Solid Offense

Relentless.

That’s the only appropriate word to describe the Helix High defense.

Last week, in the first round of 3-A Section football playoffs, Helix claimed its seventh shutout this season, defeating Patrick Henry, 42-0.

The Highlanders defense, the county’s best, has allowed an average of 2.5 points a game.

Helix (9-1) will play Orange Glen (7-4) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Helix. Orange Glen is coming off a 21-12 victory over Southwest.

The Helix defense is led by lineman Gary Walton (6-feet-4, 235 pounds) and back Brandon Sanders (5-11, 160).

“Both provide the catalyst for a defense that will go down in Helix history,” Helix Coach Jim Arnaiz said. “This defensive club has a chemistry between them. The whole defense plays well together and they support each other.”

But it’s just not the defense that makes Helix strong. The offense is the county’s third best, averaging 30 points a game. Running back Jarrett Parr powers the offense, averaging 7.7 yards per carry.

“There’s a unique and great chemistry between the defense, offense and special teams,” Arnaiz said. “Any team which is good in a given year can say that. It’s the nature of great teams.”

Orange Glen is led by quarterback Omar Navarro, who averaged 14.6 yards per pass. Navarro has the luxury of having four competent receivers. Orange Glen’s leader, Kris Plash averages 14.9 yards a catch and Brian Kooiman averages 14.6. Randy Boozer has averaged 26 yards in 12 catches; the fourth receiver is Gavin McQueen.

The Patriots’ running game relies on Noel Toloumu. Against Southwest last week, Toloumu was involved with every rushing play until the final series. Toloumu carried the ball 18 times for 123 yards and two touchdowns.

Finally, Orange Glen has one of the top kickers in the county in Dave Napier, whose longest field goal is 55 yards.

“Orange Glen has a lot of great offensive stats,” Arnaiz said “We have had a lot of preparation this week. Hopefully the best team will win.”