Is this Spartans’ defense better than last year’s? Title game will determine that

The numbers are close.

Points allowed, total yards allowed, takeaways.

There’s not a whole lot of difference between the Wyomissing defense that posted five shutouts in a 10-game season in 2020 and the Spartans’ defensive unit this season.

Both have been superb. Both have been ranked No. 1 in Berks in total defense. Both have been the backbone of teams that went into the PIAA Class 3A championship game unbeaten.

This group — led by Section 2 Linebacker of the Year Jack Miller, Richmond-bound defensive end Aiden Stewart and three-year starting cornerbacks Nevin Carter and Amory Thompson — has a chance to set itself apart from a 2020 defense that featured five All-State picks.

That chance comes Saturday at noon at Hersheypark Stadium when it gets the long-awaited rematch against unbeaten and top-ranked Central Valley (14-0) in the PIAA championship game.

If the Spartans (15-0) win and hold a Warriors team averaging 47.5 points per game to considerably less than that they’ll be able to stake their claim as the best.

“I always feel confident in our defense,” said Spartans coach Bob Wolfrum earlier in the playoffs. “They’ve been what’s kept us solid all year. Our defense is our bedrock. They’re there every week. We can always count on them to make it tough on the other team.”

Six members of the defense earned all-league honors: Mack, Miller and Carter were first-team picks, nose guard Julian DiMaio, linebacker Tommy Grabowski and Thompson were second-team picks. There easily could have been more.

For the season the Spartans are allowing 135 total yards per game, 25 less than last year. Of course, last year half of Wyomissing’s 10 games came in the postseason, because of a COVID-shortened regular season. Plus, that figure includes the 35-21 championship-game loss to Central Valley, which had 325 total yards.

Last year’s defense — led by All-State linebackers Darren Brunner and Evan Niedrowski, All-State defensive backs Zach Zechman and All-State lineman Steve Olexy — was tougher against the run. It allowed just 81 yards per game and 2.5 yards per carry, compared to 89 and 3.3 this year.

Where this team sets itself apart is in pass defense. They’ve been incredible at that, especially in the five postseason games. Opposing passers have completed 11 passes — total — and thrown for 72 yards. Two opponents — Middletown and Boiling Springs — didn’t complete a pass. Neumann Goretti passers went 1-for-11 in last week’s semifinal.

For the season opposing passers are completing 41.7 percent of their passes and have compiled a 58.6 passing efficiency rating. Last year’s numbers: 51.3 and 84.6.

“Wyomissing’s defense has been on a pretty good run here the last six, seven weeks,” said Central Valley coach Mark Lyons. “The first thing that jumps off the film is their overall defensive speed; they’re a lot quicker (than last season).”

They’re effective against the pass because a pair of athletic cornerbacks who have started on three straight district championship teams. And because they know how to bring pressure from their linebackers, Miller, Matt Kramer or Rory Filloon, or from Mack off the edge or DiMaio up the middle. And because they know their assignments.

“Right from the get-go these kids have done a great job,” Wolfrum said. “They’ve really worked hard on the mental part of the game.”

The assignment Saturday is vastly different than the one a year ago.

Playmaking quarterback Ameer Dudley, who could extend plays with his feet, is gone, as are two of his fastest and most dangerous play-makers, All-State picks Myles Walker and Stephon Hall.

The Warriors don’t have the same explosion, or look. In fact, the Spartans are likely to see two different quarterbacks. Junior Antwon Johnson, their top passer, and senior Matt Merritt, who’s more of a runner.

Merritt, a senior with several service academy offers, was the No. 1 guy when the season opened but he was injured in Week 3 against Altoona. Johnson stepped in and earned all-league honors.

Now Lyons mixes in each guy, depending on the opponent and situation. Merritt is more of a Tim Tebow type; he’s more dangerous on power runs than with his arm.

Also, the Warriors will show some Wildcat, with All-State running back Landon Alexander taking direct snaps.

“They don’t have quite the passing game they had (last season),” said Miller, “but they’ve very physical and they’ll try to run it right down your throat. If you can’t stop that, they’re going to do that the whole game.”

Wolfrum is confident that his defense is more prepared than last year. He said there were formations that Central Valley used a year ago that his guys weren’t ready for. Adjustments were made in the offseason.

“We went out to try and get some stuff that we could (cover) what our problem was,” Wolfrum said. “We think we did that. On paper, we’re good against that part of the game. We’ll find out.”