During Merrillville High School’s first two football games against Andrean and Hobart, opponents were left scoreless, and their Portage game was a win as well. Although they lost to Crown Point, it is thanks to the dominating defensive line of our football team that the team bounced back.
While the offensive is often in the limelight, it’s important to shine a light on the defense.
Senior Adam Camphor, co-captain, has a simple routine before each game.
“I really just take a moment and talk to my grandpa that passed for every game,” Camphor said. “It serves as motivation for me, even though my grandpa doesn’t want me playing football.”
With the loss to Crown Point, Camphor only gained a stronger resolve, pushing his teammates to get better.
“A loss is a loss; it’s going to happen,” he said. “We’re going to make mistakes because we’re people. You just have to come back from it.”
Camphor points to teammates Quron Moore, Aaron Kuykendall, Antoine Jenkins and Greg Hughes, saying “they really stepped up this year after losing some key defensive players.”
Camphor said he doesn’t care about defense not getting as much attention as offense. “Offense, they do all the flashy stuff, but we do the hard work; the nitty gritty,” he said. “If the offense is happy, I’m happy.”
Senior Trenton Nixon, the other co-captain, works with Camphor to make sure everyone is ready for practice and on task. He says he consistently pushes his limits, even though he’s aware that defensive plays don’t always make highlights.
“When I was little, I was doubted a lot, so I just try to make sure I’m always successful in what I do,” he said. “ Especially now that I’m committed as a senior and the year isn’t even over.”
Nixon also has faith that his teammates will do the same.
“I know at the end of the day me and my teammates are going to perform,” he said. “We can lose 42-0 and we will still go out there and play our hardest, like the score is still 0-0.”
While bouncing back from a loss is hard, Nixon said he comes back the next day ready to practice more.
“I’m just ready for the next game,” he added. “We can’t let losses hold us back.”
Looking ahead, Nixon points to Valparaiso as one toughest games left on the schedule, pointing out that Valpo always gives Merrillville a challenge.
“I feel like they’re not as good as they used to be last year,” he said, “but they’re one of those teams that are always tough to beat.”
Defensive Coach Josh Sabinas said a strong defense “gives our team the best opportunity to win.”
He realizes that the players on the line don’t always get the glory they deserve.
“I really think that the lineman, both offensive and defensive lineman, go unrecognized,” Coach Sabinas said. “I think they’re really the unsung heroes of football.”
However, Coach Sabinas points to the moments off the field more than anything, noting his love for his team.
“I love our kids,” Coach Sabinas said. “I love our defensive kids. Being able to grow, see them get better, and have those great one-on-one conversations with them; that’s why I coach.”
