Bradford's defense playing at an all-time high

The Tornadoes have only yielded 49 points through 13 games

STARKE, FLORIDA- It was thought that last year’s defense for Bradford Tornadoes couldn’t be topped. 

Nine shutouts recorded, with only three games where the opponents scored in double digits. 

The Tornadoes essentially said watch this to everyone around the state as this 2023 unit might be even better than 2022’s version. Bradford’s defense is playing an all-time level as the unit has recorded six shutouts this season and in only one game has an opponent reached double digit points. 

Gaither (Florida) preparing to face toughest test of the year

A 24-13 victory for Bradford down in South Florida against True North Classical was the lone game an opponent surpassed 10 points this season. Other than that? This Tornadoes’ defense has been otherwise impenetrable by opposing offenses. 

The defense is anchored by a top notch linebacking corps, led by senior linebacker Chason Clark, who also doubles up and plays tight end for Bradford. Clark this season has tallied 86 total tackles, 16 for loss, two sacks and two pass deflections. 

Others that have also stepped up this season for the Tornadoes is senior middle linebacker Devon McBride, who has racked up 82 tackles, nine for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble. 

Lakeland’s offense finding itself at the most important time

Another senior on defense that has caused a ton of offensive tackles is defensive end Torin Brazell, who also sees time at tight as well. Brazell this season has totaled 43 tackles, 19 have gone for a loss, seven sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions.

Something Bradford head coach Jamie Rodgers will be doing plenty of is dialing of pressure against Pensacola Catholic’s backfield, which comprises of quarterback Ryan Huff and running backs CJ Nettles and Nigel Nelson. The Tornadoes have done a great job getting to opposing signal callers, tallying 32 sacks this season. 

With quarterback hurries and backfield pressure comes turnovers, which the Tornadoes have been able to capitalize on all season long on. Bradford has intercepted 13 passes and forced 10 fumbles. 

The defense will be leaned upon early on in the game to hold up against Pensacola Catholic as Bradford’s offense gets going. Tornadoes’ quarterback Daejon Shanks has been the catalyst for the Bradford attack, throwing for 1,025 yards and 14 touchdowns while rushing for 814 and 13 scores. Shanks teams up with running back Willie Pollard to combine for a formidable duo. 

The last time the program reached a state championship game was in 1985, finishing as the runner-up in Class 3A and the Tornadoes won titles in 1965-66. It’s a small town that’s been itching to get back to the promise land of a state championship game and they’ll be aiming to do it on the backs of an all-time great defense. 

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FHSAA 2023 CHAMPIONSHIPS BRACKETS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 4M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 4S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 3M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

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2023 FHSAA CLASS 2M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 2S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 1M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 1S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 1R STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

(Photo courtesy of Bradford Tornadoes Football Facebook page)

-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl