Exeter defense faces tough challenge in Division I football quarterfinal at Londonderry

EXETER — A dual-threat quarterback can cause many headaches for opposing defenses. But what about having to prepare to face not one, not two, not three, but up to four different quarterbacks in the same game?

That's one of the biggest questions and areas of focus coming from the Exeter High School football team as it prepares for Saturday's Division I quarterfinal at No. 4 Londonderry.

"I would say defensively, there's a lot of responsibility on us heading into this week," Exeter head coach Bill Ball said. "The way (Londonderry) attacks and what they do is a really great challenge for us."

Fifth-seeded Exeter advanced with a 31-13 first-round win over No. 12 Keene, while Londonderry beat No. 13 Windham, 46-0.

More: Exeter junior Mike Caron comes in for Bove at QB, leads team to 18-point win over Keene

Scouting the Lancers

Londonderry defeated Exeter 35-0 in the team's regular-season matchup back in the middle of October, and in that game, the Blue Hawks faced four quarterbacks - Conor Williams, Sam Ogden, Alex Villa and Cam Brutus.

Not only was that the plan all season for the Lancers, but Londonderry head coach Jimmy Lauzon said that's the plan for Saturday's playoff game as well.

"(Londonderry) presents a lot of problems because they play four quarterbacks," Ball said. "Each quarterback is unique in their own way and they present different problems for the defense. They all can throw (the ball) fine. So, it's a lot of work and recognition, getting our sets right on defense and being able to tackle in space."

Williams, who started but only played one drive against Exeter, had a 25-yard passing touchdown to Jaydon Navarro, and added a 10-yard run.

The Blue Hawks then saw Ogden, and the junior quarterback went 2-for-3 for 39 yards. He also had three rushing attempts for 49 yards.

Londonderry's fourth drive of the game saw the Lancers insert Villa, who ran for 39 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown run, on five carries.

And finally, Brutus finished the game

Blue Hawks look to make adjustments from regular-season loss

Ball said film study has been an important piece to installing this week's game plan.

"(Those four quarterbacks are) so diverse," Ball said. "You can't just jump on one thing. You can't say 'hey, when they're in this formation, they like this (run-pass option) or counter.' (Londonderry) is a big misdirection team. The offensive line is active, they pull tackles, and they pull guards. So you've got to be good on the surface, and you have to be good on the second and third levels."

Ball added that the Lancers are very explosive, and that's what hurt Exeter the most in October.

"I thought we played on our heels, and credit to Londonderry," Ball said. "They played exceptionally well; really looking forward to the challenge."

Can the Exeter defense mimic an earlier performance?

Don't be fooled by the 35-point loss to Londonderry, Exeter's defense was strong this season, and allowed just two teams to score 20 or more points against them - Portsmouth/Oyster River (20) and Londonderry. Exeter, on average, allowed under 13 points a game.

In terms of points allowed, only Portsmouth (8.5 points per game allowed) allowed fewer points to be scored.

But when asked what was Exeter's best defensive performance, Ball, with no hesitation, pointed to the regular-season-ending 16-7 win against Dover. It was the only time Dover was held to one score.

"I thought we played with second- and third-level support, and had some takeaways," Ball said. "After (Dover's) first couple of drives, our run sets were better. That was our best performance, no question, in my mind to date."

Making defensive changes throughout the season

Ball talked about the strides the Exeter defense has made over the course of the season, especially having to replace 19 starters from last year's team.

"To be playing towards the middle of November is a credit to the kids and the coaches," Ball said. "We're excited and we've come a long way."

Exeter's defense is powered by twin brothers Isaac and Eli Beem, but they've been joined by many others who have helped shape this defense into a powerful bunch.

Ball mentioned the development and success of Erik Menger (defensive tackle), Tyler Bland (strong safety), Harry Caracciolo (inside linebacker), Sean DeLello (cornerback) and Tyler Graney (defensive end).

"(Menger) has been outstanding, (Bland) has been very good, the two Beem's have been solid and (Caracciolo) has done a good job," Ball said. "We also got (DeLello) back from injury (on defense), and he's really helped. There's been a lot of guys."

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exeter will face Londonderry in D1 football quarterfinal Saturday