Richard Brian

Green Valley wide receiver Kyle Larimer, center, hypes up his team in the locker room before a home game against Bonanza last Friday.

By Ray Brewer

Fri, Sep 5, 2008 (midnight)

Centennial's football team has built a reputation for having a physical and hard-hitting defense.

It's a unit that prides itself in making game-changing plays and being more aggressive than the opposition. That was the case last week in the Bulldogs' season opener as they forced six turnovers in a 43-14 victory against Durango.

But what happens when that defense is asked to stop an offensive style it isn't familiar with?

Enter Green Valley High senior quarterback Nick Libonati and the Gators potentially dangerous passing attack. It's something Centennial isn't used to seeing in the Northwest Division — a league where the team who best runs the football and controls the line of scrimmage usually comes out ahead.

That won't be the case Friday night when Centennial (1-0) travels to Henderson to take on Green Valley (1-0) in an early season contest both coaches feel is evenly matched.

"We have to shut down Libonati," Centennial coach George Baker said. "He's a (great) passer who does a good job of sitting in the pocket."

Libonati was only 8 of 22 for 72 yards last week against Bonanza as his receivers dropped several passes. He did throw a pair of touchdowns in a 14-13 win.

Finding success against Centennial, the same team that blanked them 13-0 last year, won't be easy, Libonati said.

"(Centennial) likes to bring it," Libonati said. "Their defense is big and strong. But our game plan is to go right at them."

Centennial (1-0) senior defensive tackle Billy Smith said the Bulldogs are up to the challenge.

"We have to get pressure on (Libonati) and force him into early throws," Smith said.

Green Valley's defense also fared well last week in limiting Bonanza to three rushing yards and no points in the second half. Last year, the Gators also forced five fumbles against Centennial.

"That was a tough game for us last year. They came to play," Baker said. "Green Valley is a great opponent for us. It will be a great match-up."

Offensively, the Bulldogs are led by receiver Matt Holley who had two touchdown receptions in the first half last week. He also had an interception on defense — something that will be key for the Bulldogs next week.

"They are a high-powered team that will be tough to shut down," Baker said.

Ray Brewer is the sports editor for the Home News and can be reached at ray.brewer@hbcpub.com or 990-2662.