The Plant high defense has never been built from numerous division 1 athletes or supersized high school players. The foundation or building blocks have always been bright, disciplined and hungry athletes. Yes, there are a few exceptions to the rule, but for the most part, the Panther defense is 11 players comparable to 2012, DE, Mike Dvornik.

The 6-3/230lbs defensive end entered the season as the 5th best DE in Tampa Bay (BCP rankings). Pretty good, except the guys in front of him go by Fowler, McCord, Sherit and Timmons. The #5 guy has not been the main focus, but his coaches would not trade him for any of the guys ahead of him. Last season would be considered a breakout year for Dvornik. He totaled 73 tackles, 7 sacks, 1 pass defended, 1 fumble recovery and 1 caused fumble. He was very much the defensive force as any other Panther teammate. Disruptive is a good word to describe the way Dvornik has played this season. Currently, he has 12 solo tackles, 22 total tackles, and 2 sacks. Against Bergen Catholic, he was like Hurricane Katrina all over again, ripping through everything in his way. He totaled 11 tackles and 7 of those were solos. The way Dvornik played against Bergen Catholic is what the Panthers will need to advance to the state title game in December.

Defensive ends don’t generally rip through the opposing offensive line the way Dvornik does. They are typically swift, agile and fast around the edge. Occasionally stunting to one of the inside gaps to take on an offensive guard. But, Dvornik simply manhandled Tampa Bay Tech this past week. Recording 2 sacks and 7 total tackles in that game.

“He plays like he drank a gallon of gasoline and swallowed a match”, Plant Defensive Coordinator James Few described Dvornik. “His motor is running all the time and he has one of the quickest first moves I have ever seen. He is a great kid with a true passion for the game.”-James Few, Plant Defensive Coordinator. Michael Dvornik Hilites HERE