SPRINGFIELD — Before the season, it was no secret that Glendale’s defense needed to improve.
The Falcons surrendered 35.8 points per game. The team relied heavily on the offense to win in shootouts.
This season, it’s all changed. Glendale (5-3) is winning thanks to an outstanding defense. The Falcons have peeled off four straight wins over Waynesville, Lebanon, Kickapoo and Ozark. The team has allowed fewer than 19 points per game during this run.
Entering the final week of the regular season, Glendale has allowed 27.4 points per game. It’s the fewest points Glendale has allowed through eight weeks since 2022.
“Our scores look different because we are improved,” head coach Frank Tristan said. “Our offense is better and our defense is starting to
understand what we are good at.”
The Falcons aren’t just slowing down opponents. They are stealing possessions. Against Ozark, Glendale clung to a late lead and forced two turnovers in the final five minutes. Hays Tristan’s game-sealing interception highlighted another fantastic defensive performance.
After losing three of its first four games, Glendale’s defense has improved greatly. They’ve stopped the run, pressured the quarterback, and made consistent open-field tackles. Linebacker Liam Wormington has led the charge. He secured an interception for a touchdown in Glendale’s win over Kickapoo two weeks ago.
“He’s engaged, we’ve personnel matched, and has not complained about playing time,” Tristan said. “When he gets in, he’s making an impact. This type of team behavior has really helped.”
Glendale’s high-flying defense faces its biggest challenge yet. The Falcons host Nixa (7-1) for the regular season finale on Thursday, Oct. 22.
The Falcons' offense has been the least of Tristan’s worries. Sophomore quarterback Ryder Spickard is improving each week. He has two of the state's best wide receivers in Joelle Rover and Trevor Heman.
“Our confidence is building,” Tristan said. “One thing Ryder is doing really well is that he extends plays. That is something, even last year, we really struggled with. He’s accurate, and he can just throw it where we need it.”
While the passing attack has always been lethal, the ground game is starting to find a spark, too. Running back Cameron Major rushed for a 38-yard touchdown through the heart of Ozark’s defense last week. If the balanced attack continues, defenses will be in for a big surprise, especially in the playoffs.
“The beautiful thing about Missouri is that none of this matters," Tristan said. "It only matters what happens in Week 10.”
After Week 8, Glendale is No. 4 in the Class 5 District 5 standings. A win over Nixa will certainly propel the Falcons up the standings. Once district play begins, Glendale will know it's a battle-tested team in the always-competitive Central Ozarks Conference.
Class 5 District 5 standings
- Helias Catholic (8-0)
- Camdenton (6-2)
- West Plains (6-2)
- Glendale (5-3)
- Rolla (5-3)
- Jefferson City (3-5)
- Lebanon (2-6)
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Glendale's defense big reason for winning streak: 'Our confidence is building'
