Carmel football

An Achilles heel for the Padres for what seems like an eternity has been their defense.
Last year Carmel gave up 73 points in a loss to eventual CCS Open Division III champion Sacred Heart Prep.
In 2014, it allowed 61 points to Salinas, 52 in a loss to another section champion in Terra Nova.
And in 2013, it surrendered 77 points in a humbling loss to Pacific Grove in the CCS Division IV semifinals.
 Granted, these were teams that either won section titles or played for a section title.
 Yet, if Carmel is going to make serious noise in the playoffs, it can't solely rely on one of the most explosives offenses in the section over the last seven years.
 Defense set the tone in the Padres season opening 41-7 win over Willow Glen -- with the touchdown allowed coming against a mix of starters and reserves.
 Eight starters are back from last year's group, a unit that has a full grasp of a system put in place last fall.
 Of course, it won't hurt that Carmel's ground game will chew up time and keep that defense much fresher in the second half.
 It appears, though, that the Padres have a defensive unit that can protect a lead.