It was third and one, the Hancock Bulldogs lined up in a strong I-formation. Quarterback Trevor Mays handed the ball to his running back for a blast up the middle. Moorpark Raider Travis Key flew over the center and stopped the ball carrier in his tracks on the one, which forced a field goal.

Plays like these have defined Moorpark’s season. Led by captains Travis Key, and Cesar Fermin, the young Raider defense has proven to be a force to be reckoned with. Moorpark is ranked #12 in Southern California, and the defensive unit has proven to be crucial.

Head Coach Will Thurston expressed why his team is so successful.

“We have a tough group of young guys,” Thurston said.

The Raider defense is coached by former Westlake star defensive end Mike Stuart. Stuart has proven to be tough on his players at practice; Linebacker Travis Key justified the method to Stuart’s madness.

“We get drilled hard (in practice) but we realize that’s the only way to become dominant, ” stated Key. ” It really helps though when you have the staff we do, our coaches have amazing schemes.”

Moorpark has furnished five of the top 50 all-defensive players this season; Travis Key, Cesar Fermin, Kyle and Jake Rothschiller, and Demetrius Wilson. On top of that, a Raider has been chosen as defensive player of the week for five straight weeks.

Key offered a final take on how unstoppable this defense is.

“We all trust each other, we trust the guy next to us to get the job done,” Key said. “That’s why I think we’re the best defense in this division.”