The South Callaway Bulldogs' disruptive defense doesn't need any fancy schemes when it comes to disabling an opponent's running game.
South Callaway supplied the latest evidence of its run-razing capabilities Saturday afternoon in a convincing 27-2 victory at Palmyra in the Class 2 semifinals. With the win, the third-ranked Bulldogs (14-0) will play for their first-ever state title against top-ranked and three-time defending champion Lamar (13-1) at 2:15 p.m. Saturday at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.
South Callaway surrendered a scant 63 yards rushing on 35 carries - a faint 1.8 average - against Palmyra. With the Panthers' ground game removed from their options, the Bulldogs intercepted Palmyra junior quarterback Ben Cheffey five times, sacked him twice and limited him to just 15 yards passing.
"We just really kept it simple, we just wanted to stop the run," South Callaway head coach Tim Rulo said. "Once we had stopped the run, we knew we were going to put them in a situation to pass.
"Palmyra's a running team. So when you put them in those long downs - third-and-long, fourth-and-long - it's something they're not really accustomed to or want to do."
The Bulldogs' defense has allowed an average of only 47 yards rushing in its last three playoff wins, including respective victories over a pair of state-ranked and previously unbeaten foes in Lafayette County (Higginsville) and East Buchanan.
Senior Cory Hanger, from his free safety spot, had two of South Callaway's five interceptions Saturday as the Bulldogs cranked up the intensity on Cheffey and his Palmyra receivers. Three of the picks set up South Callaway's offense with short fields that eventually resulted in 20 points.
"Our D-line and linebackers played great ...," Rulo said. "That front seven or eight did a great job, creating all of that pressure. It allowed for all of those interceptions."
The game's opening possession ended with the Bulldogs turning the ball over on downs at the Panthers' 11-yard line. South Callaway, though, got the ball back on the next play when senior linebacker Dylan Hare snagged a Cheffey pass and returned it to the Palmyra 3.
Three plays later, senior quarterback Troy Hentges shoved his way into the end zone from a yard out to put the Bulldogs in front with 6 minutes, 26 seconds left in the first quarter.
South Callaway maintained its slim edge until Hanger - out of his slot receiver position - scored on a 5-yard touchdown run with 1:27 to play before halftime to make it 14-0.
The Bulldogs then pulled away in the fourth quarter by converting two more interceptions into scores. Senior linebacker Jacob Smith's pick set up a 19-yard touchdown run by Hanger - who finished with a game-high 178 yards rushing on 24 carries - with 8:51 to go in the game.
Hanger then followed up with his second interception that led to senior slot receiver Mason Shoemaker's 19-yard touchdown sprint off a reverse with 4:34 remaining.
South Callaway produced 287 yards of total offense - including 242 rushing - but had trouble establishing its typical groove, partly caused by the Panthers' spirited defensive effort. The Bulldogs were also plagued by 11 penalties for 85 yards, with 10 of the flags coming on the offensive side.
"Palmyra had a great defensive philosophy, defensive game plan," Rulo said. "... They were able to nullify some of the things we were able to do. They did a phenomenal job; they're a great defensive team. That's what they pride themselves on.
"For us, it was just kind of finding that rhythm - figuring out different ways to get different guys the ball out in space. We were able to do that with a couple of different plays."
Rulo lauded the booming and plentiful South Callaway contingent that made the trip to Palmyra to help energize the Bulldogs.
"It was so loud, it was so hard to hear, which is great," Rulo said. "That's a great problem to have. It was just an awesome experience. It was so great to see all of the people in blue here.
"It means the world to us to have this community come out and support us. It just warms my heart ... and Lord willing, we'll see a lot of blue come next Saturday."
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(Editor's note: For comprehensive preview coverage of Saturday's Class 2 state championship, see Friday's edition.)