Anderson's defense had something to prove on its home turf.
The last time they played on this field, they were humbled, allowing 70 points. The unit was yielding over seven yards per carry through its first three games.
The defense turned its season around in a big way, shutting out West Clermont for a 42-0 victory.
"After giving up 70 two weeks ago, we played with a chip on our shoulder," said Anderson head coach Evan Dreyer. "Our linebacking corps played really well against a good rushing attack. It's a pretty special night to walk off this field with a win."
The defense took its early-season performances personally. By posting a shutout and stringing together consecutive victories, the leaders of the defense now realize what they are capable of accomplishing down the stretch.
"We finally came out and executed. This is how good we could have been all year. We finally came out and lived up to our potential," said senior linebacker Danny Schultz.
Anderson improved to 3-1 with two games left in this abbreviated regular season.
"Our kids really responded and fought through adversity, just as they've done through this whole situation," said Dreyer. "We needed to be smacked in the face to see how good we're going to be. "
It was no secret that West Clermont was going to run the football. Linebackers Casey O'Toole and Schultz were ready. The Wolves never mounted a threat, as Anderson's defense kept the West Clermont offense out of the red zone all night.
"It shows us how good we can actually be and we can go into next week with a chip on our shoulder and go out ready to dominate again," said O'Toole.
Kuhn was picked off twice, but his defense picked him up each time. Miles Walker intercepted a pass to set up a short field, which led to Connor Casey's touchdown reception. Max Muehlenkamp intercepted a pass to end West Clermont's initial drive of the second half.
Kuhn rushed for three touchdowns and passed for two more. With his top receiver Jerrick McClanahan sidelined, Kuhn spread the ball to six different receivers and spread the Wolves defense thin in the process. That opened up the middle of the field and Kuhn called his own number twice in the first half for scoring runs between his guards.
"I loved his red-zone ability to run with his legs," said Dreyer. I think that's vastly improved from last year. That made a big difference tonight. We talk about toughness and he certainly displayed that tonight."
Anderson faces the toughest test of its regular-season slate next week, traveling to Winton Woods. There is some pressure lifted knowing that every team in Ohio has already qualified for the OHSAA playoffs. Now that the defense is performing up to its potential, the coaches and players are excited about the challenges and opportunities in front of them.
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