It had to do with that folded index card in Eidson’s wallet. “I’m going to have to get his word,” Barton said, referring to Eidson’s opinion on whether they fulfilled the commitment. “We’ll see. I think our boys deserved it. Week in and week out, we did it. I think we definitely deserve to be in history as one of the best.” However, Barton was the first to admit that they didn’t deserve to be in that category earlier in the year. Especially considering the loss in Florida, and the double-overtime win in the team’s season-opener that Bellarmine-San Jose could’ve won had it not been for a missed extra point. “It’s been a journey,” Barton said. “We’ve been through so much. We faced so much adversity. One thing I love about these guys is that they come out every week ready for a new challenge and expecting to improve each week. I think we did that each week. ... I’m just really proud of my boys. I love ‘em all.” Justin Walker, a two-way lineman for the Spartans, wasn’t sure he felt right about claiming to be on the best defense in De La Salle history. Primarily because he was part of an awfully good one in 2010. That defense, led by current Oregon State defensive lineman Dylan Wynn and Boise State linebacker Blake Renaud, gave up just eight points in its CIF Open Division victory over Servite-Anaheim in 2010. “I feel like we’re a good defense,” Walker said. “I don’t think we’re the best. I feel like last year’s defense was very good. Very stout. Very tough. I think it’s just as special to say that we reached their level.” And perhaps Eidson was able to best encapsulate his feelings about his unit with something he said to it earlier in the postseason. “I told them a few weeks ago, the best compliment I can give you is that I wouldn’t want to run the ball against you, and I wouldn’t want to catch it against you.” ✪
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SportStars™
December 22, 2011
De La Salle defensive lineman Chris Olinger (50) wraps up Westlake quarterback Justin Moore for one of his two sacks in the CIF Open Division championship bowl game. Bob Sansoe
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