South Garland coach Mickey Moss believes in his defense, and it showed on the biggest plays of the game against Rockwall.

South Garland turned Rockwall away on two fourth-down attempts in the fourth quarter and topped Rockwall, 26-21, Thursday at Homer B. Johnson Stadium.

"We just made the plays," linebacker Jamal White said. "Coach put us on blitzes on both of those plays, and we got it done."

South Garland blitzed on a 4th-and-goal play from the 8 with less than four minutes to go and on a 4th-and-21 play that sealed the game with about 1:30 left. The gambles paid off, and Rockwall quarterback Braden Smith's passes fell incomplete.

"We needed to get pressure on Braden," Moss said. "If you let him sit back there, he's going to find the open receiver. He's such a great quarterback. We needed to put the heat on him, and we did."

South Garland's quarterback also stood tall. Nick Florence threw two touchdown passes, including a 9-yard pass to wide receiver Steven Osborne to put South Garland ahead for good. Florence also ran for 47 yards and a touchdown.

Smith and running back Robert Carter were outstanding for Rockwall. Smith threw for 241 yards and two scores, and Carter ran for 99 yards and a touchdown.

But the South Garland defense held when it counted most. It sacked Smith twice, including a pivotal sack from defensive lineman Zack Weaver to put Rockwall in a big hole on its final possession.

MIKE STONE\Special Contributor

South Garland's Nick Florence is sandwiched by Rockwall's Garrett Henderson (left) and Matt Claggett in the first quarter.

"They had us spinning for a while, because they were substituting so many players and moving them in and out," Moss said. "But we made the adjustments, and our defensive players made some great plays."

The win moves South Garland to 6-1 and 4-0 in District 10-5A play, putting it alone atop the district standings. Rockwall fell to 3-4 and 2-2 in district.

White called Rockwall's offense the best his squad had seen this season. He said he was glad his coach called the plays.

"Coach calls the plays, and we make it happen, baby!" White said.