District 7-5A has a reputation for quality defensive play. Four of the area's top 16 defenses for fewest yards allowed come from the district.

Jesuit's defense, led by linebacker Benton Smith and safety Hampton Hughes, has held opponents to 15.7 points per game and is a major reason the school has already secured a playoff berth.

"We can compete with anybody when we are on our game," Smith said. Smith and Hughes are the leaders of a defense that calls itself the Nasty Boys Club because of how aggressively they attack.

"We always have 11 guys running after the ball," Hughes said. "That's one of the things that make us really good."

Smith has 76 tackles, including nine for a loss. He is among the team's hardest hitters and a leader of the front seven.

Hughes, the son of former Cowboys safety Randy Hughes, leads the team with five interceptions. He is in charge of the secondary and coverages.

"[Hampton] is a ball hawk," running back Kyle Miller said. "He really knows how to find the football and go for it."

The teammates have known each other since they attended Christ The King grade school and frequently play Madden '08 video game tournaments together.

Smith wasn't even a full-time starter at the beginning of the season. Jesuit coach Bob Wunderlick said Smith looked a step slow and heavy.

When the linebacker he shared time with became ill two weeks ago, Smith made the most of the opportunity. He was named the team's defensive MVP in the 31-13 win at Irving.

"That was his best game in his career," Wunderlick said. "He has worked hard to make himself not only the starting linebacker, but a darn good starting linebacker."

Jesuit thought it had lost its best hitter when defensive tackle Michael Brooks injured his shoulder a couple of weeks ago. Brooks is out for the season.

LOUIS DeLUCA/DMN

Safety Hampton Hughes (left) and linebacker Benton Smith lead the Jesuit defense, which calls itself the Nasty Boys Club for their aggressive play.

Smith may now be the nastiest boy in the club.

"In every play, he is hitting somebody really hard," Miller said.

Hughes, a starter all season, made his presence felt in non-district play with an interception in a 38-7 win against Richardson Berkner.

"He has gotten better in each and every game," Wunderlick said.

Hughes said he learned about being a safety and reading plays from his father, who played for the Cowboys from 1975 to 1980.

"I know when I go home, he's going to have comments about the game," Hughes said.

Jesuit (6-3, 4-2) enters the last regular-season game at South Grand Prairie with a three-game winning streak.

Smith, Hughes and the rest of the Nasty Boys Club appear to be peaking for the playoffs, allowing an average of nine points in the last three games.

The defense's toughest challenge lies ahead. If Cedar Hill wins Friday, Jesuit will face DeSoto in the first round of the playoffs. Otherwise, it will play Arlington Bowie.

Either way, Jesuit will go against one of the top area offenses.

"There are no easy first-round opponents," said Wunderlick. "It's going to be tough either way."

SIDE BY SIDE

Jesuit (6-3, 4-2 in 7-5A) vs. South Grand Prairie (2-7, 2-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday, Grand Prairie's Gopher-Warrior Bowl (KAAM-AM 770)