By Don Ketchum

Phoenix Northwest Christian’s chances of securing a second straight football state championship begin with Casey Jahn, the state’s career rushing leader.

But the chances don’t end there.

The Crusaders (14-0) can play defense, too.

They will find out if their versatility is successful on Saturday when they meet Yuma Catholic (12-1) in the Division V championship game at the Northern Arizona University Walkup Skydome. Kickoff is 11:30 a.m. for the rematch of last season’s participants in the Class 2A title contest.

Isaac Vogt, who as the fullback is one of the key blockers for Jahn, perhaps is even more valuable as the leader of the defense from his linebacker spot.

“We need our defense. Defense is what wins championships,’’ the 6-foot, 205-pound Vogt said.

“We try to get shutouts. We have good linebackers and we have good athletes in our secondary. We feel that they can cover any receiver. It is tough to get yards on us.’’

Northwest Christian second-year coach Dave Inness, whose specialty is defense, said players on that side of the ball are experienced.

“We returned nine (defensive) guys from last year,’’ Inness said. “It’s the second year of the system. We are better and smarter and we are stronger in the weight room. Going into the season, we had a goal of giving up only nine or 10 points a game, but we have exceeded that.’’

The Crusaders have four shutouts, and the most points they have allowed in a game is 10, against Phoenix Christian.

“Isaac is bigger and better, too,’’ Inness said. “He runs the defense with the checks and changes. He is very smart. He is super physical. Our front seven have never played better. Our secondary is having its 27^th straight start as a group. It’s hard to beat that kind of consistency.’’

Vogt said playing at Northwest Christian is like being in a family.

“We don’t care about stats,’’ he said. “We try to keep a low profile. We knew there would be a big target on our backs, so we have been working harder than ever. We expected more from ourselves, and we want to respond to the challenge.’’

Northwest Christian defeated Yuma Catholic 13-6 in the opening game of the season. Vogt and his teammates know the Shamrocks also have improved since then.

“They have a great passing attack (with quarterback Tommy Pistone), so our defense has to stay strong,’’ Vogt said.