ALTHOUGH THE media spotlight is often focused on offensive players, there is an old football adage that defense wins championships.

Below are defensive players who have primarily been off the media's radar even though they have helped their teams advance to the semifinals and will also be important in the race for a state title.

Jon Coleman, Broken Arrow: The junior linebacker had two key interceptions deep in Broken Arrow territory in last week's 24-17 victory at Midwest City. Coleman, often overshadowed by senior linebacker Jon Bullock, has a team-high 130 tackles and returned an interception for a clinching touchdown against Bartlesville in Week 10.

"Jon Coleman is not as well-known as some other players, but he is a tough kid who battles every Friday," Broken Arrow coach Ron Lancaster said. "He makes our defense go."

Another key Broken Arrow defensive player who often is overlooked is senior safety Will Watford, who had a key interception in the playoff opener.

Alex Ross, Jenks: The sophomore defensive end had eight tackles, including two big sacks in a 28-14 victory over Edmond Memorial last Friday.

"He did a good job on containing their quarterback and gets a lot of credit for most of my sacks, keeping the quarterback in the pocket," said Jenks senior lineman David Lore, who had 20 tackles last week.

Jenks interim head coach Loren Montgomery added: "Alex is extremely fast and a good athlete. He's been back for a few weeks after hurting his thumb and he's starting to get a feel for the game again."

Blace Walser, Union: A sophomore linebacker, he leads the Redskins with 91 tackles, including 20 in the two playoff games. He recovered a fumble in the playoff opener and recorded his first sack last week. He had a season-high 14 tackles in the season-opener against Broken Arrow, which he will face again in the semifinals Saturday.

Adam Grinstead, Bixby: The junior defensive end was the Spartans' defensive player of the week in the playoff opener against Central and recovered a game-clinching fumble with one second left at Shawnee last week.

"He's been banged up some this year and has been off and on, but he's playing extremely well now," Bixby coach Pat McGrew said.

Kyle Cowan, Cascia Hall: The senior linebacker, who also plays tight end, had 11 tackles and three sacks in a 28-7 win over Purcell last week.

"He's had a good season and is very physical," Cascia coach Joe Medina said. "He has played his best football the last three games. He has really asserted himself on both sides of the ball."

Gage DeLozier and Sam Radley, Claremore Sequoyah: Many of the Eagles' defensive standouts receive more notice for their offensive contributions, but these senior linebackers are making their biggest impact on defense with 113 and 129 tackles, respectively.

Chase Neumann, Dewey: The 255-pound senior has been a consistent force on the line throughout the season with 65 tackles.

Justin Tomlinson, Berryhill: The sophomore linebacker leads 3A with 174 tackles, including 31 in the playoffs.

Classic TV: At noon Friday, the NFL Network (cable 252) will have an hour-long rebroadcast of the 2007 Backyard Bowl between Union and Jenks as part of a four-hour block of "Greatest High School Rivalries."

National title for Jaguars: The Northeast Oklahoma Association of Homeschools was ranked as the nation's No. 1 homeschool football team this season by The Freeman Scoring, used by CBSSportsline's MaxPreps.com. Kansas City Christ Prep Academy was No. 2. NOAH, which plays its home games in Broken Arrow, defeated KC Christ Prep 39-22. The Jaguars also beat the two other top-10 teams they played, No. 8 Springfield (Mo.) Lighthouse Christian 36-21 and No. 9 Dallas HSAA 54-39.

There are 46 homeschool football teams nationally. NOAH is negotiating the formation of a conference with a postseason tournament planned in 2010.

Bell honored: Claremore Christian quarterback Andrew Bell was named District C-4's offensive player of the year. Bell passed for 2,485 yards and 34 touchdowns to help his team reach the playoffs.

For coaches: The Tulsa World has mailed questionnaires to all high school wrestling coaches, who are urged to return them as soon as possible. For more information, contact Matt Doyle at matt.doyle@tulsaworld.com or (918) 581-8316.

Tulsa World All-State football questionnaires were mailed to all state high schools this week. Coaches who have not already mailed the form back to the World are urged to return the completed forms as soon as possible or after their team's final game. If you did not get a form, or need a new one sent, please contact mark.foster@tulsaworld.com or barry.lewis@tulsaworld.com.

The World's All-Metro forms for softball, volleyball and cross country have been e-mailed out. If you did not receive a nomination, contact Lynn Jacobsen via e-mail at: lynn.jacobsen@tulsaworld.com. Nominations are due by Dec. 1.

World Sports Writer Lynn Jacobsen contributed to this column