Blake Dillion

Barry Faulkner

Whether defense wins championships can be debated, but its

practitioners on the soccer field would surely agree it does not fill

scrapbooks. So, about the most attention Corona del Mar High

defensive standout Blake Dillion can hope for is an encouraging word

from his coach or a pat on the back from appreciative teammates.

And while such praise is gratifying, it is the occasional

expressions of frustration mumbled by opponents that best boost the

Sea King senior’s bravado.

“I hear it all the time,” said Dillion, who at 5-foot-10, 150

pounds, consistently wins loose balls, or simply robs other players

of possession with a unique blend of anticipation, aggressiveness and

skill. “I hear them kind of muttering under their breath that they’re

not going to let this little guy affect their game. When it happens,

they don’t like it.”

Such disgust only intensifies Dillion’s desire to foil forays into

the attacking zone.

“When I hear them get mad, or talk to their teammates about me, it

really fires me up,” Dillion said.

Dillion’s dependability as one of two center defenders in the Sea

Kings’ unique flat-back four defensive scheme (a significant

alteration of the typical diamond scheme that includes two fullbacks

on either side of a stopper, positioned closed to midfield, and the

sweeper, at the rear of the formation) has helped CdM contend for a

Pacific Coast League championship.

With Dillion anchoring the defense, CdM (11-5-2, 4-1-0 in league

shut out PCL rivals University, 5-0, on Jan. 22, and Calvary Chapel,

4-0, Friday, to extend its winning streak to five. It also prompted

Dillion’s selection as Daily Pilot Athlete of the Week.

“Blake is one of the main reasons we are where we are,” CdM Coach

Pat Callaghan said. “He’s the defensive MVP of our season and our No.

1 leader. He deserves the recognition.”

Dillion’s play has pleased his coach, who continues to be amazed

by his co-captain’s relentless pursuit of the ball.

“You could call him fearless,” Callaghan said. “I have yet to see

him lose a tackle, which is amazing to me. He never shies away and he

never gets beat. If he doesn’t win the ball with a tackle, he tracks

the player down and wins the ball. He has never made a mistake that

has cost us a goal. He also has the ability to keep our defenders

organized.”

In addition, the converted midfielder’s impact continues after

turning away opposing scoring threats. Upon gaining possession, he

uses the playmaking experience he gained in the midfield to

kick-start the Sea Kings’ offensive transition.

“Some defenders only knock the ball away, but Blake not only gains

possession, he seems to be very composed with the ball. He settles

the ball, then finds a teammate with a pass. He just gets things

going for us.”

A soccer veteran who began playing AYSO when he was 5, Dillion

also remains on the go in the fall and spring by running for the

school’s cross country and track and field teams. He finished fifth

at league finals to earn All-PCL recognition last fall, specializes

in the 800 meters on the track, and also runs both relays in the

spring.

When Callaghan changed his defense, partly to feature Dillion and

fellow center defender Shane Collins, it meant plucking Dillion from

his accustomed midfield role. But it was anything but a hard sell.

“Blake is a great kid and he didn’t say a word about (the

change),” said Callaghan, who terms Dillion his “pseudo sweeper.”

“Blake is they guy we want marking the least. We want him free to

roam, step to double-teams and win loose balls.”

On opponents’ corner kicks, Dillion typically matches up with the

biggest attacker, relying on supreme competitiveness to overcome any

height or weight deficiencies.

“I’m pretty strong with my head and I have confidence in my

marking capability,” he said.

Opponents may have a few more descriptive words for Dillion’s

irrepressible defensive presence.