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.
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