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Patterson racks up tackles, big plays
Bruce Matlock
South Iredell junior Cody Patterson has amassed 113 tackles in just eight games this season.
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Published: October 23, 2009
Cody Patterson got off to a slow start his sophomore year in 2008 when a grade three concussion sent him to the sidelines.
Patterson is still cracking heads this year, only this time it's opposing offenses that are feeling the impact.
Stationed at literally the heart of South Iredell's 3-5 defense, the Vikings middle linebacker has racked up 113 tackles in eight games.
He's the catalyst of a South Iredell defense that is very good, with the potential to be great.
"It has been a breakout campaign for Cody," Vikings coach Ed Masterton said. "He's really stepped up his junior year. I really think a light's gone on for him this year."
Once described as a "missile" by Masterton, Patterson has led a resurgent Vikings defense that has some of the best numbers in the county and in the Catawba Valley Athletic Conference.
A head-seeker at heart, Patterson's numbers have skyrocketed because of his willingness and ability to slow down and read the play.
"Most of the time, if it's a big mess, a big pile, I'll just run in there and hit 'em," Patterson said with a grin. "But sometimes I spy the quarterback, sometimes I watch the running back. You have to be smart, too."
"Cody's gotten better at finding the ball," Masterton added. "And I tell you what, when he gets there, he makes the tackle."
Lots of them. His 113 tackles are more than any South player finished with last year in a 12-game slate.
The closest to Patterson this year is defensive lineman Elye Pearson, who has 54 tackles.
It's safe to say that, at 4-4 on the season with three losses coming to 3A or 4A schools, the Vikings have been winning with defense.
Consider that South Iredell: has pitched three shutouts; leads the Catawba Valley Athletic Conference in total yards allowed; and has allowed 100 passing yards just once.
"Our coaches have been working with us very well," Patterson said.
"We've gotten better at shedding blocks and filling the gaps, doing those little things. This is definitely the best defense we've had since I have been at South."
Patterson is a large reason why.
He's the leader in an experienced, skilled group of linebackers, but insists he has excelled because those around him have all played well.
"We don't have the size up front, no we don't," Patterson said. "But we have so much talent. Carlos Westmoreland up front, he has that speed and strength. Allan Hayes and Brannen Hinerman next to me ... all those guys in the secondary, they're making plays, too. We're on the right track for whatever comes our way."
Something big is coming their way tonight.
The Vikings (4-4, 3-1) face a monster challenge in slowing down Bandys (7-1, 4-0).
The Trojans are big, experienced and have one of the best quarterback-receiver combinations in the state.
Kyle Houser has passed for more than 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns this year while receiver Seth Cranfill, listed at 6-foot-5, has better than 500 receiving yards and six scores.
"I'm looking forward to going against them," Patterson said. "Their quarterback has impressed me a lot with his arm, their main receiver is good and Bandys also has a good running back (Trenton Millsaps). But we're going to treat this game like any other. Hopefully we can come out with a win."
It would be a big win. South Iredell is 3-1 in CVAC and sitting in fourth place (Newton-Conover and East Burke, also 3-1, have better overall records).
Bandys has yet to lose in league play.
A win tonight would shake up the standings and give the Vikings a real shot at a coveted CVAC crown.
"This is definitely the best true quarterback we've played against, but our defense is ready for the challenge," Masterton said. "We passed all summer in those passing leagues to get our defense ready, and we'll give them a bunch of different coverages to look at and try to confuse them a little."
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