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Wolfe acknowledged that quality running backs and receivers can make great tacklers miss. But more often than not, he said, proper technique will stop a ball carrier. He teaches players that the ball is always the point of attack and that they should keep their eyes on it.

He also stresses staying under control and keeping their feet under them.

"If you leave your feet, you have no power," Wolfe said.

Fuquay defensive coordinator Ryan Habich said many players shy away from close contact, which leads to errors.

To avoid arm-tackles and flailing heads, he teaches players to put their heads across the opponent's body, to "club" upward with their arms, hands above their eyes, and to bring hips in close. Then the tackler should grab the jersey and pull down.

"The whole point with tackling is getting the guy to the ground," Habich said. "If you make a big hit and the guy is still running, that's no good."

Habich said technique is a lost art. In a game, he said he may see Fuquay players make 15 correct tackles -- an improvement over last year.

Fuquay coach Dave Riggs, who played defense for North Carolina in the late 60's, said he emphasizes correcting errors through film study and practice when players are tired. He said tackling comes down to proper technique and desire.

Riggs would like for his team to gang-tackle better.

"The best football teams, it spreads through the whole bunch," Riggs said.

His message has inspired Fuquay nose guard Derrick Redman, who said a simple tackle in the trenches can be as fulfilling as a flying one on the sidelines.

"When I hit the guy and he goes for no yards, it's a great feeling," he said. "I can't explain."

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