LAS VEGAS – A great deal of attention is being placed on the Tucson Salpointe Catholic offense for Saturday night’s (Aug. 24) Sollenberger Classic, and rightly so.

But the Lancers can play defense, and according to senior strong safety and captain Jay Williams, want to prove themselves against Henderson (Nev.) Liberty High.

“Our defense is old, fast and experienced. We like to lock it down,’’ said the 5-foot-10, 180-pound Williams.

Liberty, he said, “has strength on both sides of the ball. They like to come out and punch you in the mouth.’’

The Lancers figure to floss and keep on smiling.

Although Salpointe hasn’t seen much video on Liberty, Williams said the Patriots’ play resembles that of Tucson Ironwood Ridge, which won Arizona’s Division II title in 2012.

“They (Liberty) like to run the ball, but they also can pass. They like to do a lot of different stuff,’’ said Williams, who also sees time at running back.

Williams hopes a win here will lead to bigger and better things, such as a state title.

After that, it’s on to play college ball. Williams has been contacted by the University of San Diego and ivy League schools such as Cornell and Dartmouth.