LONGVIEW — Sure, everyone talks about offense in soccer — especially since goals are the flashy part of the sport. However, defense wins in championships — and that includes in this beautiful game. Thanks to goalkeeper Christian Hutchinson — and a backline consisting of Chris Giron, David Egbe, Malachi Musil and Lizardo Lemus — opponents have scored just nine times on Palestine this season. “Christian's had a great season,” said Palestine head coach John Absalom. “He's had a ton of shutouts, and he's been more of a leader.” Hutchinson has been a focal point for Palestine's stingy defense — since he's the one who helps direct and organize the fullbacks. It's all a part of the maturation process for Hutchinson, who outdueled Kaleb Jett in last weekend's showdown with Kilgore. Today at 4 p.m. at Lobo Stadium, Hutchinson and the rest of the Wildcats (32-0) play a Ferris squad which features a couple of former academy players. Ferris (17-5-2) implements the 3-5-2 formation — the alignment that's become all the rage among high school coaches. “They've got fast kids up top and they also have a good goalkeeper,” Absalom said. Heriberto Diaz spearheads the Yellowjacket attack, having scored 33 goals and put up 74 points this season. Ferris has two other offensive weapons of note in Yair Gonzalez and Alexis Palos — both of whom have scored 22 times. Overall, the Yellowjackets have scored 103 goals in 24 games (almost four goals/game). Jacob Plaster is the goalkeeper, making 73 saves while logging more than 1,600 minutes. Overall, Ferris has surrendered 36 goals. However, those staunch figures pale in comparison against what Palestine has accomplished this season, blasting home 179 goals thanks to speedy forwards Javier Leonor and Jose Sanchez. During the playoffs, midfielders also have turned into offensive juggernauts — especially Luis Rangel and Riley Harper on the wings. The remaining two starters in the lineup are experienced center midfielders Jonathan Sanchez and Tony Guzman. Absalom said he doesn't foresee Palestine changing its style of play — even as the stakes increase in the regional semifinals beginning today. Should Palestine win, the Wildcats will face the winner of a game between Terrell and Tyler Chapel Hill at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday in the regional final. Palestine defeated Terrell twice during the regular season at tournaments, outscoring the Tigers 3-0. “Terrell plays disciplined defense,” Absalom noted. Tyler Chapel Hill has been the Wildcats' main District 15-4A rival, but the white-and-maroon clad boys have outscored them 15-1. The University Interscholastic League state soccer tournment begins on April 18 at Birkelbach Stadium in Georgetown.