Murtaugh’s optimism high for improved Cyclone defense
HARLAN -- The question really isn’t whether Harlan Community’s defense will be better in 2017. The real query is how much better?
The answers might vary depending on who you ask, but second-year defensive coordinator John Murtaugh is optimistic that the overall improvement on ‘D’ will show up early and often.
Just to review, last year’s Cyclone defense allowed 38.6 points and 449 yards per game, surrendering 70 points vs. Creston and at least 34 to five other teams.
“Last year is last year. I teach history, but when it comes to football I don’t pay any attention to it,” stated Murtaugh.
“The guys are buying in. The things we want to do (are) pursue the ball, get a lot of people around the ball, tackle well and get some takeaways. That’s what we’ve been preaching since day one and I’ve been real pleased with the guys. We have the capability of having a great defense.”
The projected defensive starters for Friday’s season opener vs. Lewis Central include a mix of returning players - some at new spots - a few newcomers and two proven offensive talents now getting a chance to start on defense as well.
HCHS DEFENSE - DEPTH CHART
Probable Starters:
DE: 46, Caleb Bieker (6-1, 208, jr.)
DE: 83, Jake McLaughlin (6-3, 205, jr.)*
DT: 56, Caleb Brouse (6-4, 255, sr.)*
DT: 90, Derec Weyer (6-4, 280, jr.)
OLB: 28, Jacob Bartley (6-0, 165, sr.)*
OLB: 36, CJ Schechinger (5-11, 175, sr.)*
ILB: 27, Wyatt Schaben (6-1, 180, jr.)*
ILB: 34, Jon Owens (6-2, 175, jr.)*
S: 33, Nick Foss (5-11, 200, sr.)
CB: 9, Tanner Fink (5-7, 140, sr.)*
CB: 12, Deren Schmitz (6-3, 190, sr.)
Top Reserves:
DE: 88, Jacob Hansen (6-4, 220, sr.)*
DE: 85, Brady Wagner (6-3, 195, jr.)
DE: 94, Dillon Frederick (5-9, 165, sr.)
DT: 64, Daniel Soll (6-1, 235, sr.)
LB: 48, Tyler Buman (5-10, 170, sr.)
LB: 11, Drase Klindt (6-0, 150, sr.)
S: 29, Jared Moser (5-10, 166, sr.)*
CB: 21, Jacob Bruck (5-10, 165, jr.)
CB: 14, Johnathan Monson (6-0, 165, so.)
* Started at least 1 game on defense last season.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK: 31, Kyle Knudson (5-11, 150, jr.)
Punter: 12, Deren Schmitz (6-3, 190, sr.)
Returns: Nick Foss, Brett Sears.