Lancaster linebackers proving their worth
LANCASTER — The goal of any defense is to make the opposition one-dimensional on offense.
Led by outstanding linebackers — seniors Eric Deluse and Ryan Edwards and junior Kris Sullivan — Lancaster has done exactly that so far.
The Golden Gales have been excellent against the run, limiting their opponents to only 453 yards rushing. Only DeSales (128 yards) in the season opener and Groveport (128) last week have topped 100 yards rushing against the Gales.
Lancaster has held four of its opponents under 100 yards rushing. Dublin Jerome managed only 23 yards rushing against the Gales; Walnut Ridge had 53, Pickerington Central earned 92 and Pickerington North hit 29.
Lancaster will need another outstanding defensive effort Friday when the Gales host Gahanna in a key Ohio Capital Conference-Ohio Division matchup. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. at Fulton Field.
The Gales (6-0, 3-0) — ranked first in the Division I, Region 2 computer poll and fourth in the state in the Associated Press poll — and Lions (5-1, 3-0) are the last remaining unbeaten teams in the conference.
Deluse (6-foot-1, 195 pounds), Edwards (6-2, 195) and Sullivan (6-1, 170) don’t fit the typical linebacker model because of their size, but they make up for it with their quickness and aggressiveness as well as playing physically.
“Everything we do on defense starts with our linebackers, and those guys are dialed in with our communication, and it allows us to do some things that we haven’t done before,” Lancaster defensive coordinator Andy Knuckles said. “All three of those guys can cover and can be active in the blitz game. Anymore, teams make you cover the whole field, and all three of those guys can do that. They also do a great job in stopping the run.”
Edwards said: “Eric and I played together last year, and we work together really well. Kris has fit in well because he is really aggressive like we are, which is why we get downhill so fast and play the run so well. We aren’t afraid to tackle those big running backs. We are showing people that linebackers don’t have to be as big because if they are athletic, they can still make big plays.”
They are the leading tacklers for the Gales, with Edwards leading the way with 58 tackles, followed by Deluse with 45 and Sullivan at 35. They have combined for 20 tackles for loss, and all three linebackers have an interception.
“Having such fast linebackers helps in all phases, including the passing game,” Sullivan said. “It’s a game-changer when you have linebackers that can run with receivers. We have gained a lot of confidence each week, but we have to stay focused with a clear mind each week because it can be over just like that if you let your guard down.”
While they are versatile and able to cover receivers when teams go five-wide, Deluse said it still comes down to being physical and stopping the run first.
“Our athleticism helps when teams try to pass the ball, but our defense is built to stop the run,” Deluse said. “Being able to read and understand what is coming is the key. For the linebackers, everything is based on our reads. It’s up to us to make the read, play fast, be physical and go make the play.”
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