Wolves should be solid defensively

By Staff, 07/21/21 1:30 PM

PRESCOTT – Defensively, the Prescott Curley Wolves will be smaller this season.

However, smaller doesn’t mean much to the Wolves. Jason Patrick, defensive coordinator for the Wolves, said the team will be quicker and strong. “I feel good about the guys we have coming back.”

Prescott will again run a 4-3 defense with several returning starters from last year, including Luke Cole on the defensive line, Jason Patrick, Jr., at outside linebacker, Travion Dickens, another outside linebacker, Eli Quidera at defensive end and Omarian Dickens at corner, along with Carston Poole at strong safety. While only one member of the defense tips the scales at more then 200 pounds, all can run a 4.9 40 or better.

The secondary is all 6-0 or better, which could present problems to opposing quarterbacks and receivers. Caleb Harris is the tallest at 6-4.

Patrick said this year’s defense will be more attacking than in the past, always looking for turnovers and to disrupt offenses. “We can’t go toe-to-toe with other offensive lines,” he said. As to the attacking form of defense, he said the team started transitioning to it least year, so it shouldn’t be a problem – except for opponents.

The team has good depth in the secondary. As to linebacker, he said there are about 10 guys he could put on the field and feel good about. There is a problem with the defensive line as several graduated from last year’s team, but members of the offensive line will be pulling double duty and rotating on defense. The front line includes Trystan Pettit, Carlos Zacharias, Ty Koger and Maddux Yates.

In addition, the Wolves have a solid group of sophomores who were undefeated as freshmen. These youngsters are expected to contribute as well. Patrick said there will be more than 50 players suiting up for the team this year with three good classes to draw from.

“We’re gonna swarm. We’re gonna hit. We take pride in the weight room and teaching the fundamentals of hitting,” he said. However, this is done with safety first and foremost on everyone’s mind.

Last season, the Wolves lost two games due to COVID-19. Those games just vanished. This year, though, if a game can’t be played due to COVID, the home team will have to forfeit the contest.