Redmen defense has

Gazette Sports Editor

sports@gazettepublishingco.com

The Redmen defense will have to replace six All-Northern Ohio League players from the 2007 defense. Key players the Redmen lost were team MVP defensive back Derek Brown, linebackers Ben Palsa and Aaron Contreras, defensive linemen Todd Krause and Dawson Gore.

The Redmen do however, have two All-NOL selections coming back in defensive lineman Bryant Loparo and defensive back and senior co-captain Trevor Smith.

With arch rivals Clyde and Fostoria in weeks three and four, these new faces on defense with have to be ready to step up to the challenge rather early.

Redmen coach Ed Nasonti knows the defense will have to improve from last year if they want to win the big games this season.

"Our expectations are the same every year, we want to contend for the NOL championship and make it to the state playoffs. In order to do that we will need our defense to improve on some inconsistencies from last season. We need to not give up as many points and stop our opponent on third down conversions. Especially on third and longs," said Nasonti.

Nasonti also noted league play will be a challenge like each and every year.

"Tiffin Columbian and Fostoria were co-champions last year. Both of those teams have division one college prospects and will be a tough challenge. We also feel Shelby will be another solid team. Overall the league should be pretty balanced. We expect it to be a very competitive league week in and week out," said Nasonti.

The Redmen defense will be anchored by the line which features four seniors - co-captains Bryant Loparo (6'2" 265lbs) and Zane Huston (6'5" 220lbs), and senior defensive linemen Torey Harris (6'1" 220) and Joe Miller (6'1" 200lbs).

The linebackers will be led by senior co-captain Kyle Putnam (5'10" 180lbs). Playing the strong-side linebaker position will be senior Joe Consolo (5'10" 175lbs), the middle linebacker will be junior Tommy McPeak (6'2" 200lbs). The rover position will be played by senior Brad Dumas (5'11" 175lbs).

The Bellevue defensive backs will be led by senior co-captain free safety Trevor Smith (6'0" 180lbs). The cornerbacks will be played by senior Joe DeBlase (6'3" 185lbs) and junior Dre' Valliant (6'1" 170lbs).

"Strengths for the 2008 season will be good senior leadership, good numbers in the program, solid returners in some skilled positions and a rich football tradition," said Nasonti.

There are many players that are starting on both sides of the line of scrimmage for the Redmen.

"Areas of concern might be depth at some skilled positions and inexperience at other," said Nasonti.