Hilliard's defense needs to close gap
By Ray Stein
Dispatch Sports Reporter
The key to Hilliard’s success in the Ohio Capital Conference’s Capital Division this season will be whether the defense can catch up to the offense, coach Barry Blackstone said.
If preseason practice is any indication, the defense has a lot of work to do.
“Offensively, this team can play,” Blackstone said. “We have a lot of returning people on offense, and we’ve looked very good there so far. We’ve got a real good chance to be a good offensive team.”
At this stage, the defense is another story.
“We expected the offense to be a little ahead of the defense, but I don’t think I ever expected the gap to be as wide as it seems right now,” said Blackstone, who is beginning his sixth season.
Injuries to two key defensive performers haven’t helped matters.
End Josh Richards, a 6-foot, 170-pound senior, has been sidelined with mononucleosis and safety Joel Holland, a 6-2, 185 pound senior, is suffering with a bad back sustained in an auto accident, and hasn’t yet practiced.
Holland was also supposed to be the Wildcats’ starting tailback.
“It’s a real shame because Joel is one of those hard-working kids,” Blackstone said. “We don’t know whether he’ll be able to play for us this year or not.”
Blackstone said Holland’s absence hasn’t affected Hilliard much on offense.
“Our running backs have looked pretty good,” he said. “Our fullbacks have been strong and a tailback surfaced for us in Jeremy Sievert. But it sure would help us if Joel can return.”
Even if he can’t, the Wildcats appear to have a solid offense centered around three other players who return from last season’s 6-4 team.
Quarterback Luke Hanks, a 6-5 senior, is the most noteworthy. Hanks completed 51 percent of his passes last season while throwing for more than 1,200 yards and 15 touchdown passes.
“That has been a real positive for us, the way he’s throwing the ball,” Blackstone said.
Hanks favorite targets are Mike Boggs, who set a school record with 34 receptions last season, and David Chapman.
Hanks should also be well protected by what Blackstone calls a pretty good offensive line that should get better.
Jason Peters, a 6-7, 275-pound senior tackle, could be one of the area’s best offensive linemen.
Blackstone is a little cautious about team expectations.
“I think this team can be a team that can win the division,” Blackstone said. “But the defense and the injuries are going to be keys. There are always those ifs to think about. But if we can improve and stay healthy, I think we could be in good shape.”
Dispatch Sports Reporter
The key to Hilliard’s success in the Ohio Capital Conference’s Capital Division this season will be whether the defense can catch up to the offense, coach Barry Blackstone said.
If preseason practice is any indication, the defense has a lot of work to do.
“Offensively, this team can play,” Blackstone said. “We have a lot of returning people on offense, and we’ve looked very good there so far. We’ve got a real good chance to be a good offensive team.”
At this stage, the defense is another story.
“We expected the offense to be a little ahead of the defense, but I don’t think I ever expected the gap to be as wide as it seems right now,” said Blackstone, who is beginning his sixth season.
Injuries to two key defensive performers haven’t helped matters.
End Josh Richards, a 6-foot, 170-pound senior, has been sidelined with mononucleosis and safety Joel Holland, a 6-2, 185 pound senior, is suffering with a bad back sustained in an auto accident, and hasn’t yet practiced.
Holland was also supposed to be the Wildcats’ starting tailback.
“It’s a real shame because Joel is one of those hard-working kids,” Blackstone said. “We don’t know whether he’ll be able to play for us this year or not.”
Blackstone said Holland’s absence hasn’t affected Hilliard much on offense.
“Our running backs have looked pretty good,” he said. “Our fullbacks have been strong and a tailback surfaced for us in Jeremy Sievert. But it sure would help us if Joel can return.”
Even if he can’t, the Wildcats appear to have a solid offense centered around three other players who return from last season’s 6-4 team.
Quarterback Luke Hanks, a 6-5 senior, is the most noteworthy. Hanks completed 51 percent of his passes last season while throwing for more than 1,200 yards and 15 touchdown passes.
“That has been a real positive for us, the way he’s throwing the ball,” Blackstone said.
Hanks favorite targets are Mike Boggs, who set a school record with 34 receptions last season, and David Chapman.
Hanks should also be well protected by what Blackstone calls a pretty good offensive line that should get better.
Jason Peters, a 6-7, 275-pound senior tackle, could be one of the area’s best offensive linemen.
Blackstone is a little cautious about team expectations.
“I think this team can be a team that can win the division,” Blackstone said. “But the defense and the injuries are going to be keys. There are always those ifs to think about. But if we can improve and stay healthy, I think we could be in good shape.”