Which defense will stand out?
Knights' 'D' has been a work in progress
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Eisenhower's defense has been a work in progress this season. Hurt deeply by graduation heading into the season, the Knights have improved steadily and will need to be at their best when they face a diverse, experienced Warren offense Friday night.
Eisenhower had to replace eight starters from last year's defense, and with a roster in the mid 20s, players have had to learn while playing. Leading the way is senior linebacker Bryce Coleson, who tops the team in tackles. Coleson is a three-year starter and can be found on the line in certain packages to take advantage of his speed. At the other linebacker spot is senior Nolan Gesing, a first-team all-region player a year ago who will be counted on heavily against the Dragons.
The line features senior Carson Sobkowski at one defensive end spot and freshman Harrison Horner at the other. The tackles are junior Jacob Stuart and freshman Jon Sullivan Between the tackles is sophomore nose guard Colin Havers.
The defensive backfield suffered a huge loss to graduation when Caleb Jakubczak took his 16 career interceptions to Mercyhurst University. This group of defensive backs are senior Joe Gigliotti at one safety spot and freshman Hunter Briggs at the other. The cornerbacks feature senior Ollie Boozer on one side and junior Huck Fedorchuk opposite Boozer.
Handling Eisenhower's kicking duties is sophomore Chase Card. The Knights use several types of kickoffs and Card is skilled at each of them. He has proven himself reliable, connecting on 21-of-22 PAT kicks over his career. As a punter, he is adept at placing the ball away from the returner and averages 30.2 yards per kick. Coleson does the long snapping as he has for four years.