Cats to lean on linebackers

When a team switches from a 3-3 defense to a 3-4, it’s done for one basic reason - to get more linebackers on the field. That means linebacker is a position of a strength.

With three returning starters at the position, to say El Dorado’s coaches feel good about their linebackers this season would be an understatement.

“Probably going into the season, we’re most confident in that inside linebacker group. The two guys playing inside linebacker, Javin Steward led our team in tackles last year. Patrick Sixbey did it all for us and is a great player. We feel good about that group,” said El Dorado head coach Steven Jones. “Outside backers, Jyrin Steward is coming back from a great season. He’s a strong kid. Danquez Shelton is separating himself and is likely a starter at the other spot. We feel confident in that group.

“With Javin and Patrick, we have more experience inside but, overall, the linebacking corps will be the leaders on defense for us.”

The Steward twins and Sixbey started in last year’s 3-3 alignment. Shelton, a junior, will be added as a starter on the outside this season.

“You’ll have fun watching him this year,” defensive coordinator Trey Outlaw said of Shelton. “He’s one of those guys, if he’s on the boundary and they run a jet or a toss sweep or whatever to the other side, somehow, he’ll be in on the play on the other side. He’s every bit as athletic as Jyrin is. Now, Jyrin is bigger than him. But, as far as running and jumping and anything athletic, they’re both pretty solid.”

The three senior backers, along with senior corner Mario Ganter, have emerged as the leaders on defense.

“I can’t brag on them enough. All three have been perfect attendance throughout the summer. All three are leaders. All three do great in the classroom. All three are great young men and all three are really good football players, too,” said Outlaw. “They are our three returning linebackers last year when we were