Parkers Chapel hoping switch on defense pays off

Parkers Chapel struggled on defense a year ago.

In their wins over Lafayette County and Strong, the Trojans allowed 24 points.

But in their losses, they surrendered 34 or more points in each contest.

As the 2021 season dawns, the Trojans are going with a new look, switching to a three-man front.

Juniors Josh Askew and Ethan Farish are slated to start at the defensive end spots with fellow junior Elijah Brown in the mix to start at defensive tackle.

“We’re switching to a three front this year, and we need this group to be able to control the line of scrimmage,” said Parkers Chapel coach Elliot Jacobs.

The Trojans have gotten solid production out of their linebacker units in previous years, and this season should be no different.

At inside linebacker, junior Evan Golden and senior Joe Bradley are competing for playing time.

At outside linebacker, the Trojans have a pair of seniors in Russell Pridgen and Tucker Crotty working, as is junior Clay Evers.

Junior Payton Willeford and senior Landon Bedwell are battling for playing time at the Mike linebacker spot.

“They should be the strength of our defense,” Jacobs said.

In the secondary, senior Jaxson Dees and junior Branson Bryant are the cornerbacks with senior Lancer Clark slated to be the free safety.

“This group will have a lot responsibilities in both the pass and run game,” Jacobs said.

The Trojans lost an AllConference selection to graduation in two-way standout Blake Caldwell, and Jacobs said there were two things his defense must accomplish if their new look on defense is to have success this fall.

“Being a 3-5-3 defense, we will have to do a good job of confusing opposing offenses with our blitzes, but maintain gap integrity,” Jacobs said.

Special teams, particularly at the kicking position, has also been a strength for the Trojans over the years, but Jacobs said those spots have not yet been finalized.

“With some nagging injuries, all kicking duties are to be determined,” Jacobs said.

As far as special teams in general are concerned, Jacobs said the Trojans can’t afford to make mistakes in that phase.

“With low numbers, we must be simple but sound in all of our special teams,” Jacobs said.