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Falcon defense boasts strength up front

By Sarah A. Wise

NL Staff Writer

23 August 2007 — The defensive side of the Falcon’s game is looking strong this season as well, largely due to a player Coach Pink refers to as “The Hubcap.”

At five feet and 11 inches tall and weighing in at 303 pounds, Chris Bryant is the anchor of Aycock’s defensive squad at nose.

“He’s the quickest, most flexible big man I’ve coached in 25 years,” said Coach Pink.

He said that he feels great about Bryant’s role on the team, noting that he gives outstanding performance during practice as well as in game situations.

“During practice, if we’re trying to do anything offensively, I have to take him out and put someone else in,” Coach Pink said.  “He raises so much cain with us, and he does the same thing against the opponents.”

Bryant has worked hard, even during these past few hot weeks, and Coach Pink says that is setting him up for a good season.

“I think he’s going to have himself a great senior season, and I think that could be really big for us,” he said.

Ian Caulder is another kingpin for the team this season, returning as a starter at free safety.

“Everybody who comes and watches us knows year in and year out that I usually have defensive backs standing back there that can really go, come and hit big tackles, and defend the ball and that’s Ian. Ian’s really strong back there,” said Coach Pink.

Another player Coach Pink’s been keeping his eye on is secondary Bryant Hill.

“A guy that’s really stepping up and who is probably going to be our toughest pass defender and really solidifying our defensive backfield is Bryant Hill,” said Coach Pink. “I’m really impressed with his development at secondary.”

Other key players include linebacker Michael King, Jarret Covar, and Kelton Lewis, who makes the switch from outside linebacker to corner.

Coach Pink said both the backfield and players upfront are looking good as the season starts. This will lend an opportunity for young linebackers to develop their game under the support of strong returning players.

“They’ve got good support in front of them and good support behind them, so they ought to be able to move around and fly to the football,” he said.

Overall, the team is very athletic this year, and is doing well under the watchful eye of defensive coordinator Trevor Pilkington.

“They’re becoming well-schooled,” said Coach Pink, which sets up a successful season for the Golden Falcons this year.

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