Cyclones defense continues to be aggressive during second scrimmage
Published 5:35 pm Wednesday, August 9, 2023
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Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
Defensive tackle Landon Hughes puts the pressure on the Union quarterback during Tuesday evening's scrimmage.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
Landry Buckles got a solid lick on the Bears running back after a very short gain. Eli Guess (63) closes in.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
The defensive end tandem of Ben Adams (44) and Mason Ball (82) makes life hard for any quarterback as this Union signal caller found out Tuesday evening.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
Junior defensive end Ben Adams (44) had himself a scrimmage against the Bears swatting away a couple of pass attempts and being around the football the entire contest.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
Jeriah Griffin looks to pick up extra yardage after hauling in a reception.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
There is no getting away when defensive end Mason Ball is in pursuit as this Union quarterback found out the hard way.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
Billy Woodby of Elizabethton wrestles a Union running back to the ground.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
The J Train, Jaiden Wallin, follows the blocking of his line for a big gain.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
Cyclone senior running back Kaleb Holzer sees an opening and blazes a path to the end zone.
STAR CORRESPONDENT
If the first two scrimmages are indicative of what the Cyclone defense will be bringing to the field in the 2023 season, teams had better have not only a plan A or plan B, but also should have a plan C in their back pocket.
Defensive line coach Jordy Harrison has to be pleased with what he is getting from the front four of defensive ends Ben Adams and Mason Buckles along with the effort from Landon Hughes and Eli Guess taking care of the tackle slots.
Andrew Blevins also played a key role in the outstanding play by the defensive front.
The front continued to give the opposing quarterbacks headaches, often either putting the signal callers to their backs or knocking pass attempts down as Adams used his wing span to account for two batted balls during Tuesday evening’s scrimmage against the Union Bears from Big Stone Gap, VA.
When needed, the backfield of the Cyclones was in position to provide plenty of backup as Jeriah Griffin, Landry Buckles, Zeth Mullins, Billy Woodby, Kaleb Holzer, Justius Wallin, Alex Riddle, Luke Whaley, and Zach Wallin were stepping up to clean up anything that came their way.
Offensively, once again quarterbacks Rhett Slagle and Justin Whitehead had a good outing with Slagle getting a fair share of the snaps in Tuesday’s scrimmage. Slagle’s connection to Griffin for a long score had to please head coach Shawn Witten and his offensive coaches.
Senior running back Holzer had several nice cut-back runs and also exploded for a 25-yard scoring romp. The J Train did his thing as Jaiden Wallin continued to use his brute size to overwhelm the defense who was willing to take him on.
The Cyclones have one more short tune-up left, as they will be participating in a Friday night jamboree at ETSU where they will take on West Ridge in a two quarter contest. There will also be individual competitions during the jamboree.
Elizabethton opens its 2023 campaign at 7:30 pm next Friday night on the road at Science Hill against the Hilltoppers.
