Headhunter Defensive Unit Bent On Unfinished Business

Some high school defenses are just built different. Every year graduation losses force teams to try and accelerate experience early in the season to be ready for district and hopefully post-season play. But, the reloading process is different each time and the rebuild can be frustrating. It is tedious and stressful and the uncertainty can be unnerving going into the season.   On the flip side, the coaches with a full cast of returning ballers have a completely different outlook. Now it is about fine-tuning as opposed to developing players. The proven warriors are in place, they are experienced and they are hungry.   Zoom in on the Wichita-area and the buzz is growing as teams realize just how good Defensive Coordinator JJ Milanovich's Maize Eagle defense is getting ready to be.   This weekend I blocked off the time to take a look and see what all the ground chatter was about. And, brother, let me tell you, I walked away impressed with all of it - the returning players, the coaching, the process, the whole bit.   Looking forward to seeing them "unleash the beast..."   In this report we are taking a quick look at the Eagle defense to provide a high-level snapshot of the guys getting ready to bring the heat this fall.   So, without further adieu, let's take a look at what these guys have been up to:   Background: Last year the Eagles fielded a young team and got off to a slow start losing their first four games. All that changed at mid-season as Milanovich rallied his troops to help the team win five straight and even up their 2024 record to 5-5 by year end. That momentum carried over into the off-season and has been building in 2025. With most of the starters returning from last year's defense, and an offense that is going to be dangerous, the sky's the limit for this team. The defense is split down the middle between junior and senior starters this year. No relying on sophomore or freshmen to come in and do the heavy lifting immediately. The Eagles will use a base 4-3 defense, but will bounce around with odd and even looks based on what offense or opportunity arises. They are loaded at all three levels, with a stout defensive line, a group of headhunter linebackers and a versatile, athletic secondary. The scary thing about these guys is they have been playing together since their elementary school days and have continued playing multiple sports together into high school. There is a bond with this team that transcends talent and experience and enables them to work together like a well-oiled machine.   Key Stat: I looked at a lot of defensive units from last year - all the state champs at each level, numerous playoff teams, as well as the teams on their schedule - and the returning Maize defense was as prolific as any in the state, particularly down the home stretch. Last year as a defense they piled up 847 total tackles in only 10 games, averaging right at 85 a game, which was in the top five in the state last year. But what is jaw-dropping is the number of tackles they are returning. The Eagles return 588 of last year's 847 tackles. As mentioned, I didn't check every school in Kansas but I looked at a decent sample size and I didn't see any others over 500. In fact over 400 was a rarity with most in the 300 tackle-range. That's not just good returning experience, that's a formidable foundation to build on.   Defense Overview: in this section we will look at all three levels of the starting defense, starting with the secondary.   Secondary: with four guys coming off all-conference honors last fall and with most of the pieces interchangeable the Eagles can mix it up to put the clamps on whatever offense they are facing. With a couple of lock-down cornerbacks and a pair of stellar safeties, these guys are a suffocating bunch.   [player_tooltip player_id='1401808' first='Ty' last='Willits'], 6'3, 195, WR/DB, '26. He is a versatile, athletic defensive back with prototype size and length who can shut down the opposing team's best receiver or sink into zone and disrupt the air attack. Once he reads the QB's eyes, he has next-level tracking and closing speed breaking on the ball. He is also an explosive basketball player who is going to gets some looks. Get your popcorn ready, this guy is going to put on a show this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1587813' first='Scotty' last='Hadley'], 5'10, 160, DB, '26. He is another multi-sport, multi-positional safety who can play anywhere in the secondary but really shines as a ball-buster of a hitter from his safety position. He can play as a strong safety or a hybrid LB as needed and has a big-time nose for the ball wherever he plays. He is also an excellent middle infielder who has been playing lights out this summer. This guy is going to get some serious attention this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1052898' first='Vincent' last='Rosas'], 5'9, 155, DB, '27. He is a versatile d-back who can play CB or safety and has the skills to get in the receiver's face, flip hips at the snap and smother the receiver as an air-tight corner. He has sticky coverage skills and is fearless making jarring open-field tackles. He is also an up-and-coming wrestler who had a strong sophomore season. This guy is just getting warmed up and is on the cusp of big things this fall.   Brodie Jarvis, 5'10, 160, DB, '26. he is another baseball-playing baller of a shortstop who is a versatile member of this shut-down secondary. He may not be getting as much attention as the other three above, but he is a key part of the defensive backfield and is getting ready to surprise some people this fall.     Linebackers: the Eagle LB's are arguably the strength of the defense and they are loaded across the board. The top three tacklers on the team came from the linebacker position as this group is not only active and aggressive but they are all three heat-seeking missiles who destroy plays at the line of scrimmage.   [player_tooltip player_id='944905' first='Drake' last='Blasi'], 6'0, 205, LB, '27. As one of the leaders on the defense he is coming off a standout sophomore year and was number two on the team in tackles last year with 73. He can play any of the linebacker positions and is an instinctive baller who flows quickly and hammers the ball carrier when he arrives. He is also a centerfielder on the baseball team coming off another sizzling season. This guy is going to dominate this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1585166' first='Hunter' last='Jennings'], 5'10, 190, LB, '27. He is another marauding linebacker who plays sideline to sideline and last year led the team in total tackles with 81. He has outstanding read and react skills and lateral quickness working through traffic to get to the runner. He is another baseball player who is a scrappy catcher on the baseball team who unfortunately struggled with injuries this spring. This guy is a baller on the verge of a breakout season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1594491' first='Connor' last='Goerzen'], 5'10, 200, MLB, '27. As another backer from the class of '27, he is the middle linebacker of the unit who can be counted on to help shutdown the run game between the tackles. Last fall he was third on the team in tackles with 67 and was adept at stuffing gaps and cutting off the perimeter. He arrives fast and hits like a battering ram. This guy is getting ready to shift into destroyer mode this fall.     D-Line: The defensive line graduated some players who contributed last year and to replace them the returning guys have been hard at it in the off-season. The coaches are excited about the potential of this unit and they have some defenders who are getting ready for stepping-stone seasons this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1615986' first='Rendor' last='Hada'], 6'0, 220, DE/DL, '27. He is coming off a solid sophomore season getting acclimated in the trenches and has built on that in the off-season to be ready to take off this fall. With his powerful frame, quickness and strong hands he hits blockers in the teeth and blows up the run game on his side. He can also move down and play the five technique as needed. This guy is going to terrorize teams this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1612734' first='Josiah' last='Cole'], 6'0, 220, DE/DL, '27. He is another powerful presence in the trenches who is coming off an excellent season a year ago when he piled up 47 tackles, five tackles for loss and a sack.   [player_tooltip player_id='1228927' first='Peyton' last='Norwood'], 6'1, 255, NG/DL, '26. Playing nose guard in the odd fronts and sliding over to as a defensive tackle as needed, he is an anchor in the middle on this defense and is getting ready for a big senior year.   Isaac Lerma, 6'2, 205, DE, '27. He is coming off an injury-shortened year but showed significant potential as an aggressive mauler in the trenches. Get this guy on your watchlists as he is getting ready to ball out this fall.   This is one of those defensive units that was just getting warmed up last year. Their potential jumps off the page and barring any injuries or impacts they could end up being not just a super-charged unit this fall, but a generationally great defense. High praise indeed, but the key defensive factors don't usually converge all at once like they have for Maize.   Next Destroyer Defense to cover - the Nickerson Panthers. If anyone has a defense they think deserves to be featured, let me know - the list is growing!   In conclusion, get out and see these guys in action this fall – you will not be disappointed.   As a reminder, if you run across any teams or players flying under the radar give me a shout via DM on X.    And, as usual…   Keep grindin'

Some high school defenses are just built different. Every year graduation losses force teams to try and accelerate experience early in the season to be ready for district and hopefully post-season play. But, the reloading process is different each time and the rebuild can be frustrating. It is tedious and stressful and the uncertainty can be unnerving going into the season.