Football

Although "Linebacker U" is a fictional institution and the football coaches leave academic instruction to B W educators, it seems that B-W has development of successful linebackers down to a science.

In fact, with Yellow Jacket linebackers consistently earning recognition on the Division III level, B-W is considered one of the best linebacker programs in the county. Since 1982, B-W has produced 23 linebackers who have earned either All-America or Academic All-America accolades.

Although second-year head coach John Snell doesn’t need a physics degree to produce a championship linebacker corps, he does call upon fundamental science to keep the tradition alive.

He will need to use momentum from last year’s 8-2 campaign to energize B-W’s second line of defense. The Jackets return seven lettermen at linebacker, all of who saw considerable action in 2002. The linebackers accounted for 248 tackles, 12 quarterback sacks and 35 tackles for loss in B-W’s 36th straight winning season.

"Having experienced returnees will be huge plus for our defense," said Snell. "Last year we went into the season with limited experience. This year, all our linebackers have a better understanding of the game and the position. We feel that each will make a vital contribution."

With the combination of speed, strength and agility, Snell faces the problem of fitting all these players into three spots on the field.

Snell’s solution: mix things up.

"Nothing is set in stone when it comes to positions," said Snell. "Our job is to get the best 11 players on the field at one time. Sometimes that means moving people around."

Some probable moves for the linebackers include players playing both on the inside and outside, as well as moving linebackers to different defensive positions.

These players will also see alterations in last year's coaching staff. Adam Howard is in his first year as defensive coordinator, replacing veteran Larry Van Dusen who has retired, and Al Gizzi returns to coach the outside linebackers after one year of absence.

"These men, as well as all our defensive coaches, have the knowledge and ability to successfully execute the 4-3 defense," said Snell. "I have my full confidence behind them."

Snell’s significant changes have yielded an equal, but not opposite, reaction from his players.

Senior Nate Mitchell (Butler, Pa./ Butler) will make the move from outside linebacker to defensive end. In 2002, Mitchell led the outside linebackers with 23 solo tackles and 30 assists for 53 total. He had three QB sacks, 11 tackles for loss and one broken up pass.

"Nate Mitchell is an outstanding talent, and we are hoping that he can make the same type of impact at end that Brady Myers '03 made last year," said Snell. "Brady played outside linebacker as a junior and then was an All-OAC and Academic All-OAC player at end as a senior. Nate also has that potential."

Another likely move for the Jackets is senior Jonathan Schmitz (North Olmsted/ Lakewood St. Edward) from inside linebacker to outside linebacker. Schmitz has been the starting inside linebacker since 2001, after missing his entire sophomore season with a knee injury. Unfortunately, his football injuries didn’t end there.

"I’m excited to make the move to the outside," said Schmitz. "It’s a new challenge and a fresh start for me from last season."

In 2003, at the start of the first game versus Allegheny, B-W went three and out and Schmitz had two tackles in the first drive. When they came back out, Schmitz sustained a foot injury on the second play of the drive. This injury would eventually require surgery and ultimately sideline him for all but two games of the season.

"I was able to play the last three quarters against Mount Union. After that I wasn’t able to play again. It gives me intense motivation for this season, especially because it’s my last chance."

Despite the injury, Schmitz recorded eight solo tackles and 10 assists for 18 total. He had three tackles for loss and one fumble recovery.

"We all have worked very hard in the off-season," said Schmitz. "If we take it one game at a time, we can put B-W back on top."

Schmitz added, "It’s great to see some younger players stepping up and showing they can play. This insures a great future for B-W football."

Schmitz’s disappointment led to opportunity for a couple of talented freshman linebackers, Joe George (Massillon Perry) and Justin Princehorn (Massillon Washington). Former high school rivals , Princehorn and George emerged as the top rookies for B-W in 2003.

"Joe and Justin are two exceptional young men and football players," said Snell. "They work extremely hard. They also both came from a solid high school program. We expect great things from both of them in the years to come."

George replaced Schmitz in the inside and appeared in eight games. For the season, George led the inside linebackers with 15 solo tackles and 19 assists for 34 total. He also had one sack, one broken up pass and seven tackles for loss. George is expected to start in the middle this season.

In 2002, Princehorn appeared in seven games and had seven total tackles and one for loss. He is expected to start on the outside. Princehorn also had some time at inside before another injury, this time to 2002 All-OAC outside linebacker Bryan Parobek '03, gave him the chance to work the outside. In the Wilmington game, Princehorn played both inside and outside.

Another top returnee is Max Tomaszewski (Tiffin Columbian H.S.) Tomaszewski had 17 total tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and caused and recovered one fumble in 2002.

"When Bryan Parobek missed the opener and then was injured at a time later in the season, Max stepped in and played well," said Snell. "Max showed that he was prepared to step in and make a contribution. He is capable of being a key leader on our defense, just like Jon, Joe and Justin."

Pearson appeared in five games and had 10 total tackles and one fumble caused and recovered. Lukas appeared in six games and had 11 total tackles. Vavrock appeared in five games and had nine total tackles. He also had two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery.

With the solid history and promising future of Linebacker U students, the Yellow Jacket defense will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.