Oak Ridge defense should be team strength

With nine of the top-14 tacklers returning to Oak Ridge's defense this season, the defense could very well be the strength of the team this year. The good news for the Trojans is that they've got good depth on the defensive line. While a few players might play offense, most are defensive-only players, which should be a benefit. "We really like how a lot of our defensive guys are pure defensive guys," Oak Ridge coach Casey Taylor said. "Up front on the defensive line, we've got Javon Joseph, Marston Anderson, Blake Meggers, Brett Roberts and Keith Erickson. Brett and Keith dabble a little bit on offense, but it's nice having a full set on both sides of the ball. We feel better with it, depth wise." Leading a strong group of linebackers are Asch Andrade, Troy Taber, Justen Womack, Ben Rivas, Jonah Cedeno and Roberts, who will also play on the line. Brayden Molloy is a newcomer to the defense who figures to make a big impact. "Molloy had a tremendous offseason," Taylor said. "He's our hardest worker. He shows up first in the weight room and he's a very smart player." In the secondary, Jasen Womack returns with Isaac Pierce, Evan Hensley, Adrian Gallwitz and Ethan Quan. "We look really good on defense," Jasen Womack said. "It's basically the same defense that we had last year; we only lost two guys. I think we'll have the best defense in the Sierra Foothill League." Joseph also likes the way the defense looks. "We're great on defense; we're stacked," Joseph said. "We didn't lose many players so we've got a solid defensive line; a solid secondary. We've got a lot of ballers on defense so I'm excited. "I feel that the defense will be the strength of the team, as we've got a lot of returners and depth. I think we should be able to carry the team. "Our offense has some guys too, of course, but I think we will be able to stop some good teams this year." Added Taylor, "We're always looking for some depth so some of our best guys don't have to go both ways, but I feel good with where we are at."