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Linebackers The Panthers are not especially deep at linebacker, but the coaches are excited about the front-runners at the positions. Senior Caden McHaney (5-10, 195) and juniors Stone Stephens (5-11, 187) and Dallion Miller (6-1, 195) are all experienced veterans for line - backers coach Tony Coffey. The Panthers play two inside line- backers, the "Mike" (middle) and "Will" (weakside). McHaney will likely man the Will spot and is the leader of the defense, Craig said. McHaney had 90 total tackles last season, which ranked second on the team, along with eight tackles for loss. "He calls the defense for us, gets everything set up, gets everything lined up," Craig said. "He's one of those good kids who does what you ask him to do. You can't put enough value in that as a coach. He's going to show up, be accountable and do his job." Stephens and Miller will rotate at the Mike linebacker. Both fit the definition of a "thumper," Craig said. Stephens had 30 total tackles and four tackles for loss in 2020. "Stone is really smart and plays physical," Craig said. "He does a good job of playing in the box. Dal - lion Miller is a little bigger and really packs a punch. "We like all three of those guys inside." The Panthers also play a Sam (strong side) linebacker, which plays a lot in the secondary and in pass coverage. Craig said the Panthers will ro - tate Stephens in at Sam and senior Christian Ledeker (5-10, 171), who starts at safety, could be an option there. "We've got some question marks," Craig said. "We're searching at that position right now. It really depends on the inside linebacker spots. It's not really a battle but a personnel issue. Who's going to fit where?" Secondary The Panthers will play two cor- nerbacks and two safeties and also depend on the Sam linebacker in pass coverage. The secondary is coached by Aaron Meier. At corner, junior Daxton Moody (5- 10, 154) and senior Tanner Kear (6-0, 145) have moved to the front of the depth chart. "Tanner got a bunch of experience last year," Craig said. "Daxton got some game experience. Both got a lot of reps in the spring. We need to continue to get them game-time ex - perience. They both have the ability to play at this level." Another emerging player at corner for the Panthers is River Ward (6-1, 152). "He's a long athletic kid that hasn't gotten any varsity reps, but he com - peted well in the spring, and we're hoping he pushes someone and is able to create more depth for us there," Craig said of Ward. Junior Nick Driscoll (5-8, 149) could be used at corner in an emergency situation, Craig said. At safety, Ledeker is the starting bandit and in his third year as a start - er. Ledeker led the Panthers with 94 total tackles, including 37 solo tackles. "He's a guy that's really smart and understands the game," Craig said of Ledeker. "He's got a lot of athletic ability and he's a leader back there. He gets us where we need to be, makes adjustments. He's like having a coach on the field." At free safety, three Panthers have been fighting for the position. Junior Caleb Noel has been really steady and consistent at the position, Craig said. Sophomores Anthony Sandoval and Mason Simmons are also going to push to get on the field, he said. "Both have really good athletic abil - ity," he said. Sandoval played in the Panthers' playoff game at El Dorado and had a couple of tackles in that game. "Mason and Anthony have the abil- ity to play for us, and it comes down to be consistent in their practice hab- its," Craig said. Special teams Ledeker will handle the punting duties, while Ronald Mancia, who also plays corner, will handle the place- kicking duties. Ledeker had 25 punts for 823 yards (32.9 yards per punt) in 2020. Mancia connected on 29 of 36 extra points and 1 of 2 field goals. J.P. Wills will be the primary deep snapper for punts, extra points and field goals, while Jace Sutulovich and Zach Jones also deep snap. ACTION HEATING & COOLING Like us on: Call today to schedule an Air Conditioning Tune Up! Repairs on all brands 524-0759 We support Panther Football!!! 2021 Football Preview 8C n Wednesday, August 25, 2021 Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer Bud Sullins/Special to Westside Football Preview Ronald Mancia runs off the field after kicking an extra point against Rogers. DEFENSE Continued from Page 7C