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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Bigger than they seem


Lewis and Clark defensive linemen, from left, Carl Preiksaitis, Chris Mastin, Steve Johnson and Charles Taylor. 
 (Brian Plonka / The Spokesman-Review)

Lewis and Clark football undertook a major makeover of its defensive strategy from one that bent but didn’t break to one that promised havoc.

The Tigers had the linemen to make it work.

The result, heading into Friday’s final Greater Spokane League game at Gonzaga Prep, has been a team on which it’s difficult to run. LC has allowed on average only 60 yards per game on the ground while winning six of seven games.

LC coach Tom Yearout said much of the credit goes to defensive linemen Carl Preiksaitis, Steve Johnson, Charles Taylor and Chris Mastin.

“We became a team that’s let our defensive tackles penetrate and get up field,” said Yearout of the Tigers’ pressure attack. “This is something we’d never done before and we did it primarily because we’re playing with undersized defensive tackles who we knew were hard to block.”

Tackles Johnson, a senior, and Taylor, a junior, are listed in the program at 197 pounds apiece (although Johnson said he is now up to 205) and neither stands 6 feet. But both, who wear the numbers 35 and 32 more suited to their earlier lives as running backs and linebackers, have exceptional lower body strength and explosiveness.

End Preiksaitis, a third-year starter, is the biggest of the quartet at 6-1, 230 pounds. Another end, Mastin, weighs 192. All four were moved from different positions to make the new defense work.

Each has unique qualities, Yearout said.

He said Preiksaitis squats 515 pounds and played interior defensive lineman until the switch.

“Though he’s changed positions, nothing out there surprises him,” said Yearout. “He reacts quickly in a game when something is different.”

Preiksaitis said his change of position required an adjustment.

“Previously, playing tackle it was more of a step to the gap, read how you were being blocked and chase or resist pressure appropriately,” he said. “Now it’s more of an uphill charge to get more pressure in the backfield.”

He said it would have been more difficult to adapt had not Johnson and Taylor been able to get to the gaps with their quickness.

“Chris and I are more tailored to our positions,” he said. “I’m not quite as fast as the other guys, but can really use my strength to drive guys off the ball and play off a block.”

Johnson opened coaching eyes last year with a 500-pound squat and subsequently moved from outside linebacker to the defensive line.

“This year he’s been the dominant player in the league,” said Yearout. “You watch games and don’t see him, then you watch film and he’s in every pile.”

Johnson switched from quick tackle to strong tackle this year. He credits new defensive line coach Trevor Mott, formerly on offense, with helping him learn to wreak havoc with his penetration.

“He took a lot more time with me and knew I had to do different stuff because I wasn’t going to be a big strong player like on other teams,” said Johnson. “This new defense was made for me and Charles. Instead of sending the ends, they’re sending us up there because we’re so quick.”

Yearout said juniors Taylor and Mastin were question marks prior to the season because they hadn’t spent as much time in the summer with the team.

When both returned in the fall in excellent shape, Yearout said the pieces were in place as he’d hopped for the new-look defense.

“Charles caught our eye in June camp,” said Yearout. “We had trouble blocking him when he slanted. We saw Chris go against (LC All-GSL offensive lineman) Isaac Fry in practice and knew he could be a special defensive end.”

Communication is a reason LC’s defense has been effective, Johnson said.

“We talk in the middle of counts to make sure where everyone’s going,” he said. “And we can change right on the spot. We know each other so well, that’s what makes the defensive line so amazing.”

LC’s defense has been as good as any in the league.