A pair of position switches, and a switch in philosophy, should bolster a defensive line that took its lumps while trying to stop the run a year ago.

Westlake gave up more than 210 yards rushing a game in 2008, but Coach Darren Allman believes a revamped line will help the Chaps control the trenches.

“You always have to do a good job against the run, and our linemen have been pretty impressive,” he said. “We’ve added some kids to the position, and I think we have a lot of athleticism and some good size on the line.

“Really, it’s one of the more athletic defensive lines I’ve had.”

That strong statement – Allman has been either a head coach or defensive coordinator since 1995 – testifies to the unit’s potential. Senior Cameron Bethke and junior Curtis Loeffel both moved from the offensive to the defensive line, and they join returners Alex Putnam (33 tackles, three for loss in 2008) and Mac Brady (nine tackles) as the core down linemen. Putnam and Loeffel have worked primarily at tackle in the Chaps’ 4-3 scheme, and Putnam will likely anchor the noseguard spot when Westlake switches to a 3-4.

“Putnam’s tough to block,” Allman said. “I like his motor over center.”

Bethke and Brady will spend more time on the edge, although both can slide inside in Westlake’s shifting scheme.

Junior twins Roy and Matt Schwartz will also see plenty of action. Sebastian Medina and Chris Puckett add depth.