As football leagues around the country become more and more dependent on a rotation of big bodies on the defensive line, Westlake’s front three may look a little retro in 2010.

The Chaps like to throw six or seven into the defensive line mix, said Westlake coach Darren Allman, but expect that rotation to shrink some as the Chaps keep a trio of gifted down linemen on the field as much as possible in Westlake’s 3-4 scheme.

Senior noseguard Curtis Loeffel, a 5-foot-11-inch, 227-pound senior, will team with twin tackles Matt (6-0, 237) and Roy Schwartz (6-0, 240) as the front wall in Westlake’s rugged ground defense. Last season, that trio helped hold opponents to just 140 yards rushing per game and four yards a carry.

“Our priority is to stop the run,” Allman said. “And it starts with those three guys up front.”

Loeffel earned all-district honors a year ago after tallying 45 tackles, including four behind the line of scrimmage. The Schwartz twins combined for 35 stops a year ago and are bigger and faster than in 2009, Allman said.

Expect promising junior Brayven Hager to garner plenty of time in the trenches during his first varsity season. The third of four boys in the Hager clan, Brayven boasts more size (6-1, 248) than any of his siblings but still must find consistency.

“And he’s just growing into his body,” Allman said. “He’ll be a good player for us.”

Expect veteran Mac Brady to also get playing time, although he lacks ideal bulk at 5-11, 203 pounds.
Regardless of who lines up in the trenches, Allman says his linemen have a simple but direct job: wreak havoc and make plays.

“We don’t want them to just occupy blockers,” he said. “We want them to get across a lineman’s face and get to the ball. If they’re being blocked one-on-one, they need to win that battle.”