Outlook 2007

The 2007 Tri-State football program is poised for a breakout season after gaining experience in last year’s close games. At 2-8, the 2006 season may seem disappointing, but instead provided larger expectations for the upcoming schedule.

Much of the Thunder’s strength comes from two areas: a devastating running game and a stout defense. The rushing attack led the conference by more than 40 yards per game. At 180 yards per contest, TSU ranked 40th in the nation in rushing. The TSU offensive keys will be the strength of the offensive line and the much-needed experience at quarterback.

The Tri-State defense created havoc, which led to numerous turnovers. The Thunder defense led the conference in interceptions, forced fumbles, total turnovers, and tackles for a loss. The team will rely heavily upon an experienced group of linebackers to provide leadership and lead the aggressive defense.

The best news is that TSU returns 21 starters for the 2007 season. Coach Land saw immediate returns after the implementation of his system last year. Now he expects to see results in the record, as the program takes the next step. “Our defense will continue to create turnovers and will look to cut down on big plays, while the offense keeps putting big numbers on the board. This team is on the verge of becoming dominant,” he said.

OFFENSE

Quarterback—Two sophomores will compete for the quarterback position—returning starter Levi Knach and Zach Tuterow. Knach threw 11 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and averaged 108.4 yards per game. Freshman Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) has the ability to push Knach and Tuterow for playing time. Watt completed his stellar high school career as the MVP of the Indiana North/South All-Star game.

Running Back—Two experienced running backs return for this multi-back ground game. Sophomore Courtney Sanders (second team All-MIAA) averaged 55.6 yards per game and led the team with six touchdowns. Luke Hickok (senior) combined for five touchdowns from the wingback position. Senior Tyler Richardson will make the switch from wide receiver to running back this season to strengthen the TSU attack. Freshmen looking to contribute immediately will be Jeff Langley (Indian River, Mich./Inland Lakes) and George Outlaw (Merrillville, Ind./Gary West Side).

Fullback—Mikael Glidden (junior) returns as the fullback after averaging 4.9 yards per carry and scoring three touchdowns in 2006. Chase Coffield (sophomore), another solid blocker and runner, will challenge Glidden for playing time. The addition of 2006 Michigan All-Star Isreal Brill (Decatur, Mich./Decatur) will increase the fullback production. 

Wide Receivers—Junior Sam Hartman (21 catches, 354 yards, 2 touchdowns) returns as the starter from 2006. Sophomores Adam Kurtz and Nick Hemker will get opportunities for this receiving corps. Indiana North/South 2006 All-Star Alex Quintana (Plymouth, Ind./Plymouth) has the talent to compete for playing time immediately.  

Tight End—Two returning players will look to split time at the vital position for the running attack: Troy Hirschy (junior) and Nick Leeman (sophomore). Freshmen Quintana and Thomas Wyman (Lake, Mich./Chippewa Hills) are expected to step in and make contributions.

Offensive Line—Four of the five offensive linemen return after clearing the way for a conference-leading 180 yards per game. Seniors Nick Johns and Darrin Taylor, junior Mike Fowler, and sophomore James Greenlee are a dominant group. Junior Justin Talkington and sophomore Derrick Jefferies will battle with newcomers for the fifth starting spot. Senior Zach Ruse returns to the Thunder after sitting out for two seasons and will battle for playing time. Talented freshmen Bryce Simms (Columbia City, Ind./Columbia City), Michael Meyers (Climax, Mich./Climax-Scotts), and Aaron Scheel (Columbiana, Ohio/Crestview) could see time in the starting line-up.

Kicking—Justin Hoover (senior) will once again be the place kicker and kickoff specialist. He converted five of nine field goals and 23 of 24 PATs. Junior punter Nathaniel Fitzsimmons (two-time All-MIAA second team) will continue to work field position for the Thunder.

DEFENSE

Defensive Line—The defensive line will utilize a number of bodies in order to put continual pressure on opposing offenses. Junior Dan Chase (49 tackles, 9 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 blocked kick) will be the leader of the D-line. Five sophomores—Eric Walker, Garrett Day, Chris Johnson, and Jacob Briggs—plus seniors Dwight Wyatt and Jonathan Hunter expect to contribute to the frontline efforts. The return of senior Jeremy Troutman will bring experience to the defensive line. The recruiting efforts brought in a solid class that will give depth to the position. Freshmen expected to contribute include Chris Eichman (Fort Wayne, Ind./Carroll), Chris Wolven (Vincennes, Ind./Lincoln), Travis Case (Monroe, Ind./Adams Central), Nathan Denton (Logansport, Ind./Pioneer), and Matt Medina (Decatur, Ind./Adams Central).

Linebackers—Senior Matt Eby (92 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 1 interception), juniors Joe Curtis (54 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, 3 interceptions) and Courtney Pearson (59 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 interception) and sophomore Tab McNally (52 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 1 interception) bring back an aggressive attitude for this group of linebackers. The freshmen duo of Jake Vance (Fenton, Mich./Lake Fenton) and Thomas Marino (Monroe, Mich./St. Mary Catholic) will be strong addition to the linebacker corps.

Defensive Backs—All three defensive back starters from the last half of 2006 return, providing a huge boost in experience: junior Corrie Latta (30 tackles, 4 pass break-ups), sophomore Brandon Conlin (32 tackles, 3 interceptions), and sophomore Matt Curry (12 tackles, 2 interceptions), Joe Oiler (junior), Garry Jones (sophomore), and Dante Rembert (senior) will challenge for playing time and help out on dime and nickel situations.

Team Philosophy

Offense
Our offense is not what anyone considers conservative. We want big plays we don’t focus on ball control or archaic offensive schemes. Our offense is creative. The Thunder football team employs a unique offensive attack that combines a run-and-shoot passing game with a multiple-formation and multiple-personnel package that is designed to get great football players into space to provide big plays in conjunction with a well-planned and effective run game. We love to pass the ball, but we also understand that an effective run play is no better or worse. Putting points on the board is the emphasis-we love big numbers. Our offense evenly distributes the ball to several players, continually attacking the defense. Opposing coaches will find it difficult to key on one player: we fly in all directions. Our motto: “Score as fast as you can.”

Special Teams
Special teams are the way to make immediate impact plays that change a game. It is a great honor to be chosen to play on any of our special team units. The great players in the Thunder football program play on special teams. We don’t hide players on special teams-we want guys who know that every kickoff or punt is an opportunity for TSU to gain or change momentum. If you are trying to become a standout player at Tri-State, you should be motivated to become a member of a special teams unit.

Defense
The Thunder football program has adopted an attacking, aggressive style of defense, which incorporates blitzes from every position on the field. Our goal is to keep the offense on its heels. Our goal is to confuse the offense with pressure coming from every angle possible. We want the opposing backfield telling its coaches that it seems TSU has 15 people on the field. We want to pressure the offensive lineman and quarterback by using a combination of line stunts, zone pressures, and all-out blitzes. Our defense easily allows us to adjust to different offensive formations and schemes.

Every position on the Thunder defense has a specific task and responsibility that is unique to that position. Each of the eleven different positions allows the players to use their talents to excel at the particular position and concentrate on the sole responsibility that they have. We will be fundamentally sound in every technique and skill that we perform on the field. TEAM tackling and relentless TEAM pursuit will be emphasized every day of practice and will be our trademark. We want to run to the football and be in a bad mood when we get there. The Thunder’s defense will not be soft: we will be full of aggression. Our defensive objective on every play is to create pressure and chaos. Our motto: “Cause turnovers and score!”