2009 will be the 13th season for Lynx Head Coach Joe White. In 2008 Rhodes had the best defense in the SCAC, finishing 1st in total defense, rush defense and pass defense. The Lynx lose seven starters on the defense, but are returning 8 offensive starters and Coach White believes this groups experience will pay dividends “My biggest concern is losing the two best defensive players in the SCAC,” said White.
Coach White was referring to Desmond Hendricks and Mason Mosby, who were back to back Defensive Players of the Year, but White says the defense will still be a threat in 2009. “Up front we are deeper,” said White. “We also have a group of returning linebackers that will be very competitive.” Junior linebacker Andrew Meier started 4 games in '08 at linebacker before injury sidelined him in the last 6 games. In 4 games Meier averaged 9.3 tackles per game.
White also expects senior linebacker Kendral Ellison to make big plays in '09. Last season Ellison was 6th on the team in tackles with 43, and third in tackles for loss with 5 for 29 yards. Senior defensive back Andy Boucher was third on the team with 50 tackles in '08 and led the team with 3 interceptions. Sophomore defensive end Chris Bell had a productive freshman campaign with 25 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Senior Jimmy Whalen had 21 tackles and 4 for losses and sophomore Jake Whitaker recorded 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in his initial season.
Experienced sophomores Owen Worley and Barrett Huggins give the Lynx one of the deepest defensive lines in recent memory. Coach White also believes a healthy Josh Bourland will contribute to a linebacker corps that also returns junior Austin Marcum, who had 14 tackles in '08 and White feels sophomore Tom Zigtema will have a solid campaign in '09. The secondary will need contributions from sophomore Matt Strok and juniors Chase Duke and Pete Bilan.
Sophomore quarterback Brett Stoots became the starter in week 2 last year for the Lynx and completed 54 of 129 passes for 795 yards and 6 touchdowns. Stoots is the projected starter at quarterback in '09 and the Lynx also added Mike Burel, a transfer from Centre College.
Senior running back Josh McMurray was a main stay in the backfield for the Lynx in '09, rushing for 553 yards and averaged a team best 5.7 yards per carry. Sophomore Jake Jackson led all Lynx receivers in '08, with 20 receptions for 420 yards and 2 touchdowns. Junior Matt Gilbert caught 19 passes for 181 yards and two scores last season. Senior Derek King caught 8 passes for 89 yards in '08.
The offensive line will be led by 2nd team All-SCAC returnee Joey Hollenbeck. Along with Joe Svejkowsky, Will Patterson and Jay Travis the Lynx are an experienced group up front. Jake Minaldi and Rob Matthews all return to give the Lynx one of the deepest units in the SCAC.
The Lynx open the season at home on September 5th against non-conference opponent Westminster (MO).
