Eagles defensive line to feature a mix of experienced players, newcomers

by Michael Smith, Grain Valley News
 
In 2024, the Grain Valley football team had all new players on the defensive line a year after the 2023 group graduated.
 
Despite that group not having a lot of varsity experience, it exceeded expectations as the defensive line was solid at getting to the quarterback and helping stop the run.
 
That group helped a strong Grain Valley defense surrender only 15.5 points per game in 2024. This season, the Eagles return three players with varsity experience to the defensive line and three others who will be a part of the rotation and will get their first varsity reps with this group.
 
Junior Max Allen is a returning starter and will be a defensive end in 2025. Head coach David Allie said he’s made huge strides over the summer and he’s someone that could be a good pass rusher off the edge.
 
“Max Allen played a lot last year and he got really explosive over the summer,” Allie said. “He’s been working out. He has made some strength and power gains and I can’t wait to see what he can do on the field.”
 
Allen said the experience he had playing last year was big for him as he has set a goal to get at least five sacks.
 
“It was really important to get that experience on the field and learn all the formations,” Allen said. “It helped us go quicker.”
 
Junior Myles Smith and senior Titus Jennings also return with varsity experience as both got reps at the defensive tackle position last season.
 
Both bring strength and explosiveness in the middle, which should help them get off blocks from opposing offensive linemen, which could prove to be a valuable asset to stop the run.
 
Smith got a lot of reps after Mattice Poke went down with an injury before the season opener against Raytown. His goal is to be named to the All-Suburban White Conference first team.
 
“The biggest thing is building off what we did last year and being able to play faster and smarter,” Smith said. “We have a lot of speed, and our guys should be able to get off the ball.”
 
Seniors Chase Kitsmiller and Logan Bennett will see time on both sides of the ball and should also be contributors on the defensive line. Last season, the duo exclusively started on the offensive line, but will see time at the defensive end spots.
 
For Bennett, playing at defensive end should be a seamless transition, he said, as he’s played the position in the past, including with the freshman team in 2022.
 
“I grew up all my life playing defense, so a lot of it for me is just relearning what I have done in the past,” Bennett said. “I am learning how to pass rush and I am getting used to all of the formations.”
 
Junior Taelin Schatzer should also see time at both the defensive end and tackle positions as he will start on the varsity team for the first time, Allie said.
 
With a mix of experienced players and newcomers, the Eagles could continue the success it had last year up front.
 
“We don’t have any 300-pound kids, but what we don’t have in size, we make up in strength,” Allie said. “Those guys have made some great gains in the weight room and I think that’s going to help them out.”
 
 “Their power is going to help us control the line of scrimmage.”

From left, juniors Myles Smith and Max Allen and senior Logan Bennett will see a lot of time at defensive line in 2025 for the Grain Valley football team. Photo credit: Michael Smith

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