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RIO RANCHO, N.M. – With arguably the top quarterback in the state of New Mexico (Angelo Trujillo) and a fleet of capable receivers led by Justin Ainsworth, the Cleveland Storm’s passing attack should grade among the best in 2017.
But if the Storm are going to fulfill their goal of getting back to the Class 6A championship game, they will need to get major contributions from their running game and an unheralded defense.
Unlike crosstown rival Rio Rancho, Cleveland doesn’t have a major FBS prospect on defense eager to overwhelm opponents. Nonetheless, they are solid at nearly every position, particularly at linebacker where senior Jake Reed and junior Dion Hunter patrol.
“You don’t get to work on defense a lot in the offseason, but as soon as they put on the helmets and shoulders pads, they can fly around and play at full speed,” Cleveland coach Heath Ridenour told NMPreps on Friday following the Storm’s second of two practices inside the football stadium.
“That gives the defense a chance to come together a little better. Our defense has done that during two-a-days. Seven-on-seven is over and we don’t have to worry about it anymore. We get to play the full game and try to stop the run and rush the quarterback. Our kids are really thriving on it.”
Reed, a workout warrior based on his weightlifting numbers, and Hunter are athletic, fast and fearless linebackers in the middle of the Storm defense.
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“They are hard hitters with great instincts and great football IQs,” Ridenour said. “They are the type of kids you don’t want to coach too much. They understand the game. They’re going to get the call and go play football. They hunt the football well.”
Defensive line will feature a rotation among six to eight players, Ridenour said. Jason Zhang, one of the strongest players on the team, is developing into an elite defensive lineman.
“Right now, we’re getting lots of guys reps,” Ridenour said. “They’re doing a good job. Jason is starting to add quickness to his strength. He’s hard to block. We’re having a tough time blocking him in practice because he gets into his gap very quickly with violent hands. Our defensive line is really growing every day.”
Many of Cleveland’s receivers and running backs play in the secondary as well, including top running back Isaac Torres, who is the utility man based on his ability to play all positions. Jared Silva is a returning starter at cornerback. Chris Thomas was part of Cleveland’s state championship track team in May.
Safety Caleb Kester is described by Ridenour as the anchor of the Storm’s secondary. He is responsible for getting the defensive backs lined up properly and calling the coverages.
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“The expectations are always high for our defense,” Reed said. “Seven-on-seven is a completely different game than what we’re doing now. All we’re focused on now is playing clean and playing mean and not backing down. The linebackers are working very well together.”
While Trujillo has proven he is a talented passer, Ridenour realizes the Storm must demonstrate they can run the football and stay two-dimensional throughout a game.
That’s where Torres comes in as Cleveland’s No. 1 running back.
“We love running the football,” Ridenour said. “One of the big rules we have when we call plays is don’t get bored running the football and don’t get bored getting first downs. Isaac has the ability to get us first downs. Angelo makes good decisions throwing the football. We’ll take what the defense gives us.”
Torres saw limited action as a junior last season because he had three seniors ahead of him on the depth chart. This year, he’s the guy.
“It’s going to be very important (to run the football),” Torres said. “We have the passing game down, so if we can get the running game down, we’ll have a pretty scary offense.”
Cleveland will practice Saturday morning before taking Sunday off. Ridenour was pleased with how the Storm practiced over the first five days.
“Our big goal during two-a-days was to come together as a team and learn to play as a unit and not as individuals,” Ridenour said. “I’m really pleased with where we are.”
CLEVELAND 2017 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Aug. 25 ONATE, 7 p.m.
Aug. 31 at La Cueva, 7 p.m. (Thur.)
Sept. 9 at Las Cruces, 1 p.m. (Sat.)
Sept. 15 CENTENNIAL, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22 ARTESIA, 7 p.m.
Sept. 28 at Atrisco Heritage, 7 p.m. (Thur.)
Oct. 6 at Rio Rancho, 7 p.m.*
Oct. 13 CIBOLA, 7 p.m.*
Oct. 20 at Piedra Vista, 7 p.m.*
Oct. 27 Bye
Nov. 3 VOLCANO VISTA, 7 p.m.*
* District 1-6A Game
