A strong defense has been the Baler trademark all year. A big
part of the team’s defensive dominance has come from its front
three.
Linemen Vince Sardam, Tony Hernandez, Mike Lango and Bret
Brennan have come up big in numerous games for the Balers.
Lango and Hernandez, who are seniors, played together on last
year’s varsity team and are the two veterans on the line.
A strong defense has been the Baler trademark all year. A big part of the team’s defensive dominance has come from its front three.
Linemen Vince Sardam, Tony Hernandez, Mike Lango and Bret Brennan have come up big in numerous games for the Balers.
Lango and Hernandez, who are seniors, played together on last year’s varsity team and are the two veterans on the line.
Hernandez split time at offensive guard and defensive tackle last year. He is one of the Balers’ top weight lifters.
“It’s been great this year,” Hernandez said. “We’ve all had good seasons and learned a lot. We’re physical and mentally tough.”
“It all starts up front,” Lango said. “The offensive line has a tough time figuring us out.”
Baler line coach Steve Zenk, who played for the University of Idaho, is in his third year coaching the team. This year, Zenk has been working a lot on improving the pass rush.
“I told them at the beginning of the year that if a defensive lineman has five tackles in a game, that is an excellent game,” Zenk said. “But we have had games where one or more of them have had 10 tackles each.”
Lango, the nose tackle, Hernandez, the strong tackle, and Brennan, the quick tackle, usually start, while Sardam comes in off the bench in relief for any of the positions.
Lango and Hernandez split time last year for the varsity on the defensive line.
“They both made a commitment over the summer,” Zenk said. “They got stronger, a lot bigger and a lot faster. It is night and day with how they played last year. It all starts with their attitude and effort.”
The dedication and commitment has helped the linemen excel.
“All four of them refuse to lose on every play,” Zenk said. “That is something you can’t coach.”
