WHITEHALL – When word got around that the Whitehall football team lost two standout defensive linemen to injury before the season started, some opponents were probably thinking they could run up some points on the Vikings.
To be sure, Graysen Shepherd and Ira Jenkins were staples on the line, and their presence has been missed. But Whitehall’s defense is stingier than ever, even without those guys.
Last year the Whitehall defense was good, surrendering only 114 points in nine games, for an average of just over 12 points per game.
This year the Vikings are giving up almost nothing. The defense allowed 56 points in the first two weeks of the season, but none since then.
The Vikings have won their last four games by shutouts, over Ravenna, Shelby, North Muskegon and Ludington.
[1]“It’s an honor,” said Whitehall head coach Tony Sigmon about the shutout streak, which has the Vikings sitting at 5-1 overall and 3-1 in West Michigan Conference play, heading into Friday’s game at Hart. “The guys continue to play at a high level and have each other’s back. It’s unselfish football and everyone is contributing and playing really fundamental football.”
Sigmon said the defenders have compensated for the loss of Shepherd and Jenkins by working closely together.
“We had to grow a little bit as a program without them,” the coach said. “It’s been more of a team effort, and a defensive line by committee. They were challenged early, but they responded really well and set high expectations for themselves.”
Even when the starters are taken out of games due to large leads, like in the 68-0 victory over Shelby and 40-plus point victories over Ludington and Ravenna, the reserves are holding their own.
“It’s really nice to see,” said Sigmon about the reserves. “They work their tails off at practice and do a ton of grunt work for us. For them to be rewarded is very rewarding as a coach. They’re a huge part of this.”
[2]Two stat leaders on the defensive line are Abram Morse and Gabe Reavey. Morse has totaled 10.5 tackles, including 1.5 sacks and four tackles for losses, while Reavey has added 12.5 tackles including 3.5 for losses.
Senior outside linebacker Braydn VanPatten credits the defensive line for stepping up and making his job easier.
“They’ve come a long way,” said VanPatten, who has totaled 22.5 tackles, including one sack and seven tackles for losses. “Our defensive line, after losing those two, has really done a great job. They’ve stepped up, and we’re still able to dominate because of them. They make my job easier by filling gaps and opening up holes for us linebackers. Even if they don’t make the tackle, they’re making the play.”
Another linebacker who’s playing at a high level is Nick Blanchard, who also has 22.5 tackles, including one sack and six tackles for losses.
At the secondary level, Max Brown has totaled 32 tackles, including one for a loss, while Red Watson has totaled nine tackles and two interceptions.
“They’re an inquisitive group,” Coach Sigmon said about his entire defense. “They really want to know why we’re doing what we do. They’re not trying to be disrespectful, but they really want to be taught and have it explained. Our kids do a great job of observing.”
[3]The Whitehall defense is being led by defensive coordinator Keith Stratton and secondary coach Christian Subdon.
“They work hand in hand,” said Sigmon about Stratton and Subdon. “Christian brings a detailed working knowledge from playing wide receiver at Hope College. He’s got a different perspective. Keith cut his teeth at Muskegon Catholic and brings a strong intensity.”
VanPatten loves the leadership each coach brings and wouldn’t want to play for anyone else.
“They’re the whole brains of the operation,” VanPatten said. “They set everything up so well. They do a great job of motivating us and they give us tough talks in both games and practice. They do great at pre-planning for teams and analyzing offenses.”
While the Vikings may surrender a few points before the season ends, Sigmon is confident that his squad will roll with the punches and respond.
“We kind of dealt with it last year,” said SIgmon about the team’s four-game winning streak in 2020, when it only gave up three points. “We have a certain level of maturity, and have so many kids who’ve played a lot of football for us. They understand the ebbs and flows of the game. When it comes to a big game or championship style, they know it’ll be a task.”
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