Senior linebackers lead Vikings defense

Ryan Isaacson wasn't sure he would play again after a hit that nearly broke his back last season, yet he finds himself leading the Augustana Vikings football squad in tackles this season. 

Alongside Isaacson, two fellow seniors, Chris Janisch and Andrew Keel, have led the team to a 3-0 record so far this season.

"We obviously have a lot of experience," Janisch said.  "Andrew and I are two-year starters and Ryan has been through the trenches."

The defense has allowed only 54 points in three games, while creating five turnovers. 

The past two seasons haunt the memories of these three, as they have fallen one game short in each season of making the playoffs.

"At this junction, we take it one game at a time," Janisch said.  "Make no mistake about it though, we want the playoffs.  We understand that we need to find a way to get over the hump and get nine or ten wins."

According to head coach Mike Aldrich, those wins were eluded last year due to a lack of mental toughness.

"I keep going back to the field goal blocked in our last game that cost us the playoffs," Aldrich said.  "We need to be tough enough to say that we won't get that kick blocked."

The three seniors have anchored themselves in both physical and mental toughness and look to carry the team.

"We feel like this is our defense," Janisch said.  "This was the hardest training camp I've been through, and we feel that at this point in the season, we can compete and beat anyone."

Isaacson, in his first year starting, has been recognized as Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) player of the week (week one), yet looks at his position humbly.

"It feels great to be in the starting role, but I know I need to perform and play the best that I can play," Isaacson said.  "It's my job to learn the playbook and be an asset for my team."

Isaacson has gone from being an asset to a star in just three games, posting 23 tackles and one sack.

"Ryan has been a great player for us so far," Aldrich said.  "Some people may be surprised by how well he has played, but he just hasn't been able to play consistently with the injuries that have hampered him his whole career."

Janisch has been a three-year starter, and last year broke the 200 career tackles mark.

"He is a ball player," Aldrich said.  "He is smart on the field, and is obviously as good as always.  He's all you could ask for in a solid middle linebacker."

Janisch is also serving as a team captain this season.

"It's an honor to be in that position," Janisch said.  "It feels great to know that your teammates think that highly of you.  This team is special to me."

Keel, another humble leader on the team, has been a part of 21 tackles, yet avoids the idea of being a star. 

"If the play comes to your side, you are happy to take it," Keel said.  "It comes with the territory of being a linebacker, and I'm out here to do my job."

The job?  Stopping the opposing offense.  And with eight games left, the Vikings are poised, for the first time since 1989, to make the playoffs.

Behind the three starters, sophomores Keith Newman and Austin Luecke have recieved playing time and showed they can produce.

Luecke, who played in five games last year, has 11 tackles this season, and continues to grow one game at a time. 

"We know that if one of the starters goes down, it's our job to step up and fill that void," Luecke said.  "Obviously with the guys we have in front of us, we have some big shoes to fill."

Newman will be expected to play a larger role than last year as well, and the senior leaders aren't worried about a drop in the production when he or Luecke are in.

"These younger guys, they have bright futures," Janisch said.  "This program, with the recruiting that has happened, has a bright future.

"Austin and Keith have been through the trenches," he said.  "They know what it takes to compete on a high level and don't back down at all."