Prep football: Hanford’s defense bolstered by playmaking pair

A little healthy competition between teammates is never a bad thing.

The Hanford Falcons, who made a swift turn from an 0-10 season in 2014 to becoming one of the Mid-Columbia Conference’s best football teams, have come to depend on it.

At the heart of Hanford’s 4-1 start is a pair of seniors — defensive end Kedrick Skinner and middle linebacker Austin Dreyer — who have embraced the Falcons’ new attitude and turned defensive playmaking into an art form.

In Hanford’s 21-14 win over Southridge last Thursday, Skinner made 20 tackles, breaking the program record of 18, and played a critical role in a late defensive stand that secured the victory.

“I didn’t realize I had that many until film day on Monday,” Skinner said. “That’s when (Falcons coach Brett Jay) let me know. It was pretty cool to break the record.”

Dreyer, a 6-foot, 200-pounder who looks every bit the part of a defensive stopper, wasn’t far behind, making 16 tackles. Not that he was counting, either.

“We’re looking at team stats,” Dreyer said. “It doesn’t matter if you have 25 tackles and you lose 40-0. It matters what the team does as a whole. Individual stats are cool, but being great as a team is what I’m shooting for.”

The duo’s big day was a by-product of the work both players put in during the offseason and continue to put forth every day in practice. They have even found a way to make playmaking fun.

“I enjoy beating my man and making plays, and having my teammates and fans get all hyped,” Skinner said. “We have a competition on defense among all the dudes to see who can make the most plays.

“Before the game, I always say I’m going to do it.”

Jay doesn’t mind that kind of confidence, especially if his players can back it up. So far, they have. The Hanford defense is third in the MCC in points allowed (19.8 per game) and yards allowed per play (4.57) entering Friday night’s home game against Chiawana.

Jay said Skinner and Dreyer have provided the leadership and focus that was needed for a Falcons team hungry for a turnaround.

“They’re just really committing to the grind,” Jay said. “Every single day, they’re elevating our play and <FZ,1,0,67>elevating our sessions. Kedrick has a great motor. He goes from play 1 to play 140, and guys are feeding off him. He’s 6-1 and 210 pounds, and he’s got a great first step.”

Jay said Dreyer has taken a demanding position and made it his own.

“He’s just a true blue-collar football player,” Jay said. “He packs his lunch every day and goes to work. He’s a great leader, and we’re thankful to have him.”

Dreyer, who is averaging more than 10 tackles a game, was excited about the program’s new direction, but he didn’t imagine the impact it would have on the community.

“I saw the potential to be great. I just wasn’t sure how good. Every day we’re getting better, and going all the way to the state championship is definitely a possibility,” said Dreyer, who hopes to attend the Air Force Academy. “Winning ballgames is definitely nice. We know we’re having a good season, but we can’t let it distract us from the ultimate goal. (The hype) is nice to have, but sometimes you have to push it aside and go to work.”

Skinner has also made a significant impact on offense as a wide receiver. With his strength and size, he’s an ideal target downfield. Skinner is third on the team in receptions with 11, which ties him for eighth in the MCC, but he leads the conference with 23.1 yards per reception.

“I enjoy both (offense and defense), but I like defense more because you don’t have to worry about blocking people or catching balls,” Skinner said. “(Defensive end) is more an aggressive position. That’s what I like.”

Skinner and Dreyer plan on playing at the next level, a future Jay can envision quite easily.

“Absolutely. One hundred percent, they’re both college football players,” Jay said. “At what level I have no idea, but I just know they love the grind. They love the year-round stuff. I’m going to do what I can to get them to the next level.”

This story was originally published October 7, 2015 at 10:48 PM with the headline "Prep football: Hanford’s defense bolstered by playmaking pair."