LAURINBURG — With the departures of Conference Defensive Player of the Year Kymani Atiles and First-team All-Conference selection Jesse Clifton, the Scots’ linebacker corps of Rasheme Wilkerson, Braxton Hildreth, Jhaleak Malloy-Henry and Blaydon Kee will have huge shoes to fill.
Anchored by middle linebackers Wilkerson and Hildreth, this year’s group has been built on commitment, trust and accountability, motivated by a championship-or-bust mentality.
“We’re going to the state championship,” Wilkerson and Hildreth both echoed after Thursday’s practice.
Hildreth and Wilkerson were two productive pieces from last season, combining for 124 total tackles and earning honorable mention All-Conference honors. Now, both players have been tasked with moving into the heart of the defense and taking on expanded roles.
“Every day, I’m getting better,” Wilkerson said. “Being more of a leader, picking my teammates up when their energy is low and continuing to push them to improve.”
“It’s all about knowing the ins and outs of the defense, making sure guys are lined up where they’re supposed to be and on the same page,” Hildreth said.
For both players, the move inside provides the opportunity to make a greater impact on the game.
“I’m giving maximum effort whether it’s in the weight room or the field, and playing inside makes me around the ball more and allows me to make a bigger impact on the game,” Hildreth said.
“Our No. 1 job is to be the quarterback of the defense and set the tone. The goal is to be consistent and be the best linebackers in the state,” Wilkerson said.
Rounding out the unit are outside linebackers Jhaleak Malloy-Henry and Blaydon Kee. Malloy-Henry, who played in six games, recorded three total tackles and one sack, while Kee, who was injured last season, will be seeing his first action in varsity.
“Our philosophy as a defense is next man up. They understand it’s about getting 1% better, and that’s become a lifestyle for us defensively,” defensive coordinator Chris Metzger said.
Last season, Scotland recorded 807 total tackles, the most in the Tri-County 6A/7A Conference, 27 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, four caused fumbles and six fumble recoveries.