Granville’s linebackers lead the defense with fast, aggressive play
Watch highlights from Granville’s soccer and girls tennis teams
Granville’s football team played a practice game in Sheridan on Friday. The No. 1 doubles team secured the Licking County championship for the girls tennis team.
GRANVILLE – By now, everyone knows to watch out for Granville All-Ohio junior middle linebacker Kyle Kirby, and rightly so.
But the two older players who flank him in the Blue Aces’ ruthless defense, Cooper Phillips and Cash Thomas, help make the 3-3-5 formation even more formidable.
“Our guys are running the ball really well and attacking it aggressively, although we still need to improve our tackling,” coach Heath Hinton said after Granville opened the 2024 season with a 47-12 road win over Marion Franklin, its 14th straight regular-season victory. “The good thing is we were able to use a few more different guys on the defensive line and at linebacker and give them that experience.”
While the 1.85 m tall and 97 kg heavy Kirby occupies the position of “Mike” or middle backer, Phillips (1.90 m, 96 kg) roams the entire field from his “Sam” position, and Thomas (1.85 m, 88 kg) provides physical presence on the weak side or as a “will” backer.
“Last year when Kyle was injured, Cooper filled in for Mike and proved he can play multiple positions,” Hinton said. “We expect a lot from him. He also has a longer frame and has put on some weight.”
Thomas began last season with the Jayvees, but due to injuries later in the year he became a starter on the first team and recorded a key interception in the second round of the Division III playoffs win over Tri-Valley.
“It’s not easy playing on that jayvee field as a junior, but he’s learned and become a very good player through his hard work,” Hinton said. “He’s gotten bigger through the weight room.”
Thomas weighed 175 or 180 pounds last year but has worked his way up to 195. He gave his defense credit where credit is due.
“It’s more up to our defensive line to tie up the blockers, and without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” he said.
Phillips noted: “We’re happy to have him at the back and to have him as an extra man.”
Thomas said Phillips plays fearlessly on his side of the field.
“He runs through people and rarely misses a tackle,” Thomas said.
Phillips can use his long arms to his advantage.
“The longer wingspan helps me wrap up,” he said. “I’ve played linebacker my whole life, so it’s given me more responsibility. Just figuring out what plays they’re running and what they’re doing.”
Following an undefeated regular season in 2023, the Blue Aces begin a three-game home series and will play four of their next five games in the friendly atmosphere of Walter J. Hodges Stadium as familiar foe Clear Fork visits on Friday.
The Colts are coming off a 55-0 loss to powerful Sandusky Perkins, who had a 12-1 record last year before falling to eventual state champion Cleveland Glenville in the Division IV regional final.
“Perkins is obviously very good,” Hinton said. “But I’ve watched some film of Clear Fork, and they’re stronger up front than they used to be. I’m sure they’ll be ready for us.”
Thomas said the Blue Aces are not taking anyone lightly and need to have a good week of training.
“We have to prepare just like we would for any other team,” Phillips said. “They’re playing a different offense, the Wing-T, than we’re used to. I think we’ll only see that one more time, so it’ll be a good experience.”
740-704-7973
X: @grover5675
Instagram: @dfweidig
