Koval excited about defense

The former Fitch High standout is one of four returning starters at linebacker.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown State senior Jeff Koval knows the strength of the Penguins' defense this season will lie with the linebackers.
The 6-foot-1, 225-pound, two-year letterman from Austintown Fitch High said the expectations from his position just makes things that much more exciting this year.
The Penguins return four starting linebackers, including three seniors. Besides Koval, the other seniors are Marty Hutchinson and Jeremiah Wright, while junior James Terry, an All-Gateway Conference selection last year, rounds out the veteran crew.
"We have a veteran group back and we feel that we are the backbone of the defensive unit," Koval said. "And we like it that way, because it's more exciting."
Experience the difference
"This whole team is so much more experienced this season and it has shown in spring drills where we are way ahead with everything we are doing right now," Koval added.
"We feel that we're the best, but this defense as a whole is better," he added. "We were No. 1 in overall team defense last year in the league and we want to just build on that and get even better."
A year ago Koval was eighth on the team in total tackles with 43. Terry led the team with 71 and Wright finished 65. Koval had five tackles for losses, two sacks and one pass interception.
"Experience makes a big difference and it has shown early in spring drills," he said. "We've improved at every position.
"Last year was a disappointment, especially for those seniors who did not get a chance to play in the postseason," Koval added. "We have another shot this year and we plan on making the most of it."
As a senior Koval says that his role on the team has changed considerably.
"I'm much more involved in things and I king of like that a lot," he said.
Scrimmage Wednesday
Wednesday the Penguins went through their sixth spring practice session, another full contact day.
The Penguins scrimmaged for just under an hour and there were impressive plays on both sides of the ball.
Sophomore wide receiver Da'Michael Horne was impressive during passing drills, taking several long throws from quarterbacks Tom Zetts and Todd Rowan.
Senior tailback Marcus Mason ripped the defense for several good gains, while Zetts and wide receiver T.J. Peterson connected on a 50-yard pass play from near their own goal line.
"We are still going forward and that's a positive," said coach Jon Heacock. "We are working hard and the intensity is still there."
Palmer hits 60-yarder
Sophomore placekicker Brian Palmer, who on Monday drilled a 55-yard field goal, equaled and bettered that in Wednesday's session.
The former Mineral Ridge standout first kicked two from 57 yards and then on his third try was successful from 60 yards out and wind did not play any part in helping it through.
"Brian has been kicking very well this spring. He's worked hard and he's gotten stronger," Heacock said. "We knew when we signed him that he was going to be a good kicker.
The Penguins will practice again Friday, which will begin at 2:30 p.m. as Heacock wanted to get started early so the players could have more time over Easter weekend.
Saturday's schedule's practice has been canceled and will be made up April 24.
Next week will be a busy one for the Penguins with the Bob Dove Coaches Clinic Wednesday and the jersey scrimmage Saturday at 9 a.m.
mollica@vindy.com