Led by a trio of linebackers, the Cordova High School football team is looking to make some noise on defense this season.

All seniors, the three returning linebackers returning this season to run the Lancers’ 4-3 base defense is strong side linebacker Michael Gonzalez (6-foot-1, 190-pounds), who also starts at right offensive tackle. He is followed by middle linebacker Kenny Haney (5’11, 195) and weak side linebacker Jason Johnson (6’0, 185).

Last season, Gonzalez had 70 tackles, while Johnson had 68 and Haney 58. Johnson also had two fumble recoveries.

“Kenny is getting some looks from some (colleges),” said Cordova head coach Darren Nill of Haney. “There are several schools that are interested in Kenny.”

Nill considers Gonzalez as “the most seasoned we have” in terms of seniors who played extensively as juniors last season.

At the line, Nill, who calls the defense, states that the Lancers will use “players by committee” in the trenches. That includes the offensive linemen will be shuffled onto the other side of the ball. Those players are Zariahn Zimmer (6’2, 290), who plays offensive left tackle; Fidel Romero (left guard), sophomore Austin McCoy (center) and Joseph Salcedo, a junior who started as a sophomore last season. But McCoy’s season was cut very short when he broke his leg in the Lancers’ first game of the season against Pioneer of Woodland, and was out for the rest of the season.

“The offensive linemen will be playing defensive tackle,” Nill said.

Looking to start at defensive end is Clifford Bright (6’0, 220), a junior who started as a sophomore last year. Bright had 58 tackles and three quarterback sacks last season. Josh Colvin (6’3, 185) will play the other defensive end spot. A junior who also played as a sophomore last season, Colvin played extensively in the second half of last season. Another player expected to see time at defensive end is Kelechi Njoku (6’0, 210).

When the Lancers use a nose guard on defense, most of the reps will go to Zimmer.

In the secondary, Terrell Johnson returns as the Lancers’ strong safety. Last season, Johnson lead Cordova in tackles at 100, plus two interceptions. Vying for playing time at the same spot is Tyreke Tate, a junior at 6’0 and 190.

At free safety, another sophomore makes the move for the Lancers in Alvin Banks (5’11, 170), who Nill calls “very talented.” Banks is projected to be a two-way starter; he’s also one of the Lancers’ wide receivers.

“He’s that talented,” said Nill of Banks.