GENTRY — Gentry football coach Brian Little said some of his team’s biggest question marks coming into this season are on defense where graduation left several holes.

But Little said he’s getting a few answers to those questions through spring and early fall workouts.

“We put a lot of stock in our defense last year,” Little said. “Our defense was going to give us a chance to stay in ball games. We’re going to stick with that mentality."

Seniors Tanner Coy and Kolby Rankin return at outside linebacker and are good building blocks for the defense, Little said.

Seniors Ricky Hernandez (6-0, 214 pounds) and Trae Wilkins (5-11, 218) will anchor the defensive line.

“Both guys played last year, Trae a little more than Ricky,” Little said. “Those two guys are good technicians, strong and athletic.”

Junior Elijah Ramsey (6-0, 152) and senior Nelson Watson (6-0, 160) saw only junior varsity action last season, but Little said they are ready for Friday night at inside linebacker. “They have game experience per se, it just came on Monday night,” Little said. “That’s what Monday night is for, to get them ready for Friday.”

Sports, Pages 10 on 08/17/2011