New faces, same old expectations for Coe’s aggressive, stingy defense

CEDAR RAPIDS – Some different faces but the same standards.

Coe’s defense has been a guiding force recent seasons. The Kohawks were blessed with experience and talent that played with reckless abandon, terrorizing most American Rivers Conference offenses.

They will attempt to continue that dominance with a new cast of characters.

“In my opinion, the standard doesn’t change,” Coe defensive back and former Mount Vernon prep Henry Ryan said. “Defense at Coe has been amazing for a couple years now and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

“We have the guys, talent and coaching staff. It’s going to be the same Kohawk defense you’ve seen the last couple years.”

The unit incurred a makeover due to graduation but Coe enters the new season with the expectation to reload instead of a rebuild. The Kohawks were third in the A-R-C’s preseason coaches poll and open the season Sept. 4 at Cornell in the Bremner Cup Series.

Coe bid adieu to 14 seniors on the two-deep roster, including some three-year starters. The current Kohawks are ready to take control.

“They’re hungry,” Coe Coach Tyler Staker said. “Many of them have really paid their dues. Now, it’s their opportunity to step in and shine. I’ve seen great things from them, so far, in our camp and scrimmage on Saturday.”

Only three Kohawks – Ryan, defensive back C.J. Johnson and interior lineman Brant Tedrow – saw significant defensive action last season. They welcome back all-conference lineman Stone Cummins and defensive back Kyle Cole, who played a lot in 2023 but missed last season due to injury.

Other players received opportunities to take the field when starters were hurt and gained important repetitions.

“We had some guys that weren’t starters but we had to rely on them quite a bit in some big moments,” Coe defensive coordinator Cody Baethke said. “In those moments, they stepped up and delivered for us. Now, it’s their turn to be the ones who consistently the guys that are out there. I’m excited to see those guys take those steps.”

Staker praised Baethke for his work with the defense, noting that he has been promoted to associate head coach and received a national coach of the year honor in 2024. He has instilled a “We don’t want to be good. We want to be the best of the best” mantra that is passed on from year to year.

His leadership will be key to the transition for new players to pick up where others left off.

“He works tirelessly to put our guys in position to be successful,” Staker said of Baethke. “He’s got a great understanding of our players and defensive package, what we are doing and how we want to attack.

“I feel confident our guys will be ready to go when the lights turn on.”

Seven all-conference players will have to be replaced from last season’s defense. They also served as mentors, sharing how to prepare and how to overcome struggles to younger players – the same one stepping into their cleats this year.

“They were great leaders in that regard for our guys,” Baethke said. “We have to play to this group’s strengths. Maybe it’s a little bit different than some of those guys that we lost.”

The Kohawks impressed coaches with their play during a preseason scrimmage. The focus is to play the same brand of aggressive and physical defense that has ranked near the top of the A-R-C.

“Every team lost players and big parts of their scheme,” Tedrow said. “I feel like we’re still one of the top dogs and ready to show out.”

Experienced players like Ryan, Tedrow and Cummins have taken younger players under their wings. Cummins said he has tried to be a leader by example, demonstrating how to be a good teammate and answering questions from X’s and O’s on the field to classroom.

The key to the Kohawks’ success is the same as it has been since Cummins arrived.

“It’s the same as we’ve been preaching all four years I’ve been here,” Cummins said. “Just do your job. Make sure you know your assignments and run to the ball with effort and a bad attitude.”

Offensively, Coe will have to replace quarterback Clay Krousie, who passed for 1,454 yards and 14 TDs, and running back Trenton Barnes, who led the A-R-C with 1,264 yards and 15 TDs. The backfield will be running back by committee, according to Staker, but junior Brady Kelly is the top QB, entering the opener.

“It’s a lot of responsibility when you play for a team like this,” Kelly said. “A lot of people count on you but I’ve been working for it ever since I’ve gotten here. I feel I’m ready.”

Kelly played late last season, replacing an injured Krousie. He started against Bethel (Minn.) in a playoff game. Kelly has the luxury of four talented receivers in Jeron Senters, who set the program record with 12 TD catches, Devon Kollasch, Will Hiserote and Latrell Taylor. The wideout quartet hauled in 124 passes for almost 1,800 yards and 16 scores.

“We’re excited where he’s at right now with a full year of work in our system,” Staker said. “He’s been really good with his reads, He’s decisive and can spin it really well. He can make any throw and he has some really good targets to hit.”

COE COLLEGE

Coach: Tyler Staker (10th season, 51-23)

Last year: 9-2 (7-1 in American River Conference); lost in NCAA first round

Top returners: OL Luke Schumacher, WR Jeron Senters, WR Devin Kollasch, WR Will Hiserote, DL Stone Cummins, DL Brant Tedrow, OL Jase Barksdale, OL Braiden Damhoff, DB Henry Ryan, DB Kyle Cole

Schedule: Sept. 4 — at Cornell, 7 p.m.; 13 — at Wisconsin-River Falls, 1 p.m.; Sept. 20 — Nebraska Wesleyan, 1 p.m.; Sept. 27 — at Wartburg, 1 p.m.; Oct. 4 — Buena Vista, 1 p.m.; Oct. 11 — at Simpson, 1 p.m.; Oct. 25 — Luther, 1 p.m.; Nov. 1 — at Dubuque, 1 p.m.; Nov. 8 — Loras, 1 p.m.; Nov. 15 — at Central. 1 p.m.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com