By Mike Hockett
Leader-Telegram staff

Overshadowed by an offense that seemingly scores and rolls up yardage at will, the Chippewa Valley Predators' defense isn't one to be trifled with.

Just ask any of the opponents that have fallen to the Preds during their 19-game winning streak dating back to the start of last season.

And leading that defense, or ‘the dirty red' as they are known around the locker room, is a stockpile of quality linebackers that have made big plays all season.

Of the 53 men on Chippewa Valley's roster, eight are linebackers - making it arguably the deepest and most solid position on the team. The eight form a fierce rotation that gives head coach and defensive coordinator Martin Adams numerous options.

"Everybody's a beast on this team," said C.J. Okogeri, who is fourth on the team in tackles. "Our new players have done a great job learning the system. With all the newcomers and old players leaving, we didn't lose a beat."

Okogeri also has received opportunities at running back the past two games, carrying 11 times for 102 yards and four touchdowns.

Along with Okogeri, leading the pack of linebackers are Jeff Hazuga - former Minnesota Viking and last year's team MVP - Josh Berg, Justin Dorn and Mitch Sperger. Any one of the eight has been able to rotate in, though, without any drop in production.

"I don't think any of us are selfish as linebackers," said Sperger, whose overtime interception against the South Metro Dragons set up a game-winning score.

"We just want the best players on the field. And if we're not the best player, we don't care. We'll put someone in there that can do what we can't do."

Hazuga said that most of the linebackers also play on special teams, helping to keep everyone satisfied with playing time.

While the Preds' offense certainly deserves praise for putting up an impressive number of points (199 over the past three games), the defense has put up equally impressive numbers this season.

When the Menomonie Thunderhawks scored in the first quarter last Saturday, it snapped a streak of nine straight quarters that the Chippewa Valley defense didn't allow a point. It's allowed 55 points in six league games, with 27 of those coming against St. Paul. It's also done plenty of scoring itself lately - recording eight defensive touchdowns in the past three games.

"Our offense has been scoring, but if they're not, we're getting in the end zone and having as big of an impact on the game as we can," Sperger said.

"When we get the ball, we're like Ed Reed, we want to get in the endzone too," added Chad Peterson, who has scored on a fumble recovery this season.

One of more memorable of those eight defensive touchdowns came against the Thunderhawks when the 245-pound Berg picked off a pass at his own 15, cut left, and then followed a convoy of blockers for an 85-yard touchdown. Berg also had a pick-six against Menomonie in the season opener. Okogeri, Peterson and Victor McKenzie are other linebackers who also have scored for Chippewa Valley this season.

On top of that, the Predators haven't allowed any of their eight opponents to gain more than 250 yards of offense this year. Even in the Predators' comeback victory against the Pioneers, they allowed just 209 yards of offense and forced five turnovers.

The Preds take on the Eau Claire Crush at 6 p.m. today at Carson Park. Chippewa Valley pulled away for a 51-14 blowout the last time the teams met back on May 28. It now leads the all-time series, 4-2, and is trying to sweep its intracity rival for a second straight season.