Heimer, Maus to lead young Packer defense

Published 12:00 am Friday, August 20, 1999

After 18 seasons of Austin High football, Randy Smith is still finding himself in new situations.

Friday, August 20, 1999

After 18 seasons of Austin High football, Randy Smith is still finding himself in new situations.

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Smith, an assistant coach who specializes with the defense, is facing the upcoming season with one of the most inexperienced squads the Packers have fielded.

Like the team’s offense, the Packers will be young and inexperienced. The defense is returning only one healthy starter – senior Brian Heimer – from last year.

"I don’t think we’ve ever had this few returners," said Smith, who is entering his 13th year with head coach Steve Knox at the varsity level. "We usually have four or five."

Heimer, who will also be the Packers starting fullback, is a real physical player that doesn’t shy away from contact.

"I like defense more," Heimer said of which side of the ball he prefers playing on. "I like to be the one delivering the hits. But at fullback I plan on running over guys rather than juking."

Heimer is one of the largest players on the squad at 5-foot-10, 220 pounds, after adding 20 pounds from last year when he was an all-conference honorable mention selection at nose guard where he tied for second on the team in sacks (5.5) and tied for third in tackles (80).

Aside from Heimer and senior cornerback Nick Rohne, who was expected to be the Packers’ other returning defensive starter, but will miss at least the first two games with a separated shoulder, defensive end Kevin Maus will be the other most experienced playeron defense. Maus, who saw some action last season and started the final regular season game.

Smith and Knox are expecting good things from the 6-3, 195-pound Maus, who had two sacks last year.

"He really improved down the stretch last year and he put in a ton of time in the weight room," Smith said.

Another impact player on the Packers’ defense will be senior defensive lineman Bau Blake, who weighs in at about 230 pounds. Blake played football as a freshman and a sophomore, but sat out his junior season.

"He has a lot of quickness for his size," Smith said.

Other candidates to fill out the remaining defensive line positions include junior Dan Smith and senior Matt Smith as well as sophomores Ryan Binder and Todd Krupicka.

As for the linebacking corps, senior Billy Nagle, who saw limited action last year, will be the most experienced of a group that includes three juniors: Joe Sand, Ryan Waldee and Jamie Zavala.

Senior Mike Cunningham will anchor the secondary until Rohne is healthy. Cunningham, who is also the leading candidate for kicking duties, will play strong safety. Cunningham had 17 tackles and recovered a fumble last year.

Isaac Knox, Asham Bell, Jeff Kvam and Ben Keist will make up the other defensive backs. All are juniors with no varsity experience, but that should be equalized by their quickness.

With such an inexperienced squad, Smith said the team will be trying several different lineups and defensive looks the first three weeks of the season. The Packers will open the season on the road against Winona on Sept. 3, return home to face Mankato West on Sept. 10, and travel to Faribault on Sept. 17.

"There will probably be a lot defensive subs those first three games," Smith said.