Jordan Buchanan, Turlock Christian linebacker

With little size and plenty of speed, Turlock Christian coach Rusty Lyon revamped his defense this season. The new philosophy gives his linebackers the freedom to attack the ball, rather than waiting for the play to develop. It has helped TC to a 3-0 start and allowed Buchanan to use his greatest asset.

"He's around 5-11, 180 pounds, but he's got really quick feet and good technique when tackling," Lyon said. "We're not real big, but we've good athletes."

Buchanan was in on 12 tackles Friday as TC posted a historic, 10-6 win over Orestimba. It's the first time the Eagles beat a larger school, according to Lyon.

"Jordan's able to hit and wrap, which is essential for a linebacker," said Lyon, who plays Buchanan on the inside of the 4-4 alignment. "He's aggressive hitting the middle and fighting through tackles, and penetrating on sweeps, getting between linemen. That's what we're asking from our linebackers, to be aggressive."

-- RICHARD T. ESTRADA