Edge looks for redemption; Dunn for big things

Nick Schaber, Staff Reporter • Nov 2, 2016

The Bloomington Edge defense looks to improve on 8-6 record, expecting tailback Darrelynn Dunn to be a large contributor.

Darrelynn Dunn, a staff member and coach at NCHS, rushed for 301 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, but the tailback believes he can do better predicting “next year I will double those touchdowns and double those yards.” The ISU product is projected to be the full-time starter, since veteran running back Andre Raymond’s retirement.

The Edge backfield of Dunn and quarterback Caleb Holbrook ran for a combined total of 605 yards and 23 touchdowns last season.“I think that with Caleb’s first year, and my first year as a premier back, I feel that we can double those numbers, and have one of the top offenses in the league,” said Dunn.

On the defensive side of the ball, Edge defensive coordinator, and NCHS Social Studies teacher Bryan Thomas is looking to lead the league in turnovers, sacks, and TFL (Tackle for loss). Without a doubt the man to look for is defensive lineman Antonio Ficklin. Last season, Ficklin led the squad with 16 TFLs and 7 sacks.

“Ficklin is one of, if not the best defensive lineman I’ve ever had the opportunity to coach,” said Thomas. “You always have a chance, when Antonio Ficklin is playing.”

The veteran defensive lineman has had his fair share of playing time in the National Football League, playing few seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Ficklin looks to be a large part in the Edge defense next season.

Ficklin is not the only defensive player making noise for the Edge. Linebacker Dontae McCoy will be returning as the Edge defensive captain. “Dontae was no doubt the leader of the defense this past season,” said Thomas. McCoy, who finished with 102 tackles last season, leading the Edge. “I’m looking for big things out of Dontae.”

The Bloomington Edge arena football team will be returning to the U.S Cellular Coliseum on March 18 for the 2016-2017 football season. The Edge will also will bring back the Navy and White jerseys. See their website, for information about the game schedule and ticketing.

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About the Contributor

Nick Schaber, Staff Reporter

Nick is a junior at Normal Community High School. He is a staff reporter and this is his first year on Inkspot. He is involved in the football and track programs at Normal Community. Who inspires me Tupac Shakur, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Jason Williams. On the weekend I play basketball at the park with my friends. Favorite Film Menace II Society (1993), Juice (1992), and Above The Rim (1994). I'd really like to meet Tupac Shakur because he is my all-time favorite rapper and was a cultural icon in the 90's.