Frantz

FREEPORT — Last season, Darius Frantz put a lot of fear into opposing Allegheny Conference offenses.

In 2009, the Freeport senior defensive end is healthy and has turned up his intensity level, said Yellowjackets coach John Gaillot.

"I expect him to be 100 times better," said Gaillot. "Last year was his first time at defensive end. He should be a major factor. He's such a skilled athlete.

"He's put on weight and has been in the weight room since January. He's more dedicated than ever. I expect him to be a major factor in the conference," Gaillot added.

That's not to say he wasn't impressive last season.

As a junior, Frantz, who enters the 2009 campaign at 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, had 62 tackles, including 11 sacks, and he recovered a pair of fumbles.

Frantz was named to the Butler Eagle All-Star Defensive Team for his efforts, along with teammate and fellow defensive end John Douglas.

Douglas made 45 tackles and had 6Z\x sacks, but he graduated and is playing at Allegheny College.

Frantz now will try to spearhead a defense that limited opponents to 12.9 points per game during the regular season, a number skewed because of a 36-point output by Ford City in Week 5.

The Yellowjackets' defense held four teams to seven points or fewer in the regular season and seven of nine teams to two touchdowns or fewer.

"We just worked great as a unit," said Frantz. "Last year, we had a lot of seniors that helped us out. ... We had a strong defensive line. We always had a good push up front.

"Our secondary was solid. There weren't too many passes thrown against them," Frantz added.

Frantz was hampered by a broken hand last year and played with a cast.

"It was right after the first game and I didn't wear a cast for the second game," said Frantz. "I wore one until the last game of the year.

"It was hard to get a hold of people and get away from the blocks. I think I'll do a lot better this year and I'll contribute on offense, some tight end or split out," Frantz added.

"Darius broke his wrist in the eighth grade and missed just one game," said Gaillot. "There's no question in his toughness."

With the season set to begin tonight at Kittanning, Frantz sees a different approach to the team's identity.

"We'll rely more on speed," said Frantz. "We'll be a fast team, a talented team. It'll give us a chance to change things up a little."