Last year, a young group of Abilene High linebackers were forced into action, and their inexperience, at times, was evident.

So too, though, was their potential.

With some needed seasoning gained through a tough 3-7 campaign, that same group of wide-eyed sophomores and juniors now spearhead what has, through four games, been an elite defensive unit.

And though AHS coach Del Van Cox has been impressed by their play, he hasn’t been at all surprised.