Dwight Hochstetler feels pretty good about his defense heading into this season, and a big part of that comes down to the leadership of three veteran playmakers for the Bowdon High School football team.

Senior linebacker Brandon King, junior cornerback Nathan Montgomery and senior defensive tackle Tony Wyatt all bring a wealth of experience to the field for the Red Devils.

“All three of them have worked hard out on this football field,” said Hochstetler, who is entering his 22nd season as the school’s coach.

Not only do they work hard, but they probably hit even harder.

“All three of them (are) not scared to put the hat on the ball,” Hochstetler said. “So you know, I think that’s where leadership begins, the knowledge and leading by example.”

It’s that combination of leadership and skills that has Hochstetler excited about what a unit led by those guys can accomplish.

“We’re looking for big things from them,” Hochstetler said.

“And you know, if they really have a good year, our defense could be better than it was last year.”

That’s saying something for a team that gave up only 12.3 points per contest and held six of its 11 opponents to single-digit scoring in 2008.

But as with any team this time of year, plenty of work remains. Wyatt, though, is encouraged by where the Bowdon defense is headed.

“We’ve still got to make some improvements on defense,” Wyatt said. “We’re going to be ready, though.”

Two of the biggest holes to fill on defense for the Red Devils are Ken Andrews’ position on the line and Jordon Loveless’ presence in the middle of the linebackers. Hochstetler suggested that Wyatt, who was a fullback and linebacker for two seasons before moving to the line on both sides of the ball last year, could play an even bigger role with Andrews graduated.

And with Wyatt’s relentless approach of hitting the weights, the coach has confidence in his ability to make that kind of impact.

“You don’t have to bird-dog him in the weight room. He gets the job done, and he’s one of our better-looking kids. And we’re hoping with that year of experience last year on the defensive front that, you know, he can help us cope with the loss of (Andrews),” Hochstetler said.

“(Andrews) had such a big body. We’re hoping that Tony can, you know, come up and make some plays and be a run-stopper for us.”

Both the coach and Montgomery know it will be a process, though, figuring out just who will move into Loveless’ spot.

“Somebody’s got to step in and fill his shoes,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery, meanwhile, returns as Bowdon’s interceptions leader with three last season and enters his third year as a starter in the secondary. Senior quarterback Avery Cheeks and sophomore running back Maricio Askew join Montgomery in a secondary that Hochstetler said is one of the strongest parts of a stout defense.

“Our strength is going to be our secondary,” Hochstetler said.

Montgomery has stood out with his consistent hard work in the offseason, according to his coach.

“He had a great summer,” Hochstetler said. “He’s improving each day, and that’s what we expect from him.”

With Montgomery and Cheeks, as well as Askew, who started in the defensive backfield as a freshman last season, Hochstetler is hoping the Red Devils will be able to shut down opponents’ big-play ability.

“We’ve got experience back there,” Hochstetler said.

“And hopefully they can eliminate the big plays.”

Meanwhile, King returns as the clear leader of the linebackers, coming off a year in which he claimed the team’s head-hunter award for his knack for leveling big hits.

“When he hits you, you know you’re hit,” Hochstetler said. “He made some vicious licks last year.”

With the big three leaders showing the way this fall for Bowdon, Hochstetler is ready to see just how good his team’s defense can be.

“I think everything (is) falling into place, you know, where you would like them to fall. They’re not real vocal, but you know, they lead by example out here on the field,” Hochstetler said.

“And hopefully our other kids will respond to that.”