RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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LEXINGTON — Coming into the 2026 football season, there was a question mark around the Shelby Whippets’ defense.
Replacing nine starters from a squad that allowed just 10.9 points per game and pitched four shutouts during a run to the Division IV state title appearance is enough to make anyone question the Whippets on that side of the ball.
After a 48-6 victory over Lexington on Friday, Aug. 28, which followed a 54-0 win over Madison in Week 1, the Whippets (2-0) defense has answered every question imaginable after not allowing a touchdown in the first two weeks of the season. Lexington’s lone score came on a fumble return.
MEDIA GUIDE: Get to know all 9 teams with the 2026 Richland County Football Media Guide
“We have had a lot of guys step up for us,” Shelby senior linebacker Griffin Yeager said. “We have eight guys who rotate in on defense and what has helped us so much is our preparation each week. Our defensive coaches are great and challenge us to step up.”
In the win over Lexington, Shelby allowed just 68 total yards of offense with just 14 through the air. They picked off two passes to give them seven total turnovers in two weeks. And they have done it with new faces everywhere they look.
Needless to say, Shelby coach Rob Mahaney is pleased with his defensive group.
“A ton,” Mahaney said. “We came into the season wanting to play some faster guys in different positions and also challenge our two interior guys to play both ways and our kids have done a tremendous job of accepting those challenges. Our defensive philosophy hasn’t changed – we ask them to do their jobs and play team football.
"As long as we continue to do that, we give ourselves a chance.”
The offense was just as complementary in Week 2. Michael Shepherd completed 13-of-19 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns while adding 19 yards and two scores on the ground. Gavin Baker ran for 104 yards on 11 carries with two scores and Luke Blevins added 55 rushing yards on just three carries. The Whippets ran for 178 yards.
“One of the things we wanted to focus on tonight was putting in plays where Michael didn’t have to read people making them more straight runs instead of ROPs,” Mahaney said. “The credit goes to the O-Line because we had holes to run through all game. Those five seniors controlled the line of scrimmage and when Gavin and Luke got their opportunities, they were great with the ball. They were explosive and found seams.”
Brady Bowman, who had just two catches for 25 yards, was electric in the punt return game returning five punts for 90 yards and a TD of 54 yards.
“The awesome part about Brady is he was effective on defense, blocking in the run game on offense and returning punts,” Mahaney said. “He impacted the game in multiple ways and what is special is he wasn’t demanding the ball on offense. Such a great teammate who changed the game with his punt returns.”
Conner Hartz and Branson Reed both added interceptions on defense while Yeager had a sack.
“Our coverage calls set us up amazingly well,” Yeager said. “We prep with film all the time to the point we know what routes they are going to run. We know what is coming at us before the ball is even snapped.”
Mix preparation with speed and you get a secondary that already has five interceptions and three defensive scores on the season.
“Speed really is a difference maker,” Mahaney said. “When you can play fast and physical on defense, it creates a lot of pressure on the quarterback and forces some hurried throws that allow our skill guys to make plays. Ton of credit goes to our kids and our defensive staff.”
It is the side of the ball that put the entire area on notice and is now looked at as an explanation mark and not a question. They hope to continue it next week at home against Bellevue.
“We play for each other, man,” Yeager said. “We are taught to fly to the ball and fly around and make plays. That’s just how it is at Shelby.
“It definitely gave us a chip on our shoulders. We were counted out as a defense. Everyone thought our offense was going to have to carry us and while it is doing great, our defense is playing very well.”
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Shelby defense shining despite question mark entering 2026 season
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