KUTZTOWN, PA (September 18, 2009) – Through three games, Kutztown junior defensive end Kevin Bolinsky (Ashland/North Schuylkill) has helped his defensive teammates wreak havoc on opposing offenses.

The Machine operated like a finely-tuned one last week during a tough 27-24 defeat to Slippery Rock. The Golden Bears played a second half of football to remember. They suffocated receivers, stifled SRU’s running game and shutdown the Rock in holding it to minus-5 yards of total yards.

However, with football offering weekly challenges, there is no time for the Golden Bears to revel in their defensive performance last week. That can be done at the end of the year banquet because the Golden Bears face a difficult assignment this weekend when they host fourth-ranked Bloomsburg Saturday night at University Field beginning at 6:05 p.m.

The Huskies are off to a 3-0 start. Even though they have yet to score more than 17 points and are ranked in the bottom half of the league in many offensive categories, the Huskies still boast a formidable offense led by senior quarterback Dan Latorre. Kutztown will have to be at its best to beat Bloomsburg for the first time since 1992.

Bolinsky has been locked in since the opening of the season. He picked up three sacks in the Golden Bears’ season opener against Saint Anselm. Last week against SRU, Bolinsky had a sack and a quarterback hurry.  He leads the team with 5.5 tackles for losses.

Bolinsky, who also wrestles, has been a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen. Bolinsky is too quick for many of the players who futily have tried to block him this year. He’s like a magician when he is rushing the passer because he disappears from an offensive linemen’s grasp quickly and tosses them aside like a piece of crumpled paper.

“I know I can’t bull rush so I just concentrate and try to use different techniques,” Bolinsky said. “My wrestling background has helped me. I worked on my pass rush this summer and I spent a lot of time studying different techniques. So far this year, I’ve been feeling good.”

The good feelings have spread throughout a defense that plays fast and with a chip on its shoulder. As a unit, they have allowed three points in the fourth quarter through three games. Lately everybody’s been screaming with delight at the play of the Kutztown defense. The only thing the Golden Bears haven’t done yet is intercept a pass. They would like to change that.

Bolinsky, senior Craig Croman (Pine Grove/Pine Grove), senior Chris Medina (Kennett Square/Kennett) and junior Greg Rotkowski (Macungie/Emmaus) have applied consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback. Linebackers Joel Irwin (Coatesville/Bishop Shanahan) and David Cressman (Sellersville/Pennridge) have punished opposing ballcarriers.

 Hard-hitting safeties Mike Gardier (Dunmore/Dunmore) and Khalief Evans (Philadelphia/Imhotep Charter) have provided great support against the run. Cornerbacks Brent Howard (Gilbertsville/Boyertown), Chris McCaffrey (Philadelphia/Avon Grove) and Jay McKnight (Reading/Conrad Weiser) have been solid.

Junior Aaron Schweibinz (Palmerton/Palmerton Area) has made 12 tackles and his 10 solo stops are second on the team. Sophomore Jason Henshaw (West Chester/Henderson) and junior Keith Massey (Allentown/William Allen) have made some key contributions. Sophomore Colin Henny (Lititz/Manheim Township) had a pair of batted down passes against SRU.

“We like playing with each other and we just want to keep getting better as the year goes on,” Bolinsky said. “This is the chance of a lifetime for us,” Bolinsky said. “I know we’re ready for the challenge. On Sunday, everybody was in the weight room lifting and watching film. Everybody is focused.” 

--KU--