Simplifying the defense. That is the new approach that former UW-Platteville linebacker Rob Erickson hopes to install in the Pioneer football team during his first year as the defensive coordinator. Erickson was a four-year starter at linebacker and captain for the Pioneers during his senior year in 1999.

“This is a defensive team with hardworking, talented kids,” Erickson said. “We’re taking a simple approach to getting better every day. We want to let the kids play and fly around on the field.”

Erickson is excited for the year and has high expectations for the defense.

“Our goals are to first of all win, eliminate big plays, make teams beat us, tackle well and control the line of scrimmage,” Erickson said.

With a new coach brings the challenge of players adapting to the changes that are put before them.

“The players are accepting the changes open-mindedly and are adapting well,” Mike Emendorfer, head coach, said.

The defense is led by last year’s first team all-conference senior defensive end David Akey, and senior linebackers Joe Tinucci, Dustin Moor and Matt Janus.

“We want to continue playing hard, having 11 players pressuring the ball, creating turnovers and eliminating opponent’s chances at scoring,” Emendorfer said.

The defense also gets help from junior defensive end Tim Stephenson, junior free safety Morgan May, junior defensive backs Eric Jensen, Quincy Hudson, and Ben Lusted, sophomore defensive linemen Cody Weber, sophomore defensive linemen Lucas Clayton, sophomore defensive back Courtney Alexander and sophomore linebacker Rob Crowley.

“We’re really close,” May said. “There are a lot of seniors on the team who have gone through a lot together. The coaches are helping us play a lot better.”

The Pioneer’s could not stop the sting of St. Ambrose Fighting Bees Sept. 13 in a 34-17 loss. All of the Pioneer’s scoring took place in the first half as they went into halftime leading 17-14. The Pioneers hit the end zone with a 25-yard pass from John Akim to senior Nick Grosso for a touchdown along with a blocked punt by Grosso that was recovered by sophomore Jon Martin for another touchdown. UW-P’s final points came from a field goal by junior Tony Smidl.

The Fighting Bees scored 20 unanswered points in the second half as St. Ambrose shut down the Pioneer’s running game limiting them to only 70 yards on 23 carries. The Pioneer’s senior quarterback John Akim had 233 yards passing. Grosso had 75 yards receiving while sophomore WIAC Player of the Week Aunton Terry had 53 yards on four catches. The Bees intercepted three of the Pioneer’s passes.

Akey led the defense with 10 tackles, two of them for a loss and one sack. Tinucci had nine tackles along with six each for Jenson, Hudson and Moor. Janus, Crowley, Clayton and Randy Langer also took their turns taking down the Bees’ quarterback with sacks.

The Pioneers have a bye this week to prepare for their season home opener Sept. 27 against the Augustana Vikings.