Jacob Thurston, an inside linebacker for West Rowan, had a remarkable performance during the team”s 49-7 triumph over Salisbury, securing their position at 6-4 and earning the ninth seed in the 5A West bracket for the upcoming state playoffs. Thurston recorded 12 tackles, including four tackles for loss and a sack against the Hornets, as West Rowan completed a county sweep.
As a senior, Thurston has been eager for opportunities like this, particularly on Senior Night in Mount Ulla. His hard work has paid off, and he has not let anyone down. “He”s that textbook definition of waiting your turn and then over-achieving when it is your turn,” stated West head coach Louis Kraft.
Thurston, who also had 14 tackles in a comeback win against East Rowan, ranks second on the team in tackles. The team”s leading tackler is Kaden Sanders, the inside backer who plays alongside Thurston and averages 8.4 tackles per game. Both players are similar in size, with Thurston slightly heavier at just over 200 pounds, while Sanders weighs a bit under 200. Sanders is known for his speed and agility, allowing him to cover significant ground on the field.
Both linebackers are known for their physicality when they engage with opponents. Sanders brings versatility to the defense, capable of playing inside or outside linebacker positions and even defensive end, providing the Falcons with tactical flexibility. “Neither one of those guys was a real big name in the past,” Kraft remarked. “Sanders was a starter last year, but he was playing on the outside. Thurston was mostly a special-teams player because he had two seniors in front of him. They”re both getting their first crack at inside linebacker and now they”re our two leading tacklers. They”ve been a big piece of the defensive puzzle.”
Linebackers significantly benefit from a strong defensive line that occupies blockers, allowing them to make plays. The interior defensive linemen at West Rowan are particularly effective at tying up blockers, which aids the linebackers in making tackles. “Our linebackers would be the first to tell you that we”ve got some horses on the defensive line who are eating up blocks at a high level,” Kraft said. “That allows our linebackers to read their keys and attack.”
Sanders also demonstrates leadership qualities, setting the tone early in games. His high energy is evident, especially on special teams, where he often makes impactful tackles. “Having a high motor is one of my strengths as a player and I do like to fly around out there,” he noted. “There have been games where I”ve made three tackles on kickoffs.”
One of Sanders” most significant contributions this season was an interception at East Rowan, which sparked West Rowan”s thrilling comeback from a 20-point deficit in the final quarter. “We never believe a game is over,” Sanders expressed. “Not many teams would have been able to come back from three scores down, but we scored twice on defense and we came back.”
Both players are drawing attention for their potential at the next level. Sanders has already reached out to several colleges, and many are reviewing his game footage. Despite facing some challenges earlier in the season, including a three-game losing streak, the Falcons are hitting their stride just as the playoffs are set to begin. The contributions of the inside linebackers have been crucial to this resurgence. “We talk often about not being outcome driven,” Kraft explained. “Up 100 points or down 100, good rep or bad rep, all that really matters is the next rep. Those inside backers have exemplified that belief system.”
In addition to his standout game against Salisbury and solid performance against East Rowan, Thurston also had a crucial fumble recovery in the narrow 23-21 win over Northwest Cabarrus, which stands out as West Rowan”s signature victory this season. “The county games, well, you have to win those because you know those guys and you see them out in public,” Thurston remarked. “As far as the Northwest game, that was a must-win for us. We got it done that night. It all started with good run defense. Kaden and I filled the holes, filled the gaps.”
Thurston”s love for football dates back to when he was just five years old, and he has cherished every moment on the field. “I tell people that I haven”t taken a fall off since I was a 4-year-old,” he said. “We want to keep playing. We all believe we can make a run in the playoffs.”
