Over the years, Campo Verde defense has become a powerhouse under coach Ryan Freeman. This season Freeman’s defense has held Williams Field, Raymond Kellis and Gilbert High School to a total of 25 points over three games while posting a 2-1 record.

When getting his defense together, Freeman looks for character over size.

“What we look for is (the) attitude (of) not giving up no matter what the situation is,” Freeman said. “What we really determine is the size of the kid’s heart. Not how big (or) how fast they are. And whether or not they buy in to the team concept that we promote.”

Freeman emphasized that his defense this year has agility, and veteran players.

“I think we are really athletic at the linebacker position this year,” Freeman said. “Our two middle linebackers are young, but they are pretty athletic. And both of our outside linebackers have a lot of experience playing last year (with) a lot of game experience.” 

All four of Campo Verde's linebackers - Matt Reising, Connor Calloway, Gabe Reaves and Mark Liano - have at least 10 tackles. Calloway leads the team with two sacks and Liano has one.

“What we talk about with our defense is we’ve got to play for the person on our left and the person on our right,” Freeman said. “If (you are) a person who only cares about your stats, you’re not going to play on our defense. It’s got to be a team concept, and that’s the one thing we talk about (and) take a lot of pride (in).”

Liano said he enjoys playing ina 3-4 defense. “We have been getting after the quarterback left and right, (and) sending heat always,” Liano said.

Liano said it has been fun to watch the defense grow.

“I can already see us maturing over the games,” Liano said. “They come out every game ready to hit people. It’s just great to watch.”

While the defense is maturing and getting better every game, Liano explained there is still room for improvement. “We have to work on our fundamentals everyday and stay disciplined,” he said.

Liano also praised how well prepared and determined his defense is on a daily basis.

“Our defense is really good all around,” Liano said. “(We) come out every practice ready to get better. And (we) do a great job on the weekends in preparation to the game (by) watching film, (and) being on our scouting reports.”

Liano said the defense runs off comradery and not individualism.

“It’s not a one man show,” Liano said. “The defense always has a brotherhood with it. Playing as a group on defense it’s a (close bond) and it’s just been great.”

In preparing for games on Friday, Liano emphasized how important it is to be ready to work every day throughout the week.

“Studying what they run and (studying) our scouting reports,” Liano said. “Going to practice everyday ready to work. Because if you slack off just one bit then (you are) going to be exploited. You have to be prepared every Friday night to go into the game, and if you’re not it won’t be good. It’s more about knowing what’s going on and knowing what your opponent will be doing.”

Mark's father, Paul Liano, said he's proud of how his son and his teammates have handled themselves this season throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

“This year by far (Mark) has exceeded expectations for me watching him,” Paul Liano said. “Being able to be in the stands this year with a lot of uncertainty, I think not only for players, parents, coaches (and) everyone involved, (it has) definitely been a roller coaster effect. So, it just makes it that much sweeter being able to watch these kids play together on a Friday night.”