Rugged Royal Defense Provides the Spark Behind the Best Start in School History

Royal has one of the area’s most talented quarterbacks in Ryan Fien, and when he hooks up with receivers Jeff Creed (12 catches for 236 yards) and Tony Liming (13 catches for 251 yards), the Highlanders can mount a potent attack.

Nevertheless, it is Royal’s defense that has been the key to the Highlanders’ 5-0 start, the school’s best. The Highlanders have allowed only 21 points--including just two touchdowns--and they recorded their second shutout with a 10-0 win over Newbury Park on Friday.

The defense can score, too--Tim Ross, Jon Clarke, and Liming have returned interceptions for touchdowns.

Outside linebacker Matt Tomaszewski, a senior, leads the team with 48 tackles. Tomaszewski is chasing the school record for tackles in a season, set by his brother. Robert Tomaszewski, a middle linebacker, had 100 solo tackles and 60 assisted tackles in 1982.

“It’s easier for a middle backer to pile up the tackles,” Matt said, “but if we make the playoffs, maybe I’ll get a few more games.”

The chance of that looks promising at the halfway point of the regular season.

“We said from the start that our offense would be getting all the ink, but that our defense will be one up on our offense,” Coach Gene Uebelhardt said.

Uebelhardt credits assistants Don Reyes, Andy Andreoli and Steve Pultorak for Royal’s strong defense.