WEST LIBERTY, Iowa The winds of change, they have been blowing for the West Liberty High School football team.

Gone from last season's Class 2A playoff team that finished 4-6 is a senior class that accounted for much of West Liberty's production, particularly on a school record-breaking offense where the Comets must replace 91 percent of their production.

Theres even some change on the coaching staff where Ben Slife, who has been the head coach of the Comets the past four seasons, has elevated Jason Iske, an alternative education teacher at WLHS, to co-head coach to help out when Slife is unable to be around due to his job in law enforcement and to have a head coach in the building.

Hes worked his tail off and really wants to be part of this thing and weve talked about it, said Slife, who added he was the one who reached out for help. Hes like my brother, so I trust him.

Iske, an eighth-year Comets coach who directed the varsity special teams last season, will also take charge of a West Liberty defense that struggled last season.

The Comets gave up an average of 36.6 points per game, which even its explosive offense couldnt compensate for at times, and Iske is clear on how they need to fix it.

Aggressiveness. Thats our No. 1 goal with defense is to be more aggressive, Iske said. That goes in all aspects, whether thats pursuing the run, trying to get turnovers, in our pass coverage."

Hell have a couple of returning starters senior defensive lineman John Jepson and senior linebacker Noel Palma to help rebuild the defense, in addition to the senior Sam Weaver, who had 35 tackles at linebacker last season, and senior Tanner Mueller and junior Cooper Koenig, who saw some time in the defensive backfield last season.

Theyre working to improve in several areas but Palma thinks there may be a simpler fix.

I just feel like we have to be mentally tough. That was a big part of it last year, I think, Palma said. We put the time and effort in the weight room so I feel like were stronger and better this year."

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