Tim Paske often refers to his interior defensive linemen as his “TNT.” In a five-man defensive front, the left defensive tackle, nose tackle, and right defensive tackle are an important part of the Trojans’ inside running defense, but not usually the key playmakers.

Ricky Carbone, Kyle Stanton, and Trevor Flohr have gone beyond what Paske typically expects of his TNT, who have blown up offenses all season long. The role of those three guys (in our defense) is to take on blockers and allow our linebackers to make plays,” Paske said. “Our linebackers are still making plays, but those three have been so dominant, and it’s kind of an aberration with all of their tackles.”

Carbone is a powerful nose tackle standing 6-foot-3 and weighing close to 260 pounds. He is the strongest player on the Greene team, and he is aided by Stanton, a 6-foot, 240-pounder who is likely the second strongest player on the team. Flohr, while not as heavy, gives a dimension of speed and quickness off the ball that perfectly complements his inside mates.

The Trojans’ TNT trio have all had outstanding seasons for the stingiest defense in Chenango County this season, and their season-long dominance in helping Greene to the Section IV Class C championship game has earned them our weekly honor as Smith Ford Supercenter/Evening Athletes of the Week.