Carlisle linebacker aims for 10 tackles per game

By John Bombatch, Staff Writer Updated 7:01 AM Friday, November 6, 2009

CARLISLE — With each football game, Carlisle High School’s Jake Langdon plays, the number 10 is always on his mind.

No, that’s not the opposing quarterback’s number. It’s a personal goal the Indians senior middle linebacker sets for himself each week.

“I know that every game is important, so I shoot for getting more than 10 tackles every game,” Langdon said. “If I’m getting at least 10 tackles each game, I’m doing my job for the team.”

Langdon has 103 solo tackles and 27 assists on the season. Carlisle coach Bill Jewell said Langdon is one of the team’s defensive leaders.

“He has had a great season for us, and it’s really good to see that,” Jewell said. “He’s a good reason why we’re in the playoffs this year.”

The Indians (8-2) earned the sixth seed in Division IV, Region 16. They’ll face undefeated and third-seeded North College Hill at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, in Cincinnati. It’s the first time Carlisle has made the playoffs since 2004.

An eighth-grade dream

That also was about the time Langdon and his fellow seniors were gunning to get into the postseason themselves.

“Yeah, this is big,” Langdon said. “(Getting into the playoffs) is something me and my friends have been talking about since we were in eighth grade.

“I wouldn’t say that we’re nervous, but we’re kind of anxious to get going. We’re looking forward to making the most of this that we can.”

College hopes

Langdon says he’s received interest from several Division III colleges. He’s very interested in playing at the next level.

“Criminal justice has always been an interest of mine,” he said. “I’d like to pursue that and have the chance to play football in college. I think it would be something I would really enjoy.”

Can’t mess with karma

Perhaps a bit of luck will be on Langdon’s side as well. Since the opening week win over Franklin, the 5-foot-10, 205-pounder makes sure he’s wearing the same clothes underneath his uniform.

“The same Under Armour gear, same underwear, same socks, same game pants ... everything,” he said with a smile. “We had something good going for that game, so I don’t want to change anything up.”

Fans and opponents alike will be happy to know Langdon does wash everything between games. He’s not superstitious to the point of worrying about washing all that good karma away.

“I’ll do whatever it takes. I just want to keep on winning,” he said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2851 or jbombatch@coxohio.com.