Double trouble: Janack brothers are leading a stout Carolina Forest defense this season

Throughout history, brothers have shown prowess to create change, dominate at a given sport, and provide entertainment.

At Carolina Forest, the brothers Janack, Luke and Adam, have combined forces to do all three things – and give the Panthers a strong defensive identity.

Going as far back as Cain and Abel in Biblical times or more recently with Orville and Wilbur Wright perfecting flight, we’ve seen brothers make a huge impact on the world.

In sports, the Manning brothers have set a gold standard for quarterback play, while Steph and Seth Curry show shooting prowess on the basketball court. The Hemsworth’s and Wahlberg’s have taken Hollywood by storm and, perhaps the world’s most famous brothers, Mario and Luigi, have been beloved entertainment icons for decades.

The Janack brothers are setting the tone for a defensive unit that hopes to carry the Panthers deep into the playoffs.

Adam and Luke Janack are entering their second year starting on the Carolina Forest defense as a tandem and their 12th playing football together.

Adam, a defensive back, picked off seven passes and piled up 30 tackles a season ago as the lockdown corner for the Panthers. Luke, a linebacker, led Carolina Forest with 131 tackles, adding three sacks in his sophomore season.

In 2020, Adam is among the favorites to take home the Toast of the Coast Defensive Player of the Year honor as he’s tasked with shutting down half of the field against Class 5A competition. Luke is a tackling machine that has a nose for the football.

Combine those elements with other defensive stars Nevon Tyler and Josh Harris, and a unit that returns eight starters and you have a recipe for a dominant defense.

Gone this season are the offensive stars Mason Garcia, David Legette and Josh Murphy. Last year’s second leading receiver, Kyle Watkins, has stepped into the quarterback role for Carolina Forest.

The identity of the Panthers has changed from Garcia slinging the ball downfield in a spread formation, but the new look Carolina Forest offense, which rushed for more than 425 yards in Week 1, feeds right into its defense. For Carolina Forest to achieve its goals this season, the defense – and the Janack brothers – will play a big role in the continued success of the program.

In Week 2, Carolina Forest will face its first Class 5A test as Conway visits. The Tigers (1-0, 1-0 Region 6-5A) defeated St. James 21-16 to open the season, powered by two passing touchdowns from Carlton Terry II on just 86 passing yards.

With the new defensive identity and ground attack employed by Carolina Forest, Friday’s game is set up as a slugfest. The 2019 matchup, won 42-13 by Carolina Forest, saw Conway’s offense go on a scoring drought for the game’s final three quarters. With an experienced quarterback returning in Terry II, Carolina Forest’s defense will see its first region test of the season.

Week 2 Schedule

Aynor at Dillon

Conway at Carolina Forest

Hannah Pamplico at Green Sea Floyds

Loris at Waccamaw

Myrtle Beach at Georgetown

South Florence at North Myrtle Beach

Socastee at St. James