There was no question they had taken a pounding. But Warren Frank would like to believe they had returned the favor.

Above all, Frank would like to believe the West Salem High School football team’s defense had become a stronger, more aggressive unit. The Panthers could take pride in their 28-0 Coulee Conference victory last Friday over Westby because they hadn’t backed down.

Frank, a senior defensive end/linebacker, knows there was a lot for the Panthers to be proud of. Forcing five turnovers (four fumbles, one interception) was nice. But what really pleased Frank was the job West Salem’s defense did on Westby junior running back Dillon Bean.

Bean, who has rushed for 1,354 yards and 11 touchdowns, has worn out his fair share of teams this season. Frank is proud to say that wasn’t the case with the Panthers, who held Bean to 119 yards on 24 carries.

“I would like to think that our defense can handle anybody,” Frank said. “We’ve improved by leaps and bounds. But there’s room to grow, too.”

West Salem coach Wayne Sackett also would like to believe the Panthers’ best games still are ahead of them.

West Salem (3-3, 1-1) must win two of its last three games to earn a WIAA postseason berth. Arcadia, the Panthers’ opponent Friday night, won’t make it easy to do that. The Raiders (5-1, 1-1) have a pair of solid running backs in Reid Christ and Brock Haines, who have combined for more than 900 yards rushing.

Sackett knows West Salem’s defense has had to face its fair share of talented running backs this year. Some, like Lancaster’s Trevor Landon (249 yards) and Black River Falls’ Jake Perner (260 yards), have gotten the best of the Panthers.

But then again, Sackett saw them at their best as they shut down Bean.

“Our defense is getting better every week, and that’s all they can do. You hope this time of year that they keep getting better,” Sackett said.

“When you reach the meat of your conference schedule, you need to perform at a high level.”

Sackett never has to worry about Frank performing at anything less than full speed. Sackett says with a laugh Frank’s best position is “(being) on the field.” He’s been an effective linebacker. He’s been able to pressure the opposing quarterback when he lines up at defensive end.

“It doesn’t matter where we put Warren. He gives us everything he’s got,” Sackett said. “His attitude is one of his biggest strengths. He always gives us every ounce of energy he has.”

Frank says that will be the case as long as the Panthers still are playing.

“I don’t care where they put me as long as I get to play,” Frank said. “Just being on the field motivates me to do well for my teammates. To see everyone on the sidelines get pumped up when you do something well, it’s contagious.”