As a three-year starter and two-year captain on Manchester University’s football team, then-Spartans head coach Nate Jensen learned exactly the type of leader he had in middle linebacker Willis Sands Jr.

After a two-year coaching stint at Carthage College in Wisconsin, Sands ultimately reconnected with Jensen at Saint Francis in the spring of 2024.

Jensen and Sands will guide the Saint Francis defense on the road for the first time this season Saturday when the No. 24 Cougars (1-1) travel to Southfield, Michigan, to play at Lawrence Tech. The Blue Devils (0-1) lost their season opener at home Saturday, falling to No. 23 Marian, 35-21.

That partnership has continued to blossom for Sands, who now serves alongside Jensen as a defensive coach for the Cougars – Jensen as the assistant head c

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