Line key to success
Israel Potoczny israel@lebanondailyrecord.com
Oct 23, 2008
Lebanon’s pass-happy offense starts with its ability to protect senior quarterback Ryan Howerton and open holes for its running game.
And there is a common theme amongst the starters on the 2008 version of the LHS offensive line.
The ability to multi task.
All five play a second — or even a third — sport.
Lebanon head coach Will Christian said one of the initial reservation he had when considering the switch from the Power I in which the quarterback lines up under center to the spread, in which the quarterback is in the shotgun formation, was the snap.
Enter senior Justin Mather (5-foot-11, 205-pounds), whose snapping at center has been perfect through eight games.
“He done just an unbelievably great job at snapping for us this year,” Christian said. “It takes a kid (at center) who is able to multi task because he not only has to get the snap, where it is a good snap, but he also has to block.
“He has done a great job, and I would credit his hard work.”
Lebanon’s pass protection begins with University of Missouri recruit Justin Britt, who is also a standout wrestler. Britt (6-foot-6, 270-pounds) placed fifth as a heavy weight at the state wrestling tournament last season.
Like the other four starters, Britt brings quickness and athleticism to the line. Christian said Britt’s play at left tackle, protecting quarterback Ryan Howerton’s blind side has been critical to the team’s success.
“He’s got the most stressful job,” Christian said.
Zack Cooley (6-foot-5, 220-pounds) is in his first year on the line, moving from tight end.
“We really weren’t going to use the blocking tight end anymore, so we felt like for him to benefit our team this best, it would be at tackle,” Christian said. “He brings tremendous leverage with long arms. He moves exceptionally well.
“He is playing as well as anybody right now.”
Cooley said he brings the skills of a basketball player to the position.
“Basketball helps quickness and footwork ... I feel like it is a big positive that I am quick,” he said. “This is my first year on the line, I’ve been a tight end my whole life. It is not that much of a difference, just have to learn how to pass block.”
Christian said Cooley was named the team’s blocker of the week after a standout performance against Rolla.
“We ran zone run plays to the outside on his side several times and he just manhandled his guy,” Christian said.
Christian also said Cooley is pencilled in as the ‘Jackets left tackle next season.
Last year, Trevor Byrd was at center, but this year he has moved to left guard, where he brings a bulldog mentality and quickness to the position.
“The term I like to use the most for Trevor is ‘War Daddy,’” Christian said. “He is just a fighter, and does a tremendous job pulling. Any time he pulls he does a great job at kickout and trap blocking.”
Christian said the Yellowjackets right tackle, Dave Stewart, brings the quickness and agility that he displays on the wrestling mat and the baseball field to the line.
“Dave is a big aggressive kid who does a great job at down blocking and is athletic enough to pass block very well,” Christian said.
Blocking in chaos
As the LHS offense has exploded this season, averaging 35 points and putting up big yardage totals, Christian said the lines biggest challenge has been its opponents blitz packages.
“All the different locations the (opponent) can bring pressure, that has been the biggest challenge,” Christian said. “There are times when they are going to bring more than we can block, and that is a situation where we need to hit our hot route — and sometimes we do and sometimes we don’t.”
Christian credited offensive line coach Mark Whitacre for the team’s success this season.
“We have to watch other teams film and see what their linebackers are going to do,” Cooley said.
The future
Christian said as many as six sophomores may compete for playing time next season, but listed three juniors among those who will also compete for time next year.
Kyle Nelson (5-foot-9, 250-pounds) has seen varsity time this season, starting at right guard against Hillcrest.
Brett Light (6-foot-4, 270-pounds), who is currently out with an injury, will compete for time next year at center, and
Brandon Culpepper (5-foot-9, 185-pounds) will compete at guard.
Culpepper has seen varsity time at linebacker this season.
