2 lines better than 1 for South Harrison

by Greg Talkington

SPORTS WRITER

(September 1) Most high school football coaches have to scramble to find five good offensive linemen.

At South Harrison, the coaching staff makes it a point to develop seven-to-10 of them to fuel their smash-mouth style running game.

Their efforts have paid off in the past and from the looks of things during the Hawks' 23-14 victory over Grafton last Friday, it should pay off again this season.

South Harrison rolled up 269 yards rushing and 335 yards total offense against the usually stingy Bearcats.

"We've always tried to develop two lines," said SH line coach Mike Barnette. "If you have that many linemen that can play, why not let them?"

The Hawks also develop some versatility by teaching every lineman at least two positions.

"That way," Barnette says, "we can keep injuries from being a problem, plus, knowing what the guy beside of you is going to do gives you confidence in what you're going to do."

Against Grafton, Barnette started T.J. Watson and Joey Post at the tackles, Jason Byrd and Mike Donellan at the guards and Scott Hickman at center.

Watson also saw time at center.

Billy Miller and Darrell James saw extensive action during the game while Jason Smith, Jeremy Dobbins and Brad Heffinger were used in spot roles.

"Early in the season, we'll play our more experienced linemen more," Barnette said. "But we'll take our less experienced ones and let them in a couple of times while the game is still on the line.

"Eventually, they'll rotate in more as the season progresses."

The rotation of these players also serves two more purposes. Since most see some playing time on defense, it gives them a chance to rest. Plus, the Hawks' linemen are not big by high school standards.

Post, at 5-foot-10, 235 pounds, and Watson, at 6-0, 231 pounds, are the biggest of the group. Donnellan is barely 200 pounds while Hickman tips the scales at 198 pounds. Byrd seems out-of-place at 5-7, 145.

Yet this group had no problem blowing open gaping holes in the Grafton line.

Barnette believes pride is a major component of their success.

"When I was a lineman here, (current Bridgeport head coach) Bruce Carey was the line coach and he really made it a point to develop pride in the offensive line," Barnette said. "He really made it a point to show the whole team how important the offensive line was."

TOP HOG: Since the only time most linemen get noticed is when they are called for penalties, The Prep Beat will try (with the help of coaches) to recognize one or more outstanding linemen each week.

This week's "grunt" honoree is South Harrison's T.J. Watson.

The big senior anchored the Hawks' offensive front which dominated the line of scrimmage in their victory over Grafton.

He was also a stalwart on defense, showing surprising quickness and agility in making several tackles from his inside linebacker post.

"I think T.J. set the tone out there," said Barnette. "He was outstanding on both sides of the ball."

TOP GUNS: Each week top performances from around the area will be honored. This past Friday, there were plenty of stars: