The building blocks: Red Devils keep moving forward behind senior offensive line

RUSSELL T.J. Maynard doesn’t mind getting emotional when talking about his players.

The Russell coach showed that emotion after the Red Devils secured its first district title since 2018 at East Carter on Oct. 25.

Russell has made strides all season, especially on offense, and it starts in the trenches with a senior group of offensive linemen. The road to championship glory was once rocky, but no one has been more solid and steadfast than the guys along the line of scrimmage.

“Those five seniors have been very instrumental in what we’ve done,” Maynard said. “It’s their final go at it. To have those guys that have been with you for so many years, it’s special. There have been ups and downs, especially during the 2-9 season (in 2022). We were better last year and had a chance at a district championship but came up just short. To see them stick it out and be rewarded with a district championship, it’s so pleasing as a coach.”

Colton Halleck, Brennen Smith, Calvin Dickens, Jackson Dickens and Kenton Lother have spent so much time in a Red Devils jersey blocking and opening up running lanes for their teammates. Maynard said you have to add Reagan Banks into the mix. The junior made several starts up front.

Maynard is a former Russell and University of Kentucky lineman so he knows the position well. He believes the players who occupy those positions must possess a high football IQ and pay the ultimate sacrifice for the team.

“You have to learn a lot of things,” Maynard said. “There are a lot of moving parts to what we do on offense, especially for the offensive line. Our center makes all the calls. You have to sacrifice because you get no glory and no recognition. Usually, the only time you get recognition is when you screw up, like a holding penalty or you jump offside. You have to have that…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/building-blocks-red-devils-keep-214600649.html

Author : The Daily Independent, Ashland, Ky.

Publish date : 2024-11-15 21:46:00

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