ADAMS TOWNSHIP – At the right time of the year, the Clinton-Massie offensive line is hitting its stride.
That could be trouble for the remaining Division IV teams in the state of Ohio.
Against Jonathan Alder, the Falcons recorded a season-high 49 knock-down and several “pancake” blocks in a 17-7 victory.
“Our line did a great job finishing last Friday night,” CM coach Dan McSurley said. “We need to continue to play physical.”
The offensive line consists of Spencer Branham, Davis Wulf, Jacob Treisch, Matt Phillips and Spencer Voss. Seth Schmidt has played tight end. Trey Uetrecht also played tight end last week against the Pioneers.
“We have a pretty dominant O-line in my opinion,” said Massie’s standout running back Christian Poynter. “They all have pretty good size. They all move pretty well.”
Poynter has rushed 179 times for 1,315 yards and 28 touchdowns. In all, the Falcons have 3,622 yards and 64 touchdowns on the ground this season on 475 attempts.
“We just try to run the ball down your throat,” said Treisch. “I think all of us being strong and technique-wise good, make us a pretty good line.”
Last week, Jonathan Alder had a defensive scheme with its line that called for different stunts and slants. That caused problems for a while as the Falcons tried to figure out how to play against it.
“They’d show certain things, then when the play happened, they’d do something different,” Poynter said. “It was a little bit of an adjustment. It was something I had to think about when I’m running the ball.”
Treisch said the Pioneers “had a really good defense” but eventually the Falcons were able to grind out a victory and move on to this week’s game against Valley View. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Beavercreek High School.
“One of the big things on our offense is trying to wear down the defensive front,” Treisch said. “It makes things a little bit easier and it’s a little bit of satisfaction when you know you’re wearing other teams out.”
Treisch said none of the Massie linemen play defense, which allows them to remain fresh whenever the offense is on the field.
“So we’re not as tired as some people on defense who go both ways,” he said.
Friday’s forecast has the temperature in the low 30s or upper 20s at kickoff.
“It doesn’t bother me that much, this cold weather,” said Poynter. “It’s not going to affect our offense.”
Said Treisch, “We’re still probably going to run the ball. We prepare in cold weather all the time. We’re prepared for any weather that comes. It makes things easier when it is cold during games when you have good conditioning.”
