SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tenn. -- As with countless other young boys, there was a time when Shane Boles would stop whatever he was doing and stare at the players in solid black uniforms walking past him.
On Friday nights, when South Pittsburg hosts high school football games, preteen boys typically gather in the north end zone for their own version of the game. One of the few things that stop those pickup games is when the Pirates' varsity players make their way from the field house onto the turf, and for as long as Boles can remember he wanted to be part of that atmosphere.
"I was one of those kids who looked up to the players," Boles said. "I couldn't wait to wear the uniform and get to play on that field. Now it's hard to believe it's almost over."
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound senior is one of the most versatile players for a program making what has become an annual run at another state championship. The third-ranked Pirates (9-2) host Gordonsville (8-4) in a Class 1A quarterfinal Friday.
Should the Pirates advance to the semifinals, they would travel, which means this week is the final home game for the team's nine seniors.
"Not a lot of people get even one state championship ring, but our seniors have a shot at leaving with two," Boles said. "That's a huge motivation for us. We all remember how bad we felt when we lost at Trousdale County last year, so we're doing everything we can to make sure get go out like the seniors did in 2007."
When Danny Wilson returned to the program last spring as the defensive coordinator, he changed the team's defensive alignment and thought process, switching to more of an attacking style. Boles' "dog" position is a hybrid that, depending on the situation, will have him line up as a defensive end, outside linebacker, strong safety or cornerback.
"That's a lot of different techniques to know and completely different mindsets for each position," Wilson said. "You have to be a pretty good athlete and know the game to be able to play that spot.
"He has to come in and take on offensive linemen or fullbacks that outweigh him, and on the next play he may have to cover a fast back out in space. We put a lot on him, but he's become one of our most consistent players."
On a defense that allows just 12 points per game and has shut out its last two opponents, Boles has made 32 tackles, three for loss and returned one interception for the clinching touchdown against rival Marion County.
"Most people want to talk about the talent level we have," Pirates head coach Vic Grider said. "I'll be the first to say we're blessed to have guys who are Mr. Football candidates and a few other really special athletes. But when we've had those great years and won state championships, it's not just because of those type kids.
"The elite players will always rise to the top, but for us it's that average kid who steps up that has made the difference. Shane has become one of those kids we're counting on."
Stephen has covered high school sports in the tri-state area since the early 1990s, starting at the News-Free Press as a 19-year-old reporter. He has been with the Times Free Press since its inception and has been an assistant sports editor for more than seven years. Stephen is among the most decorated writers in the TFP’s newsroom, winning numerous state and regional awards for his writing on high school athletics. He has two children, Riley ...
Sometimes a grandfather reads a story and bursts with pride sometimes it brings teers to his eyes. I know how hard this young man has worked to be able to wear the black uniform. He has worked all his life for this year.
Or login with:
New Account