Rhea County offensive linemen do some work on the sled in practice this week in preparation for their upcoming Class 5A state-playoff football game against Ooltewah.EVENSVILLE, Tenn. - Rhea County High School's football team is 11-0, and for several reasons. But perhaps there's no bigger reason for the Eagles than the work being done by an unsung offensive line.
Rhea County is home tonight for its second-round game against Ooltewah (11-0) in a highly anticipated Class 5A state playoff game. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Senior tackles C.J. Shelton and Jacob Williams, guards Holden Doss, a senior, and Jonathan Shoemate, a junior, and junior center Ethan Houston have paved the way this season for an Eagles team averaging in the neighborhood of 300 rushing yards per game. They have grasped the technical aspects required of them in their wing-T offense, and their performance has set the tone for the offense and holds the others accountable.
"I think they've done a tremendous job the whole season," Rhea County coach Mark Pemberton said of the offensive linemen. "Not only them, but the tight end, the running backs, the wide receivers -- everybody has got to block in our system. They understand that from day one."
The offensive-line play has enabled backs Zack Daoust, Cody Bice and Jacob York to combine for 2,863 yards and 33 rushing touchdowns this year. The Eagles have more than 50 touchdown on the ground compared to 14 through the air.
Pemberton said he has faith in his offensive linemen about pass protection, and the offense works on its passing game in practice knowing it could be needed on a given Friday. But the running game has been so stout it has done the bulk of the work.
Therefore, it's really no secret what Rhea County has in mind tonight, or any other Friday.
"We've got to get our first downs," Shelton said. "We've got to convert."
That means the running game must be at its peak performance, which means the offensive line must shine.
"If you don't win in the trenches," Pemberton said, "you're in trouble."
The Eagles have scored more than 40 points in a game nine times and come into tonight's game averaging 42 per game. But they're going against a far-from-ordinary Ooltewah defense that gives up an average of 10 points per game and has registered four shutouts.
"They're just real quick and strong," Shelton said of the Owls. "They're taller than us, but that doesn't mean much. They've got a pretty good pass rush. I know they're going to stack the line. We're going to have to read our keys and just don't stop. We know what we're going to do. We know our plays and know who we're going to block."
Ooltewah's offense is a near-polar opposite, illustrated by its leading rusher having barely more than 500 yards. The primary job this season for the Owls' offensive line has been to keep the passer upright.
Different personnel, different philosophies, but same results as far as records -- until after tonight.
"If our defense can keep us on the field, we'll do good," Shelton said. "It's crazy. We're playing an 11-0 team and we are, too. It's huge. I can't wait."
Contact Kelley Smiddie at ksmiddie@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6653. Follow him at twitter.com/KelleySmiddie.