Don’t look for any of Soddy-Daisy’s offensive linemen on an all-state team this season. Instead, just look for them on the field, opening holes for a teammate who might gain statewide honors.
After graduating a prolific passer in Scott Parrott and seeing leading rusher JaMarcus Mobley transfer to District 5-AAA rival Cleveland, the Trojans were left searching for an offensive identity coming into this high school football season. Thanks in particular to the blocking by the starting line of Benji Powell, Tyler Rinehart, Alex Seeley, Doug Smith and Josh Thompson, they found one.
Soddy-Daisy (6-4) is hosting Lincoln County (5-5) tonight at 7 in a Class 6A state playoff game. Senior Trevor Card, who’s been recovering from a torn quad muscle, or freshman Brett Standifer will start at quarterback, but either way the Trojans will be coming at the Falcons with hard-charging running back Cedric Edwards behind his five strong buddies up front.
To hear senior guards Rinehart and Thompson tell it, they felt like they had the makings of a good offensive line as far back as spring practice. Somehow, the coaches still needed convincing.
“Going into the season we thought we were pretty good everywhere except offensive line,” Soddy-Daisy coach Kevin Orr said. “We didn’t know how strong it was going to be. It was a new offensive line. It was a question mark.”
The first game turned out to be a 10-7 loss to fellow Class 6A playoff-qualifer Science Hill, but right away the skepticism began dissipating.
“In week zero we played Science Hill, which is good in the line, and we noticed we were able to hold on up front with them,” Orr said. “Then we went and played Hixson next and pretty much dominated the football game. We knew then we were going to have something special up front.”
The linemen’s cohesion was shaped throughout the summer. Twice a week they met on the practice field for “hog night.”
As the theme suggests, muddying the field, then playing football was sometimes an activity. Flipping tires around was another. There were softball rolls, which involved a lot of squatting.
It was part exercise, part bonding experience.
“It was a good way to work hard and be together,” Thompson said.
Stemming from those offseason drills, the offensive line’s work has helped Soddy-Daisy average 24.4 points per game since that opening game.
“We enjoy hearing it when we’re going to run the ball,” Thompson said. “Coach Orr definitely puts a lot of responsibility on us, and we take pride in that.”
The linemen also have taken pride in clearing the way for the Chattanooga area’s leading rusher. Rinehart said he likes that Edwards stays behind his blockers and allows them to do their job before accelerating one way or the other. The junior is ran for 312 yards in last week’s victory over Cleveland and is around the 1,800-yard mark for the year.
“We feel like we’re a big part of it,” Rinehart said. “Cedric is a great athlete and can do a lot, but without us how much can Cedric actually get?”
Orr said Edwards appreciates their work and is quick to commend them when he rips off a big gainer.
“He loves the offensive line,” Orr said, “and they love blocking for him.”
The entire offense will need to be in unison tonight if the Trojans are to defeat Lincoln County. The Falcons have allowed a total of 50 points in their last five games – all victories.
“They play a three front,” Rinehart said. “They’re real big, but it’s nothing we haven’t seen. Bradley Central is similar. It’s a mental state. You play how you practice.”