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.