Preps special
Cougars' offensive linemen bulk up
By BOB PUTNAM
Published September 3, 2004
CLEARWATER - Harrison Beck went home after last season's region final loss to Armwood and struggled to make it up a flight of stairs.
"Oh, my calves, heck my whole body hurt after that game," Beck said.
Playing against one of the state's fastest and most sack-happy defenses, Countryside's offensive line had trouble keeping Beck upright. The results showed as Beck was sacked three times and had to scramble almost every other time he dropped back, netting minus-31 yards. He threw a season-high 38 passes, completing 19 for 188 yards in a 46-9 loss to the eventual state champions.
Coach John Davis watched his team get manhandled and knew his first priority of the offseason was to address the offensive and defensive lines.
"We matched up with Armwood in a lot of areas," Davis said. "But we were killed up front. They were just bigger and faster at the line of scrimmage. That's where we needed to improve if we want to compete against them."
Davis' plan was to lock his linemen in the weight room so they can grow in strength and confidence.
Now those linemen are ready to put those muscles to work. L.J. Gavoni (5 feet 10, 250 pounds) is the only returning starter on the offensive line. Other starters are Seaver Brown (6-5, 290), Brian Gayne (6-4, 210), Brandon Thorne (6-5, 240) and James Boyd (6-3, 275).
Davis plans to use a two-platoon system. Tight end Parker Miles (6-4, 245) is the only offensive player who will line up on the other side of the ball. The other defensive linemen are Mike Ralat (6-0, 200), Ryan Bronson (6-2, 205) and Zach Grasinger (6-1, 255).
"These guys are just so much bigger," Beck said. "It's going to make a difference when I step back and throw."
[Last modified September 1, 2004, 08:22:26]
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