2,000 reasons for validity

Need proof of an offensive line's prowess? Look no further than Largo star running back Dexter McCluster.

By BRANDON WRIGHT
Published November 24, 2005

LARGO - Largo center Dan McFarland heard the whispers before the season.

"Everyone was doubting us," he said. "But honestly, I didn't care."

Cynics pointed to Largo's undersized offensive line. They snickered at the group's inexperience. Doubters wondered if Largo's Lamborghini of a tailback Dexter McCluster would ever get out of neutral behind a line featuring one returning starter - senior McFarland.

"That was the biggest question mark at the beginning of the season," coach Rick Rodriguez said of his O-line.

Two thousand-plus yards later, those questions have been answered in resounding fashion.

"We knew we had the best back in the county," McFarland said. "It was a matter of getting him just a little crack to run through."

McCluster found plenty of those, rushing for a Pinellas County single-season record 2,002 yards and 32 touchdowns. The USF-bound senior has added 312 yards and five scores in the Packers' two postseason games.

"(The offensive line) wasn't ready in the first two weeks and didn't pick up the schemes initially," Rodriguez said. "But then they started to jell."

That cohesion solidified in Week 3's 28-0 win over Dixie Hollins, when the Packers gained almost 300 yards. Rodriguez said that was the turning point.

"That was their first big test," he said. "They realized they could play with anybody, and when kids start to get confidence, it's like a steamroller."

First-year starters Kyle Peters (6-foot-8, 275 pounds), John Deets (6-2, 280), LeRon Barnett (6-2 250), Derik Holte (6-0, 255) and three-year staple McFarland (6-1, 210) aren't Pinellas' biggest line, but may be the best.

"They know they are blocking for the best back in Florida and maybe the best in the country," Rodriguez said. "They consider it an honor to lay blocks for him and have been amazing this year."

McFarland echoed his coach's comments, saying the line and McCluster share a common bond.

"Dex knows he couldn't put up the numbers he did without us," he said. "But we know we wouldn't be where we are without him. We definitely share a mutual appreciation."

McFarland said the O-line's goal of the Packers gaining 200 yards rushing each game was met except for Largo's regular-season meeting with Dunedin. McCluster's goal of 1,500 yards was shattered. "I never thought I'd have the privilege to block for a back that would gain 2,000 yards," McFarland said.

But despite all the success and records, McFarland is again hearing the whispers. He hears about tonight's opponent, Manatee, and all of its storied tradition. He knows of the buzz coming from the south about the return to prominence of Hurricanes' football under high school coaching legend Joe Kinnan, who has won four state rings at Manatee.

Know what? He doesn't care.

"They had teams that won state or whatever, but that was awhile ago," McFarland said. "That was in the past so it's just not a big deal to us."

[Last modified November 24, 2005, 00:18:19]