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Happy to win games, not glory
By TERRY JONES
© St. Petersburg Times, NORTH TAMPA -- After a slow start and a pair of losses, Chamberlain High's football team rose to the top in Class 5A, District 6, with an overall 6-2 record. The Chiefs' 16-12 win over King last week put them in position for a playoff berth, and a win tonight over Hillsborough High would give them the district title outright. Chamberlain is 4-0 in the district and third in the county in total offense. Although the team has highly skilled ball handlers, they wouldn't get far without a dominant offensive line. An accurate passer, a stable of sure-footed runners and excellent receivers have helped the Chiefs amass 925 yards in the air and another 1,802 on the ground. While they see print every week, Chiefs coach Billy Turner recognizes the value of five big guys who comprise the offensive line. "We certainly do have an excellent offensive line, and our guys who handle the ball will be the first to tell you that," Turner said. "They are real big, they play tough and they are very smart. Without them, the passes don't fly and the runners don't get out of the backfield. They don't get much press, but we know who gets the job done for us." Chris Augustine, a 6-foot-1, 295-pound center, handles the ball on each play and directs the big guys. He is responsible for making sure the ball gets to the quarterback, holder or kicker. "After getting the ball to the right place, my first job is to protect the quarterback from anyone coming up the middle," Augustine said. "The five of us are best friends, we work together and never get down on each other. When one of us misses a block, we encourage instead of condemn. We feel we have a part in every score. We don't get glory, but we help win games." Senior Tobias Platts (6-4, 360) and junior John Thomas (6-0, 225) are the guards. Seniors Mark Toth (6-0, 220) and Ryan Newell (6-8, 305) are the tackles. The five hang out together and form a team within the team. These guys know they can make or break an offense, and they take the pressure in stride. "During the summer, we met at 6 a.m. nearly every day to run a couple miles together," Thomas said. "We do a lot of things together, so working as a unit, protecting our quarterback and making holes for our runners just feels right. "We may not get a lot of recognition outside the team, but the coaches compliment us and guys we protect are starting to. That is enough." Newell, the physical giant of the bunch, is happy just to be part of the successful unit. "We never fight about things when something goes wrong," Newell said. "Chris, Toby and I have been playing together since freshman year, and Mark joined us as sophomores. Whenever any back or receiver makes a touchdown, we are happy for the whole team. Everybody helped."
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