Top Story

See all news...

Greenbrier's Line Paves Way For Productive Offense

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Behind Greenbrier’s success on the offensive side of the ball stand the big guys in the trenches.

The Panthers (6-3, 4-2) have put up some solid numbers during games this season, while having a 2,000-yard passer (Neal Burcham) and a 1,000-yard rusher (Hunter Winston) in the backfield.

“It’s probably nothing that I’m prouder of than the maturing of the offensive line,” Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble said. “Our offensive line is playing well this year, and coach (Nathan) Moreland has brought them along. He’s has done a great job with the offensive line.”

In Tribble’s second year, it appears that everyone has bought into his plan. In just a year, the Panthers have risen from the 5A-West Conference cellar to a viable postseason opponent. One of Tribble’s plans this past offseason was to get the linemen bigger and better.

“They do a great job of pass protection and run blocking,” Tribble said. “I really love the development of the offensive line. If you’re putting up 400 yards a game, which I think that we’re doing, then you have to have an O-line too. You have to have some skill position players too, but I’m really proud of our development on the offensive line.”

Dustin Hartwick anchors the line at center. He is the quarterback of the line, while taking on the responsibility of making certain calls and reads.

“His development as a leader on that offensive line has been huge,” Tribble said. “During our blitz pickup part of our practice, he makes the protection calls and he has to snap the ball.”

The line is made up of Michael Monton (right guard), Matt Cain (right tackle), Jared Govia (left guard), and Thomas Boles (left tackle). Govia has been in the starting left guard spot since Chase Lear’s injury a couple of weeks ago.

That group will hope to continue its success and allow for the skilled position players to rack up more numbers as a longtime rival awaits. The Panthers will close their regular season against Vilonia on Thursday in the annual Faulkner County Judge’s Cup


Click here for more articles from the Log Cabin Democrat

More Stories

Headlines from

You tell us!

Who’s your early favorite for the 2010 Landers Award?

Brandon Allen, QB, Fayetteville

Kyle Coleman, WR, Watson Chapel

Brey Cook, OT, Springdale

Wesleigh Foster, RB, Clarksville

Kiehl Frazier, QB, Shiloh Christian

Darion Griswold, QB, Dumas

Taylor Reed, QB, El Dorado