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COVINGTON, Ga. — Eastside’s run recreation has performed a pivotal position within the Eagles’ success through the years, however this season, its youthful offensive line has given the Eagles combined emotions of hope and concern early on.
Coming into the brand new 12 months, head coach Jay Cawthon spoke concerning the adjustmentsthat wanted to be made to his group’s offense, and it began up entrance.
“Going into the summer time there was little question that [the offensive line] was the one place that had the least expertise,” Cawthon stated. “We knew we needed to deliver them alongside rapidly.”
The Eagles’ teaching employees was tasked with having to exchange 4 of their starters up entrance from final 12 months’s group.
By way of 4 video games of the 2022 season, Cawthon sees the enhancements however nonetheless desires to see extra as they look forward to their area schedule.
The one participant who returned from final 12 months’s line is senior Marcus Metcalf.
Many individuals, together with Cawthon, have praised Metcalf for his management and skill to work with the younger gamers going by means of their first season beginning within the trenches.
“[Metcalf] has been within the fireplace for 3 straight years. He is aware of what it’s like on Friday night time,” Cawthon stated. “That confidence that he has is spreading out to the opposite guys, and he’s positively the chief again there.”
Metcalf, himself, emphasised the significance for the younger guys to step up and be vocal with the intention to keep constant in safety.
One of many fundamental gamers impacted by the safety of the offensive line is senior working again Kenai Grier, who has been the characteristic ball-carrier for the Eagles’ offense in 2022.
Grier has had the unenviable activity of changing Dallas Johnsonwho rushed for 1,809 yards and 22 touchdowns final 12 months as a senior. And Grier has crammed in admirably together with his 428 dashing yards and 7 touchdowns by means of 4 video games, whereas averaging 7.8 yards per carry.
He’ll be the primary to inform you, although, that his manufacturing rests largely on the shoulders of the 5 teammates who line up in entrance of him on every play.
“[They are] actually getting stronger, and they’re getting bored with being yelled at [during] apply. They’ve been popping out and doing what they’ve been needing to do,” Grier stated. “[Metcalf] has been a canine since freshman 12 months. You may put him wherever on the offensive line and he’ll work.”
Because the Eagles (3-1) begin their Area 8-AAAAA slate in opposition to Flowery Department this week, Cawthon nonetheless emphasizes enchancment on the road to ensure that them to complete the season atop the standings.
“They’re getting higher day-to-day. They’re getting extra assured,” Cawthon stated. “If you’re not enjoying on Friday night time, the extra reps you get, the higher you’ll get. Hopefully we are going to get one % higher this upcoming week.”
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