STARKVILLE — Quarterback Luke Altmyer and Dandy Dozen running back Rodrigues Clark create a dual threat for the Starkville High School football team.
But the play of the offensive line is another reason the Yellow Jackets have a stranglehold on the state’s No. 1 ranking.
Left tackle Michael Goss, left guard Will Baggett, right tackle Jaylin Davis, center Derwin Ferguson, and right guard Ray Baker battle in the trenches and often give up very little. Their work Friday wasn’t unnoticed in a 63-12 victory against Provine in the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A, Region 2 opener.
Goss, Davis, and Ferguson are returning starters who helped Starkville (5-0) advance to the state title game last season. With Baggett and Baker following in their footsteps, the leadership of the front five continues to give the offense opportunities to strike from different positions.
“It all starts at leadership,” Ferguson said. “To have new guys on the line with me and to have another senior with me helps us get better for us to lead the way and they just follow. We get better at things each and every day.”
Starkville’s offensive line practices coach Chris Jones’ ideology of “steel sharpening steel.” They go toe-to-toe with the best defense in the state four days each week in practice to prepare. The work helps ensure both lines contribute to a fierce and balanced attack on both sides of the ball. It also ensures Clark and Altmyer get the best shot each play.
“It pushes us to also play on that level,” Baker said. “We have to make sure we compete on that same level or even higher, so we can put our end on the table.”
Starkville High offensive line coach Will Steward said the offensive linemen have bought in to the team’s style of play.
The offensive linemen know they don’t play a “gold-coin” position wand earn immense recognition, but they have the power to help Starkville remain a championship contender. Those who depend on it don’t hesitate to give them their recognition.
Altmyer and Clark showed their gratitude by combining for four touchdowns and 253 yards. The offensive line allows Altmyer to show his poise, to be a strong presence in the pocket, and to pick the best option, like Rufus Harvey, his usual target at wide receiver.
Clark can only move if the offensive line produces gaps that allow him to show off his quickness and speed. Their work Friday helped him rush for 94 yards and average 11 yards per carry.
“I have to have my offensive line,” Clark said. “I have to make sure everyone’s working to be their best.”
Coaches continue to make room for more growth to help the team reach its goal of being a championship team.
“If you want to be a championship-caliber team you got to have a really good defense and good run game, which starts with the offensive line,” Jones said. “We have a great running back, but we have to let them pave the way.”
Strength and conditioning coach Taylor Quick is starting to see beyond the high school side for the line. Once an offensive man in high school and college, he sees the skill set of the group far beyond their years. Though the offensive linemen’s current task is defending and protecting the offense, their futures are bright beyond high school.
“They’re starting to ask technique questions that you don’t see a lot with younger guys, especially at the high school level,” Quick said. “They’re wanting to know about footwork, hand placement, and how and where to bend their bodies. Where they get to where they want to go they’re going to leaps and bounds there.”
The offensive line will get a chance to show its stuff next week in a ranked matchup against Northwest Rankin.
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