WILDCATS THROW WEIGHT AROUND
Publication:
Published: 09/01/1989
Page: P1B
Headline: WILDCATS THROW WEIGHT AROUND
Byline: TOM ALUISE
If there are any disadvantages to having two 300-pound linemen,
a couple of 255-pounders and a host of 220-pound players on your.
football team, it might be the elimination of the pre-game, team meal
"We can't afford that,' said Nitro High School's head coach,
Greg Cyrus, who is fortunate enough to have enough big linemen to
move a minor mountain. "There's not enough food in Nitro. We'd
have to invade somebody's garden.'
Jamie Jones, a 6-4, 305-pound senior who starts at offensive.
tackle for the Wildcats and sports a
"reverse mohawk' haircut, said
that's a bum rap.
"Really, for our size we don't eat as much as you would
think,' said Jones.
But the Wildcats are pretty good at wearing down opposing
defenses with an offensive line that has the potential to be even.
bigger. Nitro, unlike most teams in the
_ at least in size _ with powerful Capital High.
The Wildcats start five seniors up front. Jones is joined by J.
.C. Tetoff (6-4, 255) at tackle;
Warren Shamblin (6-1, 220) at center
and guards Clint Withrow (6-2, 215) and Chad Dickens
(6-0, 220).
Jerry Whittington (6-1, 220) alternates with both guards.
"I think we have a chance to be the best line in the
state,' said Tetoff. "We're all pretty big and
strong.'
Yet, the 'Cats can get even bigger.
d
e
Lewis Wood, a 6-7, 300-pound 15-year-old sophomore, is still
developing as a lineman. Wood currently occupies a spot on Nitro's
goal-line defense. There also are back-up linemen Chris Conley, a
6-4, 255-pound junior and Jason Bailey, a 6-1, 260-pound junior.
All of Nitro's linemen can bench press more than 300 pounds,
Cyrus said.
Nitro's behemoths will be in action at 7:30 p.m. today when
Hurricane comes to town. The Wildcats, 0-1, are coming off a 14-7
loss to Winfield. Hurricane lost to Poca 41-20 in its
season opener
"They move better than you think they would for their size,'
said Cyrus of his linemen. "They're not the fastest high school
linemen around. But they move pretty good.
"We have some trouble sometimes with pulling, especially our
tackles because they're a little slower,' Cyrus added. "But I'd
rather have to make a few minor adjustments with big kids.'
Cyrus said Nitro beat Winfield on the line but was hurt by the
Generals' speed. The Wildcats also hurt their cause by committing
eight turnovers.
Cyrus said Nitro's ability to wear down its opposition with size
and strength on the line of scrimmage will be integral to the team's
success. The Wildcats' backs are not especially fast. And they're
not break-away threats.
"We could tell we were wearing down Winfield,' said Tetoff.
"We just couldn't get it in the end zone. We had some bad breaks
"To have a good team you need a good line to run the ball
e
.
or pass.' Tetoff added.
"Great athletes at the skill positions are
important too but it all starts with the line.'
And Nitro has one all right.