Offensive line might be the important position group for the Southside Sharks.
The Sharks run the flexbone offense, an old-school option scheme that relies on the running game. Defenses, knowing a pass isn’t likely outside of third-and-long situations, stack the box with personnel.
“We knew we would have a special group coming back this season,” second-year Sharks coach Jess Curtis said. “For us to take the next step or two, we’re going to have to have those eight-play drives. ‘Southside drives’ is what we call them.”
Curtis takes an unusual stance on big plays, admitting that while he’s all for a one-play drive, such as fullback Justin Williams’ 49-yard run on the first play in a Week 2 win over Westgate, but his favorite is when the Sharks control the ball by gaining 3-to-4 yards per play.
“For us to get past the quarterfinals, the offensive line will have to play to their potential,” Curtis said. “We’ll take three, four and five yards. We’re different than most teams. We have to make sure we play on our terms. If we do that, we can beat anybody.”
The Sharks have won two straight games against ranked teams – Westgate and Madison Prep – after a 35-28 loss to Notre Dame in Week 1. The offensive line has improved by leaps and bounds: Williams has rushed for over 100 yards each of the past two weeks after only carrying six times in the opener.
“Offensive line is different,” Curtis said. “It takes games, reps and time for them to jell, and I think that’s what’s starting to happen. They’re starting to become one unit.”
The leader of the group – senior center Bricker Eskind – is also the smallest. He started last year for the Sharks, who marched down the field for the opening touchdown in the quarterfinals at Ruston before being shut out the rest of the way.
“We weren’t up to the challenge at Ruston, but this year I absolutely think we are,” Eskind said. “I thought we were last year, but the whole offense didn’t have the same mindset.”
First-year starters John Jackson and Landon Hebert are joined by Damire Mouton, Esai Gonzales and Eskind on the line. Mouton was last week’s Player of the Game. Gonzales, a projected starter last year, was lost for the season in Week One (injury).
“We have high quality kids,” Curtis said of the group, who powered the Sharks to nearly 350 yards rushing last week. “They’re all intelligent. Our offensive coordinator (Zach Bertrand) looks for big, tough physical guys, but they have to have that intelligence.”
Curtis said Jackson has been the most physical member of the group. The coaching staff alternated him between guard and tackle before settling on tackle.
“He’s been a big surprise,” Curtis said.
Before each play, Eskind and junior quarterback Parker Dies both make calls at the line of scrimmage after surveying the defense.
“I think everybody on the offense is more equipped this year,” Eskind said. ‘It doesn’t matter how hard you try. If you push us, we’re going to push you back. We’re going to push you harder.”
The Sharks (2-1) travel to Lafayette High (3-0) in the District 5-3A opener tonight at 7 p.m. The Mighty Lions are No. 2 in the Division I select power ratings. Southside is No. 13 in Division I nonselect.