Pictured (from left) are Bobby Riche, Alex Saunders, Tyler Goble, Cody Ignagni and Mark Wallath.

O-line paves way for Wildcats'
talented stable of running backs

  A question mark heading into the 2010 football season, Plymouth's offensive line has had all the answers during the Wildcats' impressive two-game, regular season-ending winning streak.

  With Plymouth's playoff hopes on the line, so to speak, its blockers came up big, creating lanes for running backs and time for quarterback Shaun Austin in a critical game-tying drive in Week 8 against Novi and throughout last week's 48-7 romp over previously unbeaten Adrian.

  "The offensive line was one of our question marks coming into the season, but they've done a really good job the past couple of weeks," said Plymouth coach Mike Sawchuk. "They've really started to jell.

  "We made a few changes after the Canton game, and the changes have worked out. The Adrian game was the best game the line has played all year."

  Unlike most high school teams, Plymouth utilizes a zone blocking scheme.

  "It's not an easy scheme, but they're doing a great job," said Sawchuk. "Instead of just blocking the man in front of you, they have to use angles and block in combinations with other linemen. There's a lot of thinking involved."

  The line is anchored by junior center Tyler Goble (6-foot-1, 220 pounds), who also is a force at linebacker for the Wildcats' defense Goble is flanked by senior guards Alex Saunders (6-0, 205) and Cody Ignagni (6-0, 220); and tackles Bobby Riche (6-5, 245) and Mark Wallath (6-1, 245).

  "It took a few weeks for the line to jell," said Ignagni, "but by week five or six, we started getting it together."

  "We started trusting the guy next to us and working together better," added Wallath.

  Ignagni said there's no clear-cut vocal leader on the line.

  "We all get in each other's face," he said, smiling. "We all encourage each other."

  There is nothing on a football field less glamorous than blocking, but the Wildcats love what they do.

  "I like it because you're in a one-on-one situation and you have to try to kick the guy's butt across from you to help the team win," said Saunders.

  Wallath said he loves blocking for the Wildcats' talented group of running backs, which is headlined by Jerel Jenkins.

  "Even when we don't block that well," Wallath said, "they make us look good."

  Sawchuk said there's not a player on the line he'd choose over the other four to run behind on a key fourth-and-1 play.

  "I trust them all," he said. "It all depends on what the defense is giving us and where we see a bubble we can take advantage of."

  Ed Wright can be reached at (734) 453-1980 or info@plymouthcantonsports.com.