Snap, crackle, POP!

Choma brings athleticism and smarts to center of Wildcats' O-line

  The split-second Keith Choma snaps the football to ignite each offensive play for Plymouth this fall, he re-starts his mission to crackle and pop opposing defensive players.
  It was a mission Choma accomplished on a regular basis in 2008 when he started as a junior on the Wildcats' 6-4 playoff team.
  Choma compensates for the fact that he's one of the smaller offensive linemen around (he tips the scales at around 210) with quickness, intelligence and a level-anybody-who-gets-in-my way determination.
"Keith came in last year and never missed a rep," said Plymouth coach Mike Sawchuk, in reference to his returning starting center. "He was a mainstay for us on the offensive line.
  "He's so fast in our zone blocking scheme that he can reach a three technique. It's impressive how he can snap it and reach the outside shoulder of the guard in time to make an effective block."
NOTHING NOT TO LIKE
  There's a lot Choma likes about this year's Plymouth football team -- from the new equipment to the camaraderie he and his teammates share.
  "This team is like a big family," said Choma, who excels as a thrower for Plymouth's track-and-field team in the spring. "Everybody gets along. We get on each other a little bit, but everybody knows we have to help each other if we're going to succeed.
  "Our new helmets are awesome. I love the silver. I saw one with a decal on it the other day and it looked sweet."
  Once the season kicks off Aug. 28, opposing defensive linemen are going to see an silver bullet coming their way once Choma delivers the ball to the quarterback. Flanked by a pair of returning guards, Choma feels good about how the 'Cats' offensive line is meshing.
  "Our three middle guys all started last year, so we have really good chemistry together," he said. "We're getting new tackles this year, but they're doing great things already.
MIDDLE MAN
  Choma is a big fan of the Wildcats' new spread offense, which will require him to snap the ball out of a shotgun formation most of the time.
  "I like it better than what we ran last year," he said. "I like the no-huddle, the spread. It seems a lot easier, a lot more effective than the offense we ran last year."
  Choma doesn't mind the fact that the so-called skilled-position players -- the running backs, quarterbacks and receivers -- get most of the headlines. He wouldn't trade what he does for anything.
  "I like playing O-line because you get to hit somebody on every play," Choma said. "I like the contact."

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