Columbus Grove will lean on experienced line

COLUMBUS GROVE - Football coaches are fond of saying "it all starts up front", referring to the offensive and defensive lines.

That theory could be put to the test at Columbus Grove, at least early in the season, because the Bulldogs have lots of experienced linemen, but all new players in the offensive backfield.

Center Brett Reid is a three-year starter and guard Clay Windau has started for two years. Jeremy Vorst, Justin Grigsby and T.J. Bogart all were full-time or part-time starters on the offensive line last season, when Columbus Grove finished 6-4, and Caleb Amstutz split time at one guard position.

Derek Schroeder, a receiver last season, will play quarterback, even though he has never played that position at any level.

"He's the best athlete on the team," Columbus Grove coach Scott Palte said. "That helps. He has really picked up on it quick. He's got a good enough arm and he's the fastest guy on our team. He's going to pose some threats to the opponents."

There is no dominant running back like Heath Nickles (1.406 yards last season) or even a proven second option like Tyler Oney (723 yards last season) on Grove's roster. So, for now, several players will be carrying the ball.

Jacob Miller, a sophomore tailback, gained "around 400 yards last season," Palte said. Garrett Wolfe, Rayce Risser, R.J. Roof and Devin Verhoff all could be getting carries.

"It's going to be a little different than Columbus Grove in years past where we had one back we relied on. We're going to try to have a lot of guys carry the ball and see how that goes," he said.

While most of that group is new to playing running back, they are not unfamiliar with playing on Friday nights. Verhoff and Wolfe started at linebacker last season and Roof was one of the top backups at that position.

"They've gotten their feet wet but they just haven't played a lot of varsity running back," Palte said. "I think with our line we ought to be able to open up enough seams that these guys should get comfortable quickly. We're hoping somebody emerges from those five or six and becomes a pretty steady running back."

With nine starters back on defense, Columbus Grove is also planning to improve in that area, which has been a concern the last two seasons. The Bulldogs gave up 20 or more points six times last year and eight times in 2006.

"We think we can be much better on defense than we've been the last couple years," Palte said.

The Bulldogs open at home against Pandora-Gilboa on Friday night.

Player to watch

BRETT REID

The center returns as a three-year starter. He is one of the leaders of a veteran offensive line that is being counted on to open holes for the Bulldogs' experience-limited running backs.

COLUMBUS GROVE

Coach: Scott Palte

Years, record at school: Fourth year at school, 21-11

Returning letterwinners: 16

Returning starters: 16

Promising newcomers: Colby Meuleman, Luke Kohls

Outlook: The Bulldogs are young at the so-called "skill positions," but hope a veteran offensive line will open holes for their inexperienced running backs and quarterback.

Aug. 22 PANDORA-GILBOA

Aug. 29 ALLEN EAST

Sept. 5 ADA

Sept. 12 LIMA CENTRAL CATHOLIC

Sept. 19 at Spencerville

Sept. 27 at Sidney Lehman Catholic

Oct. 3 at Delphos Jefferson

Oct. 10 at Paulding

Oct. 17 CRESTVIEW

Oct. 24 at Bluffton