INMAN, S.C. – When it comes to vehicles, there are several components that enable them to run, but it all begins with the engine. In football, the same premise can also be said about one position group in particular – the offensive line.
It’s well documented what the Chapman offense has done this season in terms of breaking numerous records. Another was shattered during last week’s regular season finale, a 48-41 win over Broome. Senior running back Derrick Miller had 31 carries for 318 yards and four scores, setting the new mark for individual rushing yards in a single game. DJ Twitty held the previous record with 285 yards in a 77-61 first round victory over Camden on November 18th, 2016 during his junior season. “It was really a shock,” Miller recalled. “I watched (DJ) when I was in middle school. I never thought that I’d come close to that. He was so great and is somebody that (running backs) Coach (Jason) Settle talks about in practice in terms of replicating how to run the football. It really was a great feeling on Friday (breaking the record).” With all of the talk that comes from setting a new benchmark, Miller was quick to deflect credit to his lineman, who have been paving the way for him and his teammates all season. “For most of these guys,” Miller stated. “We’ve been playing together since middle school. It feels good knowing that these guys are like brothers to me. I know that they will block their tails off every single play. They’re a unit and move as a group, as brothers, as family. You can’t ask for anything else from them – that’s how you get 300 (rushing yards).” “We had about seven or eight guys rotating in (on the line) all night,” head coach Harry Cabaniss recalled. “Those guys up front set the tone for us. Derrick is really fun to watch play, especially when he puts his hand on the back of a lineman. They kind of just guide him away (from defenders). That was pretty cool to watch.” The 2021 season saw all five starters from last year’s campaign return, anchored by senior center Nick Cox. The men in the trenches have brought forth a lot of energy and consistency as a group. “That was the one thing I was most excited about,” exclaimed Jonathan Dailey, who serves as offensive line/assistant head coach along with being the co-offensive coordinator. “I’ve been coaching O-Line now for 12 years and I’ve never had a group that played all of their junior year together. They play so well together as a group and it really shows.” “We moved Sam (Maloa) over to the left side and he’s really solidified that spot. Dylan Fortner is doing really well on the right side. I can’t say enough about Nick. He’s ‘the general’ up front because he sets the calls, combos, and gets everything squared away.” During the season, a couple of injuries have led to some younger players stepping into a starting role. Even with a lineup that has been shuffled around, they never seemed to miss a beat. “Last week was the first time that we had all five starters back in a while,” Dailey remarked. “Guys like Daniel Brown, Braydon Bliss, and Jack Settle have all stepped up while others have been out. Jonah Rollins has helped us out a lot in his role as the H-Back. It was really good to have all of the guys back together.” “We practice like we play,” said Cox, a third year starter. “We do that so that when we get in a game, we’ll be ready to go both mentally and physically. We’re like a family. If someone gets knocked down, we’re there to pick them up and get ready for the next play.” Though they may never get their names on a stat sheet or much of the spotlight, those around them know that the hog mollies up front have played a major role in rewriting the program record book. “It’s fun to block, do your job, and see (Derrick) run for 300 yards,” Cox said. “It feels like you’re also part of history when you see him doing well. As an offensive lineman, I’m just happy he got the record. We don’t get the spotlight a lot, but when he is shining on the field, we’re right there shining beside him.” Chapman (7-2) will open the 3A playoffs with a home contest on Friday, November 5th against the Blue Ridge Tigers. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 PM. -Justin Mathis
Pal Stevens
11/5/2021 04:02:21 pm
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