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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Strong line remains staple of Midland's offense
Cabell Midland High School football team
Purchase this photoONA -- For the last several years, the theme has been constant for the Cabell Midland Knights -- utilize the strength of the offensive line to get wins and advance to the Class AAA playoffs.
Cabell Midland coach Chip McMillian said the offensive line will once again be one of his team's biggest assets, but this season's front will differ from those in years past.
"When you look at us, we aren't as physically imposing as we have been in the past, but we have strong, quick guys on the line that are going to give us some versatility that we can take advantage of," McMillian said.
Several players with experience return to the offensive front this year, including guard Bodie Grass and tackle Michael Hayes, who will team up on the right side of the line for the second-straight year.
Sophomore Michael Bock will move into the left tackle spot vacated by West Virginia University offensive lineman Cole Bowers. Eli Lawson will man the center position and Evan Huffstutler will be at left guard, but could also see time at tackle.
The offensive line will block for a new backfield, including quarterback Michael Brumfield and running backs Tyler Anderson and Zack Hardman. Shannon Scaggs is also new at fullback.
McMillian said Brumfield, the team's leading receiver and a Class AAA All-State selection at defensive end in 2008, brings a tough approach -- both mentally and physically -- to the quarterback spot.
"Michael is just a hard-nosed player," McMillian said. "He understands the game on both sides of the ball and is a heck of a competitor. He's going to make plays with his arm and his legs."
Brumfield will have some speedy targets at wide receiver with Matt Riggio, Evan Shoemaker and Tyler Sansom.
In behind Brumfield, Anderson will look to put aside thoughts of an early-season injury in 2008 that ended his season prematurely. McMillian said if Anderson can do that, he has a chance for a special year.
"To me, he doesn't look like he's missed a beat," McMillian said. "You play a mental game with yourself after an injury, but you often find out that you are better after it than you were before it. He's looked good so far."
Defensively, the Knights' front is solid with Brumfield and Hayes returning at the defensive end spots along with Grass and Bock in the middle.
While the defensive front boasts of experience, the corps of linebackers is unproven with Huffstutler, Scaggs and Randy Cremeans earning the starting spots.
The secondary features experience with three of four starters returning. Shoemaker and sophomore Stephen Hamer will be at cornerback while Anderson and Stevie Brown will line up at safety.
Sami Molina, a sophomore on the Cabell Midland girls soccer team, will handle placekicking duties, replacing her brother Alex. Chris Music will take care of kickoffs.
