Paving the way

ROAD GRADERS: There is no shortage of big offensive linemen on the Clarke football team this season. With the majority of last year’s key skill position players gone to graduation, the linemen will be leaned on to lead the offense when the season kicks off Friday night at home against Mount Ayr. First row, from left, Caleb DeVore, Juan Vargas and Javier Montoya. Second row, Jared Rush, Walker Adams, Braedon Watson and David Keller. Third row, Mike Kalk, Spencer Abbott, Tony Saucedo and Matt Roan. (S-T photo by Matt Pfiffner)

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When the 2010 Clarke football team in unveiled Friday night in Osceola against Mount Ayr, keep your eyes on the Indian offensive linemen.

They'll be hard to miss. They're the big ones on the line of scrimmage looking to open holes all night for the Indian rushing attack.

Leading that group will be three seniors who have seen their share of battles in the trenches. Strong tackle Tony Saucedo was a second-team all-district offensive linemen in the brutal Class 3A District 8 last season. He is joined on the line by classmates Mike Kalk at strong guard and Matt Roan at quick tackle, who returns to the Indians after not playing last year.

"We do have some experience on the line, so we'll lean on them a little more and not put quite as much on the backfield," Clarke head coach Ryan Sweeney said. "We put those three next to each other and we're going to get after people."

Also expected to start are juniors Walker Adams at center and Juan Vargas at quick guard.

With the top five rushers and leading passer lost to graduation, the play of the line will be key in helping along several new varsity players in the backfield.

"We'll do our job, but everyone else is stepping up too," Saucedo said.

Kalk added, "We'll take it on our shoulders, but we have guys who are learning."

The Indians went a deceptive 1-8 last season. After winning the opener against Mount Ayr, Clarke dropped its final eight games. Several were in heartbreaking fashion, as the Indians could have easily won four or five more games in Class 3A play.

This season, the Indians have dropped down to Class 2A against what should be more even competition. The Lewis Central's and Harlan's of the world are off the schedule.

For more on this story see the Aug. 26 edition of the Osceola Sentinel-Tribune.