When the Harlan Green Dragons were rolling up 2,902 yards on the ground last season in an 8-4 season that included a playoff victory, the names of guards Trenton Childers and Peyton Thompson were rarely heard over the public address system or on the radio broadcasts or read in newspaper reports.
You can be sure, however, that Harlan coach Eric Perry and those in the huddle or on the sidelines wearing green knew how important offensive linemen like Childers and Thompson were to the Dragons’ success last year and will be to their hopes for another strong season in 2023.
“They were a huge part of our success. Trenton and Peyton are two of the hardest working kids we have in the weight room. I’d throw Darius (Akal) and some of the other kids in there as well,” Perry said. “Trenton and Peyton worked together every day and push each other. Their play the last two years has been a key for us.
The Harlan offensive linemen took pride in the success of the team’s running game.
“It’s every lineman’s dream to make a block to help your back get in the end zone,” Childers said. “If the line isn’t doing its job, it’s not happening. You have to be able to play together.”
“It means the world to us. Me and my guys are working together to help us get the ball up the field,” Thompson said. “You have to be able to work in unity to have a good line.”
It has often been said that football players are built in the offseason, and that is especially true for linemen.
“We put in a lot of work. You have to show up every day and do the best you can to get stronger,” said Childers, who is 5-9 and 245 pounds.
“All of our linemen, even the freshman, have been in the weight room getting bigger and stronger,” added Thompson, who is 6-0, 255. “The offseason is crucial, especially for linemen.”
Both Childers and Thompson are confident the Dragons can continue to put up numbers on offense even with Jayden Ward and Will Austin graduating. Senior quarterback Donovan Montanaro and junior running back Darius Akal will play bigger roles in 2023.
“If our line does its job, we can open up gaps for Darius to run up the middle,” Childers said. “If we do what we’re supposed to do, we’ll be fine.”
“I think we can be better than last year. We have all our linemen back except our right tackle (Eli Sizemore),” Thompson said.
Jayden Ward has graduated after running for over 1,000 yards last season, but Perry expects the Dragons’ ground game to remain a strength with Childers and Thompson returning at the guards, along with Matthew Nunez at center. Malachi Rodriguez is the early favorite to take over Sizemore at right tackle, with Jordan Rodriguez or Connor Witt moving in at left tackles as Hunter Clem shifts to tight end.
“We won’t change a lot of what we do. We’re still a running team,” he said. “Trent and Peyton are a huge part of that. We ran behind them a lot last year. We may throw a little more, but we’re still a running team. Their strength is a big part of what we do, plus they have both improved their footwork with the winter stuff we do with plyometrics. They are a big key for us.”
While the Dragons won a playoff game last fall, Williamsburg has dominated District 7 of Class A, capturing seven straight titles since Harlan last won the district in 2015. Middlesboro moves from 2A where they won a regional title two years ago, which means Harlan comes into the season ranked third. The Dragons, however, aren’t conceding anything.
“I feel we can be better than last year. There’s no reason we shouldn’t,” Childers said. “We have to stay in condition. When you don’t have that many players, you have to be in shape.”
“Last year was the first winning season I’ve had sixth grade. It was a lot of fun,” added Thompson. “The rankings don’t really mean anything. People look at us and say ‘that’s Harlan,’ but there is no reason we can’t win the district this year. We’ve got to have some young guys step up, especially on the defensive side, and I think they will.”