O-line, Lockhart on same page: Running game is key to Colonels' 3-0 start this year

By Brian Eller -- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

WINCHESTER -- When asked about the success of his offensive line so far this season, James Wood running back Brock Lockhart seemed to be at a loss for words -- then he looked down toward the practice field.

"Look at that [tackling] sled down there," he said. "It's almost broken, they've hit it so much. They work so hard all year round. They've done everything for me, and without them I couldn't do anything."

Through three games, "everything" seems an appropriate choice when looking at the success the Colonels running game has had. Last season, Lockhart rushed for 707 yards. This season, he's got 709, an improvement he says is all thanks to an experienced offensive line that helps pave the way.

It's a relationship the James Wood offense thrives on. Communication between the offensive line and the running back is always critical in order to move the ball with success, and so far, the Colonels are putting together a clinic on how to attack defenses with the run. While Lockhart is the one piling up the yards this season, he'll tell you it all starts with the offensive line. The Colonels boast one of the most experienced offensive lines in the district, featuring four seniors and a junior. Most of the guys have been playing football together since the start of high school, which has given them the chance to understand their habits on the field, and learn how to master communicating with each other during games.

"We have good chemistry on the line," center Stephen Spence said. "Me and [Austin Woodall] have been playing since freshman year. Justin [LaMaster] is stepping in and doing well. It's just all about communication and chemistry."

LaMaster has filled in nicely for the Colonels, after starting lineman Jesse Barnes suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury earlier in the year, costing him the rest of the season. Now, Barnes continues to act as a leader for the team, but from the sidelines and at practice. Meanwhile, his teammates on the field continue to open holes for Lockhart to run through.

"It's just everybody doing their job," Woodall, the team's right guard, said. "We make the holes and he finds them all of the time. No matter if it's big enough to drive a semi through it, or if it's really small, he'll find it and run through it."

To see just how successful Lockhart and the offensive line have been this season, you only need to look at the statistics from James Wood's season opener against Washington (W. Va.). In that game Lockhart set school records for carries and yards, rushing the ball 36 times for 300 yards.

It's become a battle for flattery between Lockhart and the offensive line when it comes to talking about the team's early season success, however. Any mention to Lockhart about his success, and he'll be quick to credit the guys up front. As for them? The credit goes right back to the senior tailback.

"He just keeps chopping his feet," Woodall said. "And if you watch him in film, all of the time he has guys trying to dive at him, grabbing his ankles. But he keeps running until three or four guys are on him."

Even coach Mike Bolin can't help but talk up both his offensive line and emerging running back.

"Brock's a special talent, for sure," Bolin said. "He's got the ability to shake those guys, but the guys up front are opening a lot of holes for him."

Despite what seems to be a never-ending supply of compliments to their teammates, both Lockhart and the Colonels know that in spite of the team's 3-0 record, the season is far from over, and they're a long way from achieving their goals.

"We know where we want to be," Lockhart said. "We've won a couple of games, but it's too early to tell. But every week we want to get better and improve each week."