Clever coach Willie Howard likes the Jays’ chances if they can play as good as they look while filling out their uniforms.
Howard points to the added size along his offensive line as a big reason for Clever to be optimistic the Jays’ 21-game losing streak covering two-plus years will end sooner than later.
“We have five linemen who look the part,” Howard said. “We’ve got some big kids. We don't look like we're in baggy pants any more. We're in football pants and look the part. Our jerseys are tight. I'm excited to see how that carries over.”
Through their work in the weight room, Clever will feature an offensive line that will be led by 290-pound Max Allie, 270-pound Payton Guccione, 260-pound Isaiah Hutson and 200-pound Nehemiah Johnson.
“A couple years ago, Max was 220, I was 220, Nehemiah was 180 and Isaiah wasn't even 200,” Guccione said. “We’ve improved 1,000 percent. I think our line held us down the past couple of years, but is going to lead us this year. We’re hungry.”
“They have done a good job in the weight room,” Howard said. “They’ve held each other accountable to get in the weight room, get stronger and get all their reps in. Top to bottom, our kids have bought into that. You can tell the difference.”
Clever’s offense has averaged only 7.5-9 points the last three seasons. The Jays would love to double or triple those numbers.
Howard is counting on Guccione, a four-year starter, to be the leader of the offensive line. Guccione earned an All-Mid Lakes Conference Second-Team selection last year.
“Payton has been through the rough patches. As a freshman, he took some lumps, and sophomore year he did, too,” Howard said. “It finally started clicking for him as a junior. He took a beating, especially his freshman year. But, he's weathered the storm and is ready for some success. He has grown so much. He's the leader of that group. He knows what everybody is supposed to be doing, and if there is confusion, he can fix it.”
Howard also is confident Allie’s experience will pay big dividends.
"Max started 10 games as a sophomore at right tackle and was probably a 180-pound bencher and a 200-pound squat kid,” Howard said. “I felt bad for him. I told him, 'I put you in a spot to not have success.' He has lifted really hard and now is up over 300 pounds for his squat. He's a smart kid and is using his body to his advantage.”
Clever wide receiver Xavier Robinson and quarterback Rex Deters were pleased with the efforts of the offensive linemen during the Jays’ trip to the Evangel Team Camp two weeks ago.
“They're big fellas,” Robinson said. “If we can get our blocking scheme down, we can move some guys forward."
“I love the linemen,” Deters said. “I had all the time in the world. That makes the game so much easier.”
