Friday March 29th, 2024 4:42AM

North Hall's road-graders pave the way to Player of the Week nod (Video)

GAINESVILLE -- There's an old saying about sports referees that states: When you do your job well, no one really notices you. And if people are noticing you, you must be doing a poor job.

While the validity of that statement is highly debatable, you could almost make a parallel declaration about offensive linemen.

Very few fans focus on the play of the offensive line -- unless an offense isn't moving the ball.

Players and coaches, however, know just how integral good offensive line play is to the success of any team -- and nowhere is that truer than at North Hall, where the Trojans' power ground game hinges on its ability to win the battle at the line of scrimmage.

So far this season, North Hall has controlled the trenches through much of its 3-1 start -- and certainly the Trojans did so in Friday night's dominating, 47-14 victory over Dawson County in Dawsonville.

North Hall steamrolled the Tigers for 375 yards rushing for an average of 6.4 yards per carry. And eight different Trojans ball carriers finished with positive yardage on the night, as North Hall sprinted to a 34-0 first half lead and never looked back.

For their efforts the Trojans' offensive line has been named the Gainesville Jaycees Player of the Week.

Access North Georgia sports editor Morgan Lee recently caught up with North Hall's offensive line to present the award, talk about Friday's big win and the season ahead. To watch the presentation and interview, simply click "play" below.

Player of the Week: North Hall Offense from WDUN TV on Vimeo.



The Trojans have valued strong line play since coach Bob Christmas's arrival at the program in 2001, and even though North Hall tweaked its offense in the offseason -- moving away from the traditional wing-T attack that had become a hallmark of the program -- the play of the Trojans' big men is as important as ever.

Through four contests, their play has been nothing short of stellar, as they've paved the way for an offense that has rushed for 339 yards per game and 6.7 yards per carry.

Featuring plenty of size and depth, North Hall's offensive line has helped the Trojans to the forefront of the early race for the top spot in Region 7-AAA.

Players like Patrick Chappell, Avery Easton, Matt Pratte, Scott Talley, Dylan Truelove, Thomas Marchman, Justin Bacus, Avery Rogers, Russell Gillespie and Cole Strickland, along with tight ends Eric Gonter and Taylor Ryder make up a unit that has to be considered a strength -- a group that the Trojans will certainly lean on in the weeks to come in what should be a hardfought race to the top of 7-AAA.

Each week this football season the Jaycees will team with Jacobs Media to present a Player of the Week award. At the end of the season, the Jaycees will also present a Player of the Year award, as well as name a recipient of a $2,500 scholarship to the most deserving senior.

2012 Gainesville Jaycees Players of the Week
WEEK 1: Tyler Hubbard, quarterback, Banks County
WEEK 2: Gainesville defense
WEEK 3: Bryant Shirreffs, quarterback, Jefferson
WEEK 4: Quan Clark, running back, Chestatee
WEEK 5: North Hall offensive line
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