Only one starter returned for Navarre’s offensive line this season. Youth and inexperience can be challenging to overcome, especially against a contender like Crestview, which has strength, size and experience.
Most of the first half Friday, the offensive line of the sixth-ranked Raiders (3-0) was bullied by the ninth-ranked Bulldogs (2-1). Navarre didn’t score a point in the first half and trailed 28-0.
But the line grew up after halftime, allowing the offense to make the big plays it needed, especially on the ground, in a wild 41-35 overtime victory at Bennett C. Russell Stadium.
Bryson Garner is one of four seniors on the line but the only one with starting experience. He smiled as he talked about the progress made by the guys known ones as the big uglies in a battle of state-ranked teams.
“Oh yeah, we are getting better and better every week,” Garner said. “And this week we just got a whole lot better. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Read the full article in the Sept 13 issue of Navarre Press. Subscribe online at navarrepress.com for as little as $38 per year.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login