A battle in the trenches has kept a few Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) Elecs gridiron warriors busy and sporting a big smile this season.
The Elecs have used about six players as regulars on both the offensive and defensive line over the first five games of the six-game Moose Jaw High School Football League season. These players have remained on the field for almost every offensive and defensive series with their only time on the sidelines coming during special teams.
“I like the playing time because I enjoy being on the field,” said Troy Leptich, 17, an Elecs offensive line left and right tackle and defensive line nose guard and end. “I want to be out there 24/7 on the field and always making tackles, making blocks and just being that all-around guy.”
Christian Bod, Elecs defensive line and linebackers coach, said the basic function of the players on the line of scrimmage is to tackle the opposition quarterback and protect their own quarterback. He said the job is demanding and physical and there are no plays off.
“They’re not having any problems with it,” said Bod. “It’s a lot of conditioning for those guys, but they can handle it and they’re doing quite well this year.”
Erik ‘Goose’ Gusikoski, a 16-year-old Elecs rookie, said playing both ways takes a lot of effort and is physically draining, but using the time they have on punts and kicks to re-hydrate and rest as well as mentally prepare for the next series gets them through it. The defensive end and offensive line guard said having veterans like Leptich and fellow lineman Colton Reed around has also played a big part in helping him complete his assignments this season.
“You just got to be ready,” said Gusikoski. “If the other team is rushing you, you just got to know what plays you’re doing and do it.”
Reed, 17, who plays linebacker on defence and centre on offence, said the coaching staff placed him on the offensive line after seeing the size he put on over the summer. He said the initial goal was to just hold a defensive position, but having a chance to learn from a few veterans last season helped him make the transition to the dual roles.
“We lost our really good centre last year,” said Reed, noting ECS graduate Adam Paulson helped him understand the play of the offensive line. “It’s my first year to ever play centre actually to begin with. I never snapped a ball until this year, so it’s interesting.”
Bod said the Elecs practise two hours a day five days a week as well as watch film to get ready for each successive game in addition to the time spent on the field during games. He said the guys who have hung in and excelled at playing both ways in the most demanding positions during this campaign has been very impressive.
“I just enjoy hitting people,” said Leptich. “Whoever carries the ball is the special one, but we’re the ones who are always down, dirty, slapping hands, hitting heads and chest to chest. It’s an actual fight I’d say.”
