Friday’s matchup against Clay-Battelle turned into a career night for Meadow Bridge running back Kaiden Simms who rushed for 402 yards and six touchdowns.
But paving the way was a line that was dominant all night long.
The Boys up front paved the way for 545 yards rushing in the Wildcats’ Week 7 win. For its efforts, the Meadow Bridge offensive line has been named the Week 7 Lootpress Offensive Line of the week.
The line consists of Charles Bragg (LT), Silas Adkins (LG), Jadon Butcher (C), Tucker Pugh (RG) and Blake Bennett (RT).
Going in the game plan was to rely on the line and Simms. Early that strategy didn’t manifest the way Meadow Bridge head coach Dwayne Reichard hoped.
“We felt like we could, Reciahrd said. “We felt like it was the first time in a few weeks we were able to match up well with people across the front. And realistically I preach this stuff about trying to be bigger and stronger than people and we’re not every week. I felt like every position across the front we were Friday night. When you line up and it actually happens, it’s a recipe for having a big night when you run the football.”
After halftime the Wildcat offense took off as the game plan started to click.
“It was actually the opening part of the second half,” Reichard said. “It’s 6-0 at halftime and you kind of knew you thought you could run the ball effectively but it wasn’t panning out. We came out in the second half and the first play we ran from scrimmage we went 49 yards for a touchdown. We ran from scrimmage again and went 70 yards for another touchdown. Once you realize you’re bigger and stronger than everyone else and that you’re running back is faster than anyone else all you have to do is break the one of scrimmage and score.”
The line has excelled after a scheme change that took place last season.
For decades Meadow Bridge was a run-first program but a few years back Reichard identified a necessary change due to the incoming talent and started installing a spread offense. During a game against Webster County last season the Wildcats went back to their roots and have kept the ball on there ground since. It’s a style that fits this offensive line.
“Our line is more in the trenches style of blocking,” Reichard said. “We’re not a great drop-back passing, pass set type of line. We’ve got two running backs that are 200-pounds or more and I had made the comment a few years ago when we went to spread that if you ever saw 200-pound running backs around here we’d be back under center running the Power-I and that’s exactly where we needed to go. We made that transition last year.”
