Athlete Spotlight
Harlem's offense is simple.
Mark Boiter (from left), Mike White, Byron White, Brandon Bennett and Matt Pitchford make up what Harlem coach Jimmie Lewis says is the biggest offensive line the school has had in a long time.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
The Bulldogs run the ball early and often, hoping to go to the passing game fewer than 10 times a game.
But coach Jimmie Lewis hasn't developed some sort of nostalgia for the football of the 1940s and '50s. It is quite evident after taking one look at the offense why Lewis and offensive coordinator Adam Fulford preach a run-heavy offense.
Harlem has an offensive line big enough to block out the sun.
Offensive line coach Craig Baker has seven guys who weigh more than 250 pounds, and three are heavier than 270.
The average lineman weighs 260 pounds.
"It's a pretty big offensive line," Lewis said. "And it's a pretty darn good one. It's the biggest we have had in a long time."
It was pretty evident during Harlem's recent scrimmage with Ogelthorpe County that Harlem will be able to run the ball.
Bulldog runners picked up chunks of yards through holes opened by the monstrous offensive line.
"They are a lot bigger than I thought they would be," said Evans coach Marty Jackson, who was at the scrimmage scouting Harlem in preparation for the opening game between the two teams.
Mark Boiter and Mike White are the senior leaders up front, and weigh 265 and 250 pounds, respectively.
"They are both great team players," Lewis said. "Both mean a lot to our team."
Byron White and Matt Pitchford - both juniors - also return as starters. Junior A.J. Ortiz rounds out the starters. Brandon Barrett provides depth.
"We feel real comfortable with whoever runs the ball for us," Lewis said. "Those guys should be able to block for anybody."