The objective, to get that ball across the goal line as a team, as a unit. At CC Winn High School and at EPHS, the men up front literally make things happen and many times, their work goes unseen and unheard of, but on this day, Coach George Ruiz and Coach Tom Gonzalez were eager to give The News Gram some insight on their men up front who grind it out for both the Mavs and the Eagles night after night, down after down. Up front for the Silver & Black Attack is none other than Kevin Canizales. The 6' 1" 270 Lb. junior is in his first varsity season and doing an exceptional job at the center position. "He's got to be the man," said Head Coach George Ruiz of KC, "He identifies fronts for the O-Line calls out 1, 2 and 3 techniques, he has to be under control and be aware of everything that's in front of him. Often times, whenever they put a nose (guard) in front of him, he has to pick up a block immediately, so he's got to be smart." At right guard we have Oscar Lara a second year varsity player, first year starter who at 5' 7" 190, he exemplifies the fight and the size Ibarra must've been in those days of yesteryear when the Eagles played QB Randy Johnson of the Sam Houston Cherokees who would go on to play for the New York Giants. "Oscar does a good job for us, he's a very hard worker," said Ruiz of the intense Lara who along with brother Ricky, has also been known to play baseball well and whose father tells us he's always completely focused when it comes time to play football. On the other side of the line is left guard Cruz Gutierrez (5' 8" 220). "Both our guards pull a lot, Cruzito is a 2nd year starter, he did a great job for us last year (Opening up holes for Luvin De Leon). He has good leadership skills on the football field and is a tough cookie." At left tackle is Gabriel Gutierrez (6' 3" 290) who the Mavs like to run behind and who for two years has been a steady performer for the Mavs. As a left tackle his primary job is to protect the quarterback's blind side and Gutierrez possesses the quick feet that is necessary to be an effective pass blocker. "Gabriel has quick feet and has to take on the other team's best pass rusher everynight." at right tackle is Gilbert Rodriguez (5' 7" 190 who according to Ruiz, is "Pretty quick and defends well against defensive ends." Tight end Emilio Hinojosa is also considered a lineman, "Emilio has good blocking skills and helps pave the way for our running game and has caught two touchdown passes this season." This line has given Neon Deon Alonso the support to gain 600 yards in five games thus far this season and is quickly garnering the respect it deserves across the district. At Eagle Pass High School, Coach Tom Gonzalez presented to us his men up front. At center is Edward Mondragon (5' 10" 195) and Tito Sanchez (5' 10" 225). "Edward is a 3 year starter, two years All District. He's a hard worker and a good leader." At guards the Eagles alternate Cesar Montemayor, Leo Lopez, Albert Marines and Jerry Amezcua. "They all work hard and are all capable of playing on any given night and we look to them to compete week in and week out to see who will play that Friday." At right tackle we have Juan Martinez (6' 0" 250). "He does what is asked of him and many times he has to face their best defensive lineman." At left tackle is Big Cesar Iracheta. At 6' 1" and 265 Lbs., the captain of the Eagle Offense has to take on the best pass rusher to protect his QB's blindside. "Cesar has grown up a lot as a leader," added Gonzalez, "We go behind him when we need that tough yard because he's very consistent." This line has been providing the necessary protection for QB's Aaron Morales and now Ty Chisum who both have lightened up defenses across South Texas. There you have it ladies and gentlemen, the O-Line, football's most thankless job, but if you were my father, my Tío Dan or my uncle Enrique Ibarra, they would all tell you that's the way they prefer to watch the game from the line out, to them that is the true essence of America's pastime, that's where it all happens.