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By Gary Fauber

THE REGISTER-HERALD

Knowing exactly how important an offensive line is to a team , those with a keen interest in Greenbrier East had an idea of how the 2022 season was likely going to pan out .

The Spartans had to replace four starters up front from the previous season ’ s playoff team . As expected , there were struggles , although they did finish 4-6 . Respectable considering not only that youth , but also the Spartans ’ strength of schedule . Playoff teams such as Class AAA runner-up Parkersburg South , Woodrow Wilson and Princeton , as well as Stuarts Draft , Va ., were among Greenbrier East ’ s opponents .

All things considered , it could have been worse .

“ We played a lot of young guys last year ,” head coach Ray Lee said . “ In our skill positions , we were pretty good . We weren ’ t too bad there . But our interior was real young , inexperienced , in comparison to the ’ 21 team , where basically the only underclassman was the center , who is now a senior . He started as a sophomore with all of those seniors .

“ I think we salvaged the season last year , coming out with a 4-6 record , playing some pretty tough teams . … We played well against all of those teams , but I just think the ( lack of ) experience is what got us .”

The good news is that offensive line improved

Jenny Harnish / The Register-Herald

Greenbrier East ’ s Carter Hamilton ( 33 ) was mainly a defensive contributor last season but will be the Spartans ’ top running back this fall .

as the season went along . “ It did ,” Lee said . “ The latter part of the season we started seeing some progress with them and some confidence , and it gave us something to build on . I think our offseason went well . Now it ’ s just a matter of those guys getting that field time now . Getting their confidence by actually playing .”

2023 SCHEDULE

That sophomore of two years ago — Aiden Cole — is now a senior and will anchor the line at center . He again will be surrounded by young players , but they did get experience last season .

“ We will probably end up starting some sophomores on the offensive line ,” Lee said .

Players likely to see a lot of action include sophomore Gage Blevins , junior Bo Bowyer , junior Garon Wiseman .

Unfortunately , the Spartans will be faced with replacing several players who were lost to transfer . Also , all-state running back Ian Cline moved to North Carolina , creating an unforeseen void in the backfield .

Cline had 2,957 yards and 35 touchdowns over three seasons with the Spartans .

Senior Carter Hamilton is in the lead to move into Cline ’ s spot .

“ He actually played a lot of defense for us last year , and was a backup running back / fullback for us ,” Lee said . “ Ian carried the ball the majority for us , so Carter did a lot of spot playing in the backfield .”

Also seeing carries could be sophomores Kaden Stone and Nate Suttle . Sophomore Grant Burdette will line up at tight end but could also be in the fullback spot .

The Spartans will also have a different quarterback for the first time since 2019 with the graduation of three-year starter Monquelle Davis . The dual threat provided a whole range of options for his team .

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SOUTHERN W . VA . GAME NIGHT - AUGUST 2023 • 7