Getting offensive

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Duncan’s offensive line will be one of the strengths of the team and will be key to the Demons’ success. Quarterback Brandon Wilson, middle, will rely on the line to keep his jersey clean. Pictured are, from left, Michael Rice, Corey Hamilton, Dylan Dismuke, Wilson, Dylan Laurens, Cody Pollock and Jacquan Beck. Ben Whitehead
Jordan Laskey will get plenty of carries during the 2010 season. Ben Whitehead

September 3, 2010

Demons relying on talent, experience

Ben Whitehead The Duncan Banner The Duncan Banner Fri Sep 03, 2010, 07:10 AM CDT

DUNCAN — When two starting offensive lineman are receiving Division I football letters and phone calls, there’s most certainly a chance of putting together a highly successful season.

For Duncan, that chance begins — but doesn’t end — with those offensive linemen.

Dylan Dismuke and Dylan Laurens are the two linemen who have received offers from Division I schools, with Dismuke having already committed to the University of Oklahoma.

Yet, there’s more.

Duncan head coach Jim Holloway is even more excited about the possibilities of those playing beside Dismuke and Laurens. Senior returning starters, center Cody Pollock and guard Corey Hamilton, join Dismuke and Laurens in making up the bulk of the offensive line, one that Holloway hopes has its way with opposing defensive players.

“I think having those players being recruited made those other guys want to be just as good,” Holloway said. “I look at a guy like Corey Hamilton and no one mentions him. But you talk about a guy who’s made tremendous improvement. And Cody Pollock, too. Those guys have worked real hard to get where they are.”

Depth is a factor on the line and Holloway noted that it will be vital for the starters to remain healthy throughout the season, even though the majority of them will be playing both ways.

“I hope they can hold up a long time,” he said. “It’ll be Week 9 or 10 before we’re ready to throw those younger guys into the fire. At the same time, you can’t control what happens down the road. You just have to focus one play at a time.”

Taking the snaps will be junior Brandon Wilson. Wilson started for the Demons last year and returns a little bit more mature, Holloway said.

“I expect him to have a much better year,” he said. “It’s all about poise, and you’ve got to be under control when things are going good and you’ve got to be under control when things are not good. Brandon is a smart player. He’s physical, he’s strong, has a strong arm, strong legs and he’s a tough player and a tough competitor, one of the toughest we’ve got. You can do a lot more when you have a returning quarterback than when you don’t have one.”

During the preseason, Holloway has seen five running backs share time with the first string offense. Jordan Laskey, Payton Atchley, Domonique Petties, Jeff Ervin and Johnathan Berry have all carried the ball, and made it tough on the coaches to pick one, two or even three starters.

“Early on, our running backs showed a lot of improvement and a lot of leadership,” said Holloway. “They’ve all run the ball very well. I know what Jordan and Payton and Domonique can do, but I’ve really been impressed with Jeff Ervin and Johnathan Berry. They’re making it hard on us to pare it down to just two or three.”

Senior tight end Michael Rice is one of many passing options. Rice will be joined by fellow tight end Michael Buben and a receiving corps which includes seniors Robert Trujillo and Micah Frye, and juniors Daniel McCoy and Christian Thaxton, as the main targets in the Duncan Demon air attack.

“Daniel McCoy has had a great preseason,” said Holloway. “He’s stepped up and become a really good practice player and a really good leader. I think the receiving corps is going to get a lot better as the season progresses.

“Overall, the entire package is going to make our offense better. Every group is stronger and better than a year ago. They’ve worked hard, but the important thing is they’ve stepped up this year. They continue to lead by example, the whole group.”

— Ben Whitehead is the sports editor for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 255-5354, Ext. 165, or via e-mail at ben.whitehead@duncanbanner.com.

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