Matanzas’ ‘Great Wall’ Offensive Line Powers Title Dreams
Matanzas Pirates Football: Building a Wall Up Front for Another Winning Season
Everything you need to know about the team’s biggest strength heading into the new year—explained simply.
Last Year’s Big Numbers
Before we talk about this season, let’s look at the scoreboard from last year. The Matanzas Pirates put up 3,862 total yards of offense. That is a lot of grass gained.
Two superstars led the charge:
- Quarterback Cole Walker threw for 2,387 yards. Think of him as the trigger man distributing the ball.
- Running Back Wiley Conner ran for 1,107 yards. He was the battering ram carrying the ball across the field.
The team finished with a 7-4 record—a winning season!
The Secret Weapon: The Offensive Line
Here is the ELI5 truth: You can have the fastest car in the world, but if the engine block cracks, you aren’t going anywhere.
In football, the Offensive Line (O-Line) is that engine block. They are the five big guys up front whose only job is to block—push the other team out of the way so the Quarterback has time to throw and the Running Back has a hole to run through.
Coach Matt Forrest puts it perfectly:
"If you’re not good on the offensive and defensive line, you’re going to struggle everywhere else."
The best news? Four out of the five starters from last year’s winning team are coming back. That is rare. Usually, seniors graduate and you have to rebuild. This year, the Pirates are reloading.
Meet the Returning "Wall"
These aren’t just big kids; Coach Forrest calls them "college-caliber." That means they are good enough to play at the next level.
| Player | Year | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Logan Walker | Senior | Last year’s Center (snaps the ball). The "quarterback of the line." |
| Jaxon Narrington | Senior | A veteran leader who knows the playbook inside out. |
| Sean Liston | Junior | Played Guard and Tackle last year. Super versatile. |
| Anthony Williams | Junior | Returning starter at Tackle (protects the QB’s blind side). |
IMPORTANT POINT: EVERYONE IS HUNTING THEM
Coach Forrest warned: "Everybody’s going to be gunning for them this year. They know they’re coming back."
Opposing coaches have all off-season to watch film on these four. They will design special plays just to stop them. The target on their backs just got bigger.
Playing Musical Chairs: Position Changes
Here is where it gets really smart. Three of the four returning stars are switching positions this year.
- Logan Walker moves from Center → Guard.
- Sean Liston moves from Guard/Tackle → Center.
- Jaxon Narrington is working multiple spots.
Why would they do this?
Logan Walker explained it best: "I’ll do anything to make the team better."
Coach Forrest broke down the two huge benefits:
1. Better Recruiting (The "Next Level" Factor)
College coaches love "position flexibility." If a player can only play Left Tackle, he is a "one-trick pony." If he can play Center, Guard, and Tackle? He is a Swiss Army Knife. That makes him way more valuable to a college program.
2. The "Next Man Up" Insurance Policy (Depth)
Football is violent. People get hurt.
- Scenario: A starting Guard goes down.
- Old Plan: Put in a raw freshman who only knows Guard.
- New Plan: Move Liston (an experienced vet) to Guard. Put the freshman at Tackle (often an easier spot to learn). The line stays strong.
New Quarterback, Same Plan: Run the Ball
Cole Walker (the QB from last year) is gone. Now, three guys are fighting for the starting job:
- Cole Hardy (Junior)
- Michael McDonough (Junior)
- Devin Davis (Freshman — yes, a 9th grader!)
The Strategy: Young quarterbacks make mistakes. The fix? Lean on the Running Game.
The Pirates have the best offensive line in the area and a stable of thoroughbreds at Running Back. The formula is simple: Block well, run hard, control the clock, let the young QB manage the game.
A Running Back Army
Wiley Conner (1,107 yards last year) is the undisputed RB1. But look at the backups—this is video game depth.
Jaxon Narrington on Conner: "He’s the best running back I’ve ever played with. We don’t even have to give him that much room. He just finds the hole wherever he goes."
The Supporting Cast:
- Darwin "DJ" Harris (Senior): Rushed for 488 yards at rival Flagler Palm Coast last year. He transferred over. That is huge pickup.
- CJ Perkins (Freshman): Coach Forrest calls him "exceptional." A 9th grader pushing for varsity carries? Special talent.
- "Great Sniffs" (H-Backs): These are hybrid players (TE/FB) who act as extra blockers. Think of them as a 6th and 7th offensive lineman who can also catch a pass.
Narrington’s brag: "We have three of the best running backs in the area."
Honest Talk: "We’re Not There Yet"
Despite all the hype, the leaders on the line are staying humble.
- Logan Walker: "I think we got a lot of stuff to work on. We just have to keep our heads down and keep going at it every day."
- Sean Liston (on moving to Center): "I’m still adjusting… but in the long run, I expect it will make the line better."
The Vibe: High ceiling, high standards, zero complacency. That is how you win championships.
Coach Forrest’s Master Plan: Consistency
This is Year 7 for Coach Forrest. He has never had back-to-back winning seasons.
"The success we had last year is in the past. To repeat that success, it takes a lot more work… I want this program to not be an up-and-down program. I want it to be a program that competes in the playoffs every single year."
He isn’t building a team for this Friday; he is building a program for the next decade.
Summary
| What You Need to Know | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 4/5 Starters Return | Rare continuity. Chemistry is already built. |
| Versatility is Key | Walker, Liston, Narrington moving positions = Better depth + Better recruiting. |
| New QB Trio | Team will lean heavy on the run game early. |
| RB Room is Stacked | Conner + Harris + Perkins = Fresh legs all game. |
| Target on Back | Every opponent’s #1 goal: Stop the Matanzas Run Game. |
| Culture Shift | Coach Forrest chasing 1st back-to-back winning seasons; wants perennial playoff contender. |
FAQ
1. Why is the Offensive Line so important if they don’t touch the ball?
Think of them as bodyguards. The QB and RB are the VIPs. Without the bodyguards, the VIPs get tackled immediately. No line = No offense.
2. What does "College-Caliber" mean?
It means the player has the size, speed, strength, and technique to earn a scholarship to play at a university (NCAA Division I, II, or III). It’s a scouting term for "legit prospect."
3. Why move your best Center (Logan Walker) to Guard?
Center is the hardest mental position (calls protections, snaps ball). Guard is more physical (pulling, trapping). Moving Walker to Guard lets him just hit people. Moving Liston (smart, athletic) to Center puts a high-IQ player at the "brain" position.
4. Can a Freshman (Devin Davis) really start at Quarterback?
It happens! If he is the most poised, accurate, and smart decision-maker in practice, age doesn’t matter. But the coaches will likely protect him with a heavy run game first.
5. What is an "H-Back" / "Sniff"?
It’s a hybrid player. Lines up near the line (like a Tight End) or in the backfield (like a Fullback). Their main job: Lead block for the Running Back. They are "extra offensive linemen" who can also catch a pass.
Go Pirates!