Matanzas’ Secret Weapon: A Dominant O-Line Ready to Crush Defenses
Matanzas Pirates Football: The Big Guys Up Front Are Ready to Roll
Welcome to the 2024 season preview! If you’re new to football—or just new to the Matanzas Pirates—this guide breaks down why everyone is talking about the offensive line, what it means for the team, and why this group of "big guys" might be the key to another winning season.
Why the Offensive Line Matters (ELI5 Version)
Imagine you’re trying to carry a tray of drinks across a crowded room. You need people to clear a path for you.
In football, the offensive line is that group of five large, strong players whose job is to:
- Block defenders so the quarterback (QB) has time to throw
- Open holes so the running back (RB) can run through
- Protect the team’s "playmakers" from getting hit
IMPORTANT POINT
No matter how fast or skilled your QB and RB are, they can’t do their jobs if the offensive line doesn’t do theirs first.
As Coach Forrest puts it: "If you’re not good on the offensive and defensive line, you’re going to struggle everywhere else."
Last Year by the Numbers
The Pirates’ offense put up 3,862 total yards in 2023. That didn’t happen by accident.
| Player | Position | Stat | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cole Walker | Quarterback | 2,387 passing yards | Threw the ball a lot and well |
| Wiley Conner | Running Back | 1,107 rushing yards | Ran for over 1,000 yards—very impressive! |
| Team Record | — | 7–4 | Winning season, made playoffs |
Bottom line: The offense was really good. And the offensive line made it possible.
Meet the Returning "Big Five" (Well, Four of Five)
Four of the five starters from last year’s line are back. That’s huge—experience up front is rare and valuable.
The Core Four
| Player | Year | Notes from Coach Forrest |
|---|---|---|
| Logan Walker | Senior | "College-caliber" — played center last year, may move to guard |
| Jaxon Narrington | Senior | "College-caliber" — veteran leader |
| Sean Liston | Junior | "College-caliber" — played guard & tackle, moving to center |
| Anthony Williams | Junior | Returning tackle |
IMPORTANT POINT
Three of these four are considered "college-caliber"—meaning they’re good enough to play at the next level. That’s a lot of talent in one group.
Position Shuffling: Why Move Guys Around?
You might wonder: If they were good last year, why change positions?
The Plan
- Logan Walker → Center → Guard
- Sean Liston → Guard/Tackle → Center
- Jaxon Narrington → Stays put (for now)
- Anthony Williams → Stays at tackle
Why It’s Smart (Coach Forrest’s Reasoning)
| Benefit | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Recruiting | College coaches love versatile linemen who can play multiple spots |
| Depth/Injury Insurance | If someone gets hurt, they can slide positions instead of forcing a young, inexperienced player into a tough spot |
| Best Five on Field | They can always put their five best guys out there, not just the five "assigned" starters |
PLAYER PERSPECTIVE
"I’ve always worked all five (positions). I’ll do anything to make the team better."
— Logan Walker, Senior
The Running Game: "We Don’t Even Have to Give Him That Much Room"
With a new quarterback (three guys competing: juniors Cole Hardy & Michael McDonough, freshman Devin Davis), the Pirates will likely lean hard on the run game early in the season.
The Backfield Trio
| Running Back | Background | Coach/Teammate Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Wiley Conner | Returning star, 1,107 yds last yr | "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." — Jaxon Narrington |
| Darwin "DJ" Harris | Transfer from FPC, 488 yds last yr | Adds proven experience |
| CJ Perkins | Freshman | High-upside youngster |
Plus: "H-backs" (hybrid tight end/fullback types) who act as extra blockers—basically, more offensive linemen who can also catch passes.
"We’re Not There Yet" — The Honest Truth
Despite all the hype, the linemen themselves are grounded.
"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."
— Logan Walker"I’m still adjusting to the move to center, but in the long run, I expect it will make the line better."
— Sean Liston
Translation: They know they’re the target. Every opponent will game-plan for them. They have to earn it every week.
Coach Forrest’s Big Picture: Consistency Over Flash
This is Year 7 for Coach Matt Forrest. He’s not chasing a one-hit wonder.
"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."
Goal: Build a culture of sustained excellence, not just a good season here and there.
Summary: What You Need to Know
- The offensive line is the team’s strength — 4/5 starters back, 3 "college-caliber" guys
- They’re versatile — shifting positions to maximize talent and protect against injuries
- New QB means run-heavy early — Wiley Conner + two other legit RBs = ground game focus
- Depth is legit — Harris (transfer) + Perkins (freshman) + H-backs = fresh legs all game
- Mindset is right — players & coach know they’re the "hunted" now, not the hunters
- Big goal: Make playoffs every year, not just once in a while
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: What exactly does an offensive lineman do?
A: They block. That’s it. They don’t catch passes, they don’t run the ball (usually), they don’t tackle. Their job is to stop the other team’s defenders from reaching their own QB or RB. Think of them as bodyguards.
Q: Why is playing center harder than guard or tackle?
A: The center has to snap the ball perfectly to the QB every single play—while simultaneously blocking a 300-pound nose tackle. It requires split-second timing, communication with the QB, and calling out blocking assignments. It’s the "quarterback of the line."
Q: What’s an H-back? Is that just a tight end?
A: Similar, but more versatile. An H-back lines up off the line of scrimmage (a step back), can motion into the backfield, block like a fullback, and run routes like a tight end. They’re "extra blockers" who create mismatches.
Q: How does a high school team "reload" at quarterback?
A: They develop guys before they’re needed. Hardy and McDonough have been in the system. Davis is a talented freshman. Competition in practice makes everyone better. The line’s job? Make the new QB’s life easy.
Q: Can a team win only with a great offensive line?
A: No—but you can’t win consistently without one. The line sets the tone, controls the clock, wears down defenses, and lets playmakers make plays. It’s the foundation. No foundation = no house.
Final Thought
The Matanzas Pirates have the pieces, the experience, and the mindset to be special in 2024. But as Coach Forrest reminds everyone: last year is last year.
The big guys up front know the target is on their backs.
Now they have to go earn it—one block at a time.
Go Pirates!