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Last Man Standing

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By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Hernando Today

Published: September 4, 2008

Technically, Nature Coast Technical has no full-time starters returning along its offensive line.

Gone is the All-County right side of Tim LaRose and J.J. Baker, pivotal losses for a team that operates a "right-handed" veer-option attack.

Three seniors - Lane Dodson, Jacob Martin and Brad Lucier - are stepping into starting spots, while 6-foot-4, 240-pound junior Cory Emerson has come over from Hernando to take over at right tackle.

Then there is Chad Dampier, the right guard. The 6-foot, 237-pound senior didn't always start in 2007, instead serving as a sixth man of sorts.

However, he did start at center in the regional quarterfinal versus Citra-North Marion High.

So the onus falls on Dampier, the 17-year-old son of Spring Hill's Darin and Kelly Dampier, to lead this all-important unit as the Sharks attempt to make it three playoff appearances in three years.

"(Offensive line coach Mike) Lastra calls me a leader," Dampier said. "He looks up to me to lead the other players, to be a role model for them."

"He's just the absolute leader on the line," Lastra said. "He's the only one back on what a lot of people said was one of the best lines in the area.

"He has the same attitude they had last year. They were on a mission to go out and punish people. Chad has that. I hope it rubs off on the other kids."

Playing all over

According to Lastra, Dampier "played every position for us" last season. He actually saw time at tight end, catching one pass for eight yards.

"He's got great technique," Nature Coast Head Coach Jamie Joyner said. "He moves his feet real well. He finishes his blocks.

"You don't want to just get in somebody's way. You want to finish the block. You want your linemen to run downfield. Chad is looking to get downfield and help any way he can."

For a lineman, measuring success can be difficult. Rushing statistics are often seen as the best measuring stick, and Nature Coast certainly excelled in that area tallying 3,329 yards and 34 touchdowns.

Much of that came from All-State running back Tevin Drake, who as a sophomore last year ran for 1,527 yards and a school-record 22 touchdowns.

"They're pushing hard, they know what to do," Drake said of his new O-line. "I feel real good about that. I know they're going to block."

Dampier recognizes the importance he and his linemates will play in paving the way for Drake and company.

The Sharks tend to run plays toward the right side, putting added pressure on Dampier and Emerson. The coaching staff intentionally pared those two together during offseason camps so that Dampier could help Emerson get acclimated to his new team.

"He's (Dampier) going to be a huge part of what we do; his ability to play the strong side of the line and trap," Joyner said. "It starts up front. It starts and ends on the offensive line. We tell them everyday in practice; how they go we'll go."

Like any good offensive lineman, when it comes to setting goals Dampier puts the greater good ahead of his own accolades.

"You're really doing it for the team, you don't have much self success," Dampier said. "We're hoping for a state championship. That's what we're trying to make a run for. Definitely getting the district championship and trying to make a run for states.

"We need to push ourselves even further. Do what we've never done before; extra typewriter drills, so much running. We've got to ask more out of us than ever before."

Sports writer Chris Bernhardt Jr. can be reached at (352) 544-5288 or cbernhardt@hernandotoday.com.

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