Unicoi County’s Offensive Line Impresses in Recent Scrimmage, Bolstering Football Coach Drew Rice’s Confidence for Upcoming Season
In the heat of preseason preparation, scrimmages serve as the first real test for a team’s depth, skill, and cohesiveness. For Unicoi County High School’s football program, a recent scrimmage against a well-regarded opponent turned into a pivotal moment for head coach Drew Rice, who found renewed confidence in his team’s offensive line. The scrimmage, which served as a proving ground for many players, specifically highlighted the performance of the Blue Devils’ front five. Their grit, technical precision, and adaptability impressed Rice, solidifying his belief that this season could be one for the history books.
Coming into this year, Rice, entering his second season as head coach at Unicoi County, had an overarching goal to transform his team’s offense into a more dynamic, resilient force. One of the key areas he hoped to see improvement was in the offensive line—a unit often overlooked but essential to the success of any football team. Without a strong offensive line, even the most talented quarterbacks and running backs can struggle to produce. The line is the backbone of the offense, providing the necessary protection and pushing forward to create opportunities. Rice’s belief in the importance of this unit was not just based on theory, but on years of coaching experience, and he placed a significant amount of pressure on the Blue Devils’ linemen to elevate their play.
Before the scrimmage, there were lingering questions surrounding the line’s ability to execute at a higher level. Last year, the unit had shown potential but was inconsistent, especially when facing tough competition. Coach Rice knew that in order to take the next step, they needed to solidify their fundamentals, improve their communication, and build a chemistry that could withstand the challenges of a grueling football season. The players themselves felt the weight of this expectation, understanding that their performance in the scrimmage could set the tone for the entire season.
As the scrimmage began, it quickly became apparent that the offensive line was rising to the occasion. The Blue Devils faced a tough, aggressive defense, but they held their ground with poise and power. From the first whistle, it was clear that the offensive line had come a long way since last season. The players were in sync, their footwork was sharp, and they effectively neutralized the defensive front, giving quarterback Jameson Carter ample time in the pocket. This was a crucial development, as Carter, a talented but still-developing signal-caller, thrives when given the space to make quick decisions and read the defense without pressure.
One of the standout moments in the scrimmage came during a third-and-long situation when the defense blitzed heavily. With defenders flying at him from all angles, Carter stood tall in the pocket, surveying his options. What allowed him to stay calm and deliver a perfect pass down the field was the unshakable protection provided by his offensive line. The blocking was precise, and the communication between the linemen was fluid, even when the defense threw multiple stunts and twists at them. It was a masterclass in offensive line play, and it was one of the key moments that drew a beaming smile from Coach Rice on the sidelines.
The offensive line’s performance was not just about pass protection, however. When the Blue Devils shifted to the running game, the big men up front were equally impressive. Running back Elijah Thompson had a solid day on the ground, averaging over five yards per carry. The offensive line created running lanes with impressive consistency, sealing defenders and creating cutback opportunities for Thompson. One of the most notable runs of the day came when Thompson burst through a huge gap created by left tackle Connor McFarland and center Drew Jenkins. The duo executed their blocks with perfect timing, allowing Thompson to gain 25 yards on a play that demonstrated the raw power of the offensive line.
Rice was especially pleased with the development of the younger players on the line. Last season, the team’s offensive line was dominated by upperclassmen, but this year, Rice had placed more emphasis on building depth and getting younger players involved in key roles. Sophomore Ryan Harrison, a 6-foot-4, 290-pound guard, stood out for his tenacity and strength. Harrison, who had shown flashes of talent during practices, took his game to the next level in the scrimmage, handling some of the defensive line’s most physical players with surprising ease. His ability to drive defenders off the ball and protect the quarterback was one of the main reasons why Rice’s faith in the offensive line was so solidified.
“It’s always been about finding that chemistry,” Rice said after the scrimmage. “You can have all the talent in the world, but if you can’t communicate and play as a unit, none of that matters. What I saw today was a group that really trusts each other and understands the system. They’ve put in the work, and it showed.”
Another important factor that contributed to the offensive line’s success was the leadership provided by the team’s senior captains. McFarland, Jenkins, and right guard Noah Bailey all took on significant responsibilities not only on the field but in guiding the younger players. Their leadership in the locker room and during practice was key to fostering a positive, competitive environment. They set a tone that allowed the younger players to step into their roles with confidence, knowing they had the support of their older teammates.
McFarland, a four-year starter, was particularly vocal in helping the line maintain focus during key moments. He kept the group grounded during tough stretches in the scrimmage, reminding them of the importance of fundamentals and consistency. His leadership was evident when the team faced adversity, such as when a few early mistakes led to a quick defensive stop. Rather than allowing the situation to spiral, McFarland and the other seniors kept the mood upbeat and focused on the next play.
Despite the strong performance, Coach Rice was quick to acknowledge that this scrimmage was just a glimpse of what the team could accomplish and that the true test would come in regular-season games. The Blue Devils’ offensive line would need to sustain this level of play, not just in isolated scrimmages but throughout a 10-game season. Rice is well aware that there will be tougher challenges ahead, especially against teams with powerful defensive fronts. However, after seeing what his offensive line was capable of in the scrimmage, Rice is feeling optimistic about the upcoming season.
“We’ve still got work to do,” Rice said. “But this scrimmage was a huge step forward for us. The key now is to build on this momentum, keep working on our execution, and maintain that high level of intensity. If we can do that, I have no doubt that this offensive line can carry us to some big wins.”
The scrimmage also provided valuable feedback for the coaching staff. There were moments where Rice noticed small areas of improvement—like the need to improve quickness on certain pass protections or better conditioning for certain players who started to fade late in the scrimmage. But overall, the coaching staff was encouraged by the results. This type of growth is crucial during the offseason, as it allows Rice and his team to make necessary adjustments before the season opener.
Looking ahead, the Blue Devils’ offensive line has the potential to be one of the strongest in the region. They have depth, talent, and a strong foundation of leadership. The combination of senior experience and youthful energy could create a balanced, formidable unit capable of executing the game plan with precision. With Coach Rice’s guidance, this offensive line could very well be the key to the Blue Devils’ success this season.
In a sport like football, it’s often said that the game is won in the trenches. For Unicoi County, Coach Drew Rice now knows that the trenches have never looked stronger. The scrimmage may have only been the beginning, but for Rice and his staff, it provided a glimpse of the promising future ahead. With a potent offensive line, the Blue Devils now have the foundation to launch a potent, multifaceted offense—one that could help them make a deep run in the playoffs and potentially bring home a district title.
The road ahead won’t be easy, but with a scrimmage performance like this, Coach Rice’s faith in his team—and especially in his offensive line—has never been stronger. The Blue Devils are poised to make a statement this season, and it all starts with the big guys up front.
