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Offensive Linemen: The Unsung Heroes

Middle School Football

November 4, 2008

The powerful line of Windham's offense is from L-R #16 Nick Sundquist, #66 Jared Libby, #56 Shawn Francoeur, #51 Jake Perry, #54 Joe Francoeur, #59 Matt Aldrich and #89 Brad Carpentier.  These guys do the hard work so the running backs can score the touchdowns.  Missing from photo is #50 Tyler Pennanen. Photo by David Field 

Windham ME: Football is the ultimate team sport. Eleven offensive positions, eleven defensive positions, special teams players and substitutions rotating in and out depending on the situation in the game.

Even though football fans understand that every time the pigskin crosses the goal line it was a team effort, the player carrying the ball, or who threw the ball, gets the spotlight.

We all know Emmitt Smith is the NFL's all time leading rusher. He put up some great numbers in his career and he ran for more yards than anyone else in the history of the NFL. He is a household name. How many of Smith's lineman can you name?

Windham's Middle School football team is loaded with talent. They have top performers all over the field. From running backs and quarterback to offensive line, defensive line, linebackers and defensive back; this team has talented football players.

But just like when Emmitt Smith was roaming the grid iron, we get excited watching the players who get to touch the ball. Whether its Damien Shepard scorching defenses with his speed, Colby Waterhouse running over defenses or Calvin Field directing them and throwing a bullet to a receiver; their performances are front and center because they score the points.

It is natural to revere the player that carries or throws the pigskin over the goal line. They get the glory while the linemen dig in to block for the PAT.

They lineup on every play, ready to go to war in the trenches. They sacrifice their bodies to protect their teammate with the ball. They get beat up and stepped on and watch as their teammates get all the cheers.

This offensive line knows they are appreciated. They know their teammates appreciate the blocks, the sweat, blood and pain.

And now everyone else will know the names of the unsung heroes on this great team; Tight End: Nick Sundquist, Jared Libby, Guard Shawn Francoeur, Center Jake Perry, Guard Joe Francoeur, Left Tackle Matt Aldrich and Tight End Brad Carpentier and Right Tackle Tyler Pennanen. Your Middle School A Squad Offensive Line.

They don't do it for the glory, they do it for the love of the game and their desire to win.

We asked the linemen a few questions about themselves to share with all of their fans.

These are listed in no particular order.