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Oak’s O-Line leading the way
  
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By Michael Sudhalter
Whether they’re dominating the line of scrimmage or devouring chips and salsa at a local restaurant, there’s one common theme that surrounds the Klein Oak offensive line – togetherness.
The Panthers (3-0, 2-0 District 13) are averaging 31.6 points per game, and the offensive line has played a big part in the team’s success.
Klein Oak is atop the Class 5A-District 13 standings, and six teams are tied for second place at 1-1.
“We preach to our offensive line, ‘as we go, so does the offense,” said Jeff Poth, the Panthers’ offensive coordinator and offensive line coach since 2001.
Klein Oak hosts Tomball (1-3, 1-1) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Klein Memorial Stadium. The Panthers’ five starters on the O-Line are as close off the field as they are dominant on it.
Two of them – senior guards Clint Naron and Kevin Forsch -- have committed to play Division I football at Texas A&M and Houston, respectively.
Center Bradley Benditz and tackles Ryan Koch and Zachary Coleman have also been key to the Panthers’ success.
Naron is a third-year varsity player, a team captain and an overall leader for the team, on and off the field.
“There’s a lot expected from you,” Naron said. “Expectations are really high to be a leader. It makes you step up. If it wasn’t for those guys before us, we wouldn’t be here. We worked with them when we were younger.”
“We’re all really good friends. It makes it a lot better because you’re working for each other.”
Klein Oak coach David Smith said there’s still room for improvement for this unit, but they rank among the top offensive lines in his 14 years of coaching at the school.
“They could turn out to be the best,” Smith said. “They’ve got all of the potential in the world. They’re really super kids to work with, and they are good people.”
The offensive linemen spent the summer lifting weights and tires, pulling sleds and even attending a lineman’s challenge. One of their collective responsibilities as seniors is preparing the next generation of Panthers linemen.
“We try to show them how to work hard,” Forsch said.
The group has responded to Poth, who echoed Smith’s sentiments about the team’s talent and potential.
“We’ve got great size, great speed and the No. 1 thing is they have a great work ethic,” Poth said. “They have a chance to be the best that’s walked through this hallway collectively.”
Poth said the starters have been great, but the Panthers have lots of depth and often play six or seven players per game. Other members of the offensive line are Donovan West, James Sloan, Greg Flores, Marcus Montanye, Chris Kline, Geoffrey Hartnup and Clemente Rodriguez.
Stanford-bound tight end Jordan Navjar also does his fair share of blocking when he’s not running routes.
Poth said the players respond will to tutelage, and he feels fortunate to work with them.
“I tell their moms and dads it’s an honor to come to work every day,” Poth said
“We’re all really good friends. It makes it a lot better because you’re working for each other.” Klein Oak senior offensive lineman Clint Naron, who has committed to Texas A&M.
The Panthers (3-0, 2-0 District 13) are averaging 31.6 points per game, and the offensive line has played a big part in the team’s success.
Klein Oak is atop the Class 5A-District 13 standings, and six teams are tied for second place at 1-1.
“We preach to our offensive line, ‘as we go, so does the offense,” said Jeff Poth, the Panthers’ offensive coordinator and offensive line coach since 2001.
Klein Oak hosts Tomball (1-3, 1-1) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Klein Memorial Stadium. The Panthers’ five starters on the O-Line are as close off the field as they are dominant on it.
Two of them – senior guards Clint Naron and Kevin Forsch -- have committed to play Division I football at Texas A&M and Houston, respectively.
Center Bradley Benditz and tackles Ryan Koch and Zachary Coleman have also been key to the Panthers’ success.
Naron is a third-year varsity player, a team captain and an overall leader for the team, on and off the field.
“There’s a lot expected from you,” Naron said. “Expectations are really high to be a leader. It makes you step up. If it wasn’t for those guys before us, we wouldn’t be here. We worked with them when we were younger.”
“We’re all really good friends. It makes it a lot better because you’re working for each other.”
Klein Oak coach David Smith said there’s still room for improvement for this unit, but they rank among the top offensive lines in his 14 years of coaching at the school.
“They could turn out to be the best,” Smith said. “They’ve got all of the potential in the world. They’re really super kids to work with, and they are good people.”
The offensive linemen spent the summer lifting weights and tires, pulling sleds and even attending a lineman’s challenge. One of their collective responsibilities as seniors is preparing the next generation of Panthers linemen.
“We try to show them how to work hard,” Forsch said.
The group has responded to Poth, who echoed Smith’s sentiments about the team’s talent and potential.
“We’ve got great size, great speed and the No. 1 thing is they have a great work ethic,” Poth said. “They have a chance to be the best that’s walked through this hallway collectively.”
Poth said the starters have been great, but the Panthers have lots of depth and often play six or seven players per game. Other members of the offensive line are Donovan West, James Sloan, Greg Flores, Marcus Montanye, Chris Kline, Geoffrey Hartnup and Clemente Rodriguez.
Stanford-bound tight end Jordan Navjar also does his fair share of blocking when he’s not running routes.
Poth said the players respond will to tutelage, and he feels fortunate to work with them.
“I tell their moms and dads it’s an honor to come to work every day,” Poth said
“We’re all really good friends. It makes it a lot better because you’re working for each other.” Klein Oak senior offensive lineman Clint Naron, who has committed to Texas A&M.
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