Published: November 06, 2009 12:32 am      

Senior linemen are the building blocks for Devils

BISMARCK — Even though it is an old adage in football that the team that controls the line wins the game, linemen are often unsung heroes in a team’s success.

This is especially true of offensive lineman, but in the case of Bismarck-Henning seniors Derek Davis, Cody Longest and Luke Thornsborough, their contributions to the Blue Devils’ success have been anything but unnoticed.

Case in point is last week’s opening round play-off win over Staunton.

“They were a very big team that tried to shut down our running game,” said Blue Devils coach Mark Dodd. “We are a running team and didn’t have the greatest day on the ground but the guys made adjustments to what they were facing and did what they needed to do to give us a chance to win the game through the air.”

On the eve of their first home playoff game, the three players looked back on their first two seasons of junior varsity play and saw the 0-18 start to their prep careers as a test and a definite learning experience.

At 190 pounds, Thornsborough is the smallest of the group.

“I started as a fullback, he said. “Then I moved to lineman in the ninth grade.”

Dodd first coached Thornsborough in the eighth grade.

“Luke has really sacrificed himself for the good of the program because he would have probably been a good fullback,” Dodd said. “In fact, in some spot time this year, he has scored three touchdowns.

“Every Monday we laugh and smile about the opponents being bigger than Luke because all of them have been. We had to move him to guard out of necessity and he got into the weight room, worked hard, and made all conference this season.

“In 16 years of coaching he is one of the quickest guards I have ever coached and when you’re quick and tough you don’t have to be the biggest guy around.”

Friends on and off the field the three agreed that playing together last year was the foundation for this seasons success. At 215 pounds, Davis is the largest member of the trio.

“After those difficult first two years Derek wasn’t even sure he wanted to continue to play football,” Dodd said. “He is a testament that hard work can take you a long way in this game. He dedicated himself, found his niche, and has been a starter for two years at left tackle.”

Longest was special mention for the all-conference team.

“Cody really is an awesome story,” said Dodd. “He has improved so much during his time on the team. It shows what kind of kid he is that when faced with competition for his job he chose to work twice as hard.”

The three described last week’s win over Staunton as awesome and one of their most exciting experiences ever. They are all looking for that excitement to continue this week and would like to continue playing football in college.

“These are three great kids that come from great families who have given them a lot of support,” Dodd said. “I have enjoyed being their coach.”