As opposing defensive linemen face off with the Frontier Regional School offense, many see what appears to be a mismatch.
The Red Hawk offensive line features four players with above-average size, some weighing over 300 pounds.
Standing alongside them at guard is Andrew Logan. The 160-pound senior is the only Frontier lineman that checks in under 200 pounds.
Opponents may think they can overpower him, but that sentiment doesn’t last long. They quickly find out he may be the strongest, and best, player on what is a loaded Red Hawk offensive line.
“I love the line,” Logan said. “Some people look at me and considering we have linemen that are 340 (pounds) and they see me at 160 and they’re like ‘Oh, must just be an extra guy they had to throw in there.’ I like to send it back at them and show them I’m not afraid to hit.”
Logan made the move to the line his sophomore year. He was a backup tight end at the time, but when a spot opened up at guard, he plugged the gap and found success.
Since then, he’s been the team’s starting guard, enjoying the selflessness that the position offers.
“You just have to take it and give it all to your team,” Logan said. “The team needs me in that position, so I play it.”
As a smaller guy on the line, Logan made sure to train particularly hard in the offseason.
He didn’t bulk up weight-wise, but after working out and lifting twice a day, he added more muscle to help him battle in the trenches.
“I actually lost weight because I was working out a lot,” Logan said. “I’d work out in the morning and in the afternoon. I ended up losing weight but gaining size in muscle. I do feel stronger and more confident in hitting bigger guys and keeping my blocks.”
Logan was named a captain this season, one of three on the Frontier roster.
In true lineman fashion, his leadership is shown through a constant selfless sensibility, willing to do whatever it takes to get a victory on Friday nights.
“We don’t let it get to us,” Logan said of linemen not getting recognition. “Our running backs, especially Ito [McMillan], are very good on giving credit. He’ll say that he wouldn’t get anywhere without us blocking for him. Even though the headlines don’t put it out there, the running backs are very good at showing their love about it. It’s real good team bonding.”
The Red Hawks have won three games in a row after dropping their opener to Belchertown, with the ground attack being the main reason for the team’s success.
In all three wins, McMillan went over the 100-yard mark on the ground, averaging an impressive 10.9 yards per carry.
Battering-ram fullback Alec Kirkendall has five rushing touchdowns during the win streak, running behind Logan & Co.
“Our offense is very downhill, very close quarters,” Logan said. “Stuff we like to see and practice for all year … something other teams aren’t used to, a compact offense. That helps us.”
Like most guards, Logan’s favorite thing to do is pull.
With the Frontier offense running so many sweeps, it gives him an opportunity to get in space and take on guys his own size with a head of steam.
“I love pulling,” Logan said. “It gives you a nice break away from the big linemen up front and then you can get to the (line)backers and stuff like that. I like making the holes for Ito and the guys. I love pulling for Ito. I really do. He likes following me up the hole and when I make contact he likes going out and going off that.”
With Logan and the dominant offensive line leading the way, the Red Hawks take to the road tonight for a key Intercounty League North battle against Greenfield at Vets Field.