With an attitude like the ‘Hogs’ of the old 1980’s Washington Redskins fame, the offensive line of the Baldwin Braves is a major reason, for the success of this years run into the state playoffs.

When watching this team of offensive linemen, it makes you wonder if there is another Anthony Munoz, Jonathan Ogden, Art Schell, John Hannah or even the nastiness of Dan Dierdorf among them.

“When I go out there in practice and in games, I know these guys are the ones I want to be on my side,” said senior center Galvin Myrick.

Myrick is a three-year starter who helps anchor this years version of the ‘Hogs.”

When one thinks of the offensive line, most people think of big, heavy, sometimes fat, monstrous looking guys who could shut down any restaurant and its’ buffet line. This bunch of young men don’t show those signs of obesity — but appear just the opposite as fit, muscular players because of the training from offensive line coach Clay McClendon and strength and conditioning coach Ryan “Maz” Maraziti.

“We think of coach Mac as another father figure just like we do coach Hicks. He gets us ready each week and always is in our corner,” said junior left tackle and second year starter Ryan Adams.

Along with Adams and Myrick, the Braves O-line consists of senior left guard Jadarius Dean (a two-year starter), senior tight end Craig Washington (a first year starter), junior right guard Antraun Grable (a first year starter) and junior right tackle Linton Latimore (a two-year starter).

“Maz not only got us in shape in the weight room but he has us running, and that has gotten our stamina and endurance to a level that allows us to be able to go above and beyond what any other team may see,” said Myrick.

This group has affectionately become known as the “Got One” group. On the football field, on any Friday night, if you listen very closely can hear one of the guys yelling, “Got one,” meaning they have just either had a “pancake” block or just executed a perfect block on their opponent.

It began in the Troup County game when one of the Troup defensive lineman, who is a Division 1 recruit, had some disparaging remarks about the less than “weighted” Baldwin lineman. The Braves players made it their mission to not only win the game but to prove that they can play with anyone, on any level, at any classification, and leave the opponent knowing they had been pushed to the limit.

And against this Troup recruit the “Got One” crew was born. It has continued throughout the year and will continue as the Braves push toward an ultimate goal of a berth in the Georgia Dome for the AAA state title game.

“We have to practice every day against one of the best defenses in the state. And when you practice against the best, it only makes you better,” said Latimore.

When talking to the starting front six they each could not say enough of the continuity between their sophomore quarterback’s DeAndre Thomas and Rashaun Milline.

Myrick, as the center, has been taking snaps from both of them and stated that he is comfortable no matter who he is snapping the ball to.

The linemen all said they are happy to see each running back have a great outing with them as their anchor — but with laughter involved, the other five stated, on those runs, it was Adams who was trying to beat the running backs to the end zone.