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Schools

The Engine of the Offense

The run game is good because of a great offensive line.

"Our run game is strong, we have lots of talent at offensive line," - head coach Jared Davis.

Strong is one way of putting it. Ferocious is another way.

In just four games, the Cougars have put up 835 yards rushing on 127 attempts. They average 167 rushing yards a game and have scored 10 rushing touchdowns. Most of that is on the legs of Diomi Roberts, who is 15th in the state in rushing yards, and 19th in the state in attempts (68).

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Any coach or running back will tell you, none of this happens without tremendous effort from an offensive line.

So, let's meet the Cougars linemen.

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Starting at left tackle is senior Jeff Albert. Albert is the only senior on the line and not coincidentally, the biggest.

Height/Weight?

6 foot 5 inches/305 pounds

Bench press/squat?

280 pounds/420 pounds

What was the defining moment of your career thus far?

Starting my whole junior year and going undefeated through the regular season.

Favorite thing about playing offensive line?

When a defense talks smack and then they are silent.

Favorite thing about playing for the Cougars?

The brotherhood. Players from five years ago come back here and they treat me like their son.

What is the best part of your game?

Pass protection.

Junior Zach Rosinski starts at left guard along with junior Austin McConnel. Rosinski recently transferred from St. Thomas Aquinas and is a welcome addition

Height/Weight?

6 feet 2 inches/240 pounds

Bench press/squat?

315/415 pounds

What was the defining moment of your career thus far?

When I transferred to Countryside.

Favorite thing about playing offensive line?

The opportunity to hit someone on every play.

Favorite thing about playing for the Cougars?

Since I got here, they've made me feel like family.

What is the best part of your game?

Pulling.

In the center of the line is junior Austin Podurgiel.

Height/Weight?

6 feet 1 inch/230 pounds

Bench press/squat?

260/350 pounds

What was the defining moment of your career thus far?

Starting on the offensive line my junior year.

Favorite thing about playing offensive line?

Hitting someone on every play.

Favorite thing about playing for the Cougars?

Family. Tradition.

What is the best part of your game?

Using my brain.

At right guard is junior Brandon Pertile. Pertile shares the position with junior Zach Rosinski. Pertile and Albert can't decide who is bigger.

Height/Weight?

6 foot 5 inches/280 pounds

Bench press/squat?

240/350 pounds

What was the defining moment of your career thus far?

Grinding out teams where we were underdogs like the East Lake and Largo games.

Favorite thing about playing offensive line?

The team is on your back. You create the plays.

Favorite thing about playing for the Cougars?

Tradition. Countryside is all family.

What is the best part of your game?

Agressiveness. I love hitting people.

Rounding out the starting front at right tackle is junior Jake Smith.

Height/Weight?

6 foot 2 inches/230 pounds

Bench press/squat?

240/350 pounds

What was the defining moment of your career thus far?

Starting as a junior on the offensive line.

Favorite thing about playing offensive line?

That smashmouth mentality.

Favorite thing about playing for the Cougars?

I've had the same coach since little league in Ray Schroeder

What is the best part of your game?

My quickness and form.

Junior Ernesto Vaughan and sophomore Giovanni Negron also play significantly on the offensive line. They are both listed at tackles but could play most anywhere on the line. Both linemen are recent call-ups to Varisty. Both have that same Cougar mentality.

Expect great things from this group, into November and potentially beyond.

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