[Buckskin86]

Time for the Jimmy Cordle thread to get a bump

Cordle helping Lancaster put up some impressive rushing numbers on a strong offensive line unit at Lancaster

LANCASTER -- Lancaster football fans couldn't be blamed for bemoaning a futile four-play series in the season opener at Logan.

Goal-line stands have happened before, but they weren't supposed to happen like that for the Golden Gales. It came at the goal-line. In the fourth quarter. Against Lancaster and its massive offensive line, regarded by many fans locally and statewide as one of the best units in Ohio.

The Gales couldn't score on four tries from inches out, and even though the defense made big plays to precipitate a game-winning field-goal in a 24-21 victory, the offensive line hasn't forgotten that night. Nor have they forgotten that it got worse before it's gotten better.

Much better.

Lancaster has won three straight games and takes a 5-1 record into Friday's Ohio Capital Conference Ohio Division game at 0-6 Groveport. The rushing numbers aren't bad, either -- 1,651 yards this season, on pace for nearly 2,800 in the regular-season.

The high-water mark was a 391-yard pasting of Pickerington Central two weeks ago, the same game in which Lancaster averaged a season-best 7.8 yards per carry

"That goal-line stand was about as low as it's been for us and the Jackson game wasn't much better," said senior guard Jim Cordle, a verbal commitment to Ohio State. "We got back to basics. We've been practicing hard and focusing on every series."

Most in the know agreed the season hit its low point in week two, a 29-10 loss to Massillon Jackson. Lancaster rebounded with an equally impressive victory, 24-15 at Grove City.

"We weren't big-headed coming into the season, but we just didn't click," senior tackle Shawn Fosnaugh said. "It's all about intensity. We have to go hard for the team to do well."

Lancaster justly takes pride in the numbers, though offensive coordinator and line coach Tony Albertini is quick to caution there's no end to improving on fundamentals.

A minimum of substitution has helped. Cordle and A.J. Mallory have stayed at guard, Tommy Stuck has played nearly every snap at center with Fosnaugh and Joe Palmer at the tackles.

As the backs credit the line for their improvement, the line credits the backs for running harder and helping open their own holes.

"Everyone has taken the load on their shoulders," Albertini said. "Those backs aren't rookies anymore. They're experienced. That's been especially important."