Countdown to kickoff: Experience, stability up front helps Hornets put winning at top of menu

MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — Breakfast may be served. That solely depends on how well the Brown County offensive line performs.

Hornets quarterback Tate Fullerton enjoys the utmost confidence in his protection, admitting he feels comfortable in the pocket and doesn’t have to worry about “whether I’m going to get hit or not.”

If he avoids being hit and keeps his jersey clean, Fullerton might even treat the linemen to a tasty reward.

He’ll consider buying them breakfast.

“I have to keep them well fed,” Fullerton said. “Keep them big up there.”

With the stable of athletic skill position players the Hornets return, a stout offensive line is necessary. Although Brown County seems to lack prototypical size up front, it has versatile linemen who use their quickness and savvy as much as their brawn.

“Knowing the kind of talent the skill players have and how well we’re coached, it’s not too much pressure,” said senior guard Mason Henry, one of five seniors along the line. “All we have to do is do what we’ve been taught and do it right.”

That’s to be aggressive, powerful and in control, something this group proved capable of doing during the COVID-shortened spring season when the Hornets went 4-2.

No one questions whether they can do it again.

“I have all the faith in the world in those guys up front,” junior running back Colby Wort said. “If I have to go through hell, I’ll have them by my side.”

It’s because they share the same mentality. Henry flanks center Marcus Perry with guard Jake Laning on the opposite side. Gabe Blakeley and Ethan Leone will be on the ends.

“We’re all committed to winning,” Henry said.

The same goes for senior running backs Ezra Keokham and Brody Woodward and sophomore Cole Behymer. Those four running backs combined to rush for more than 1,200 yards and 20 touchdowns in the spring.

“Honestly, teammate chemistry is the drive to win,” Henry said. “At the end of the day, if we are all committed to winning, want to win and use our talent to do it, we can accomplish anything.”

Brown County coach Tom Little sees that camaraderie growing, especially among the linemen.

“We have guys who got to play some important quarters in the spring, and they’re ready to take that experience and run with it,” Little said. “The more they get used to gelling with each other, the better we’re going to be.”

Fullerton helps make everyone around him better, too.

“He understands what we’re trying to do,” Little said. “Being around football forever helps. Since he’s been born, he’s been with us. I just think he understands what we’re looking for and he understands our demeanor as coaches. If we have fun, we’re going to win.

“He kind of brings the essence of what we as coaches want the team to be. I think he’s a big attribute for us on the field.”

It extends off the field, too. Fullerton’s approach to the on-going concerns over masks in schools and at sporting events is a good blueprint for his teammates to follow. He knows what is taking place but doesn’t dwell on decisions beyond his control.

“We do things at our own pace and don’t worry about all the things going on around us,” Fullerton said.

The Hornets can’t fret over school board decisions. They have to prepare for August 27 and the season opener at Calhoun, and they have to be committed to being on the same page.

Success — and breakfast — depend on it.

“At the end of the day, we just want to win,” Henry said.