Up Close and Personal
158-41, that’s how many points the Indians have outscored opponents by in five games this season. Here are some more numbers: 12.5, 8, 8.3. In order; the number of yards Trey Burton averages per pass attempt; the number of yards Dri Archer averages per carry; the number of yards Venice’s offense has averaged on 248 plays.
Numbers are pretty impressive, and most of the glory and recognition goes to the people who wind up in the end zone. The Indians potent offense wouldn’t be this potent however, without the blocking and protection from the big guys up front, and boy are they big. 6’5 – 297lbs, 6’5 – 302lbs, 6’1 – 264lbs, 6’1 – 262lbs, 6’1 – 247lbs, 6’ – 215lbs. These are the heights and weights of what can easily be considered the biggest line Venice has seen.
Mike Lopez: 6’5 – 297
While Lopez stands at 6’5, 297, he has trimmed down considerably from last season. He weighed in at a hefty 350lbs. Early morning running, working out on days off, and a better diet, have all contributed to his transformation. Besides the bet that he and Coach Peacock had to see who would lose more weight over the summer, something finally clicked for Lopez. He realized in order to get better and be able to play at the next level he would have to drop a considerable amount of weight. The bet: Steak dinner at Outback, Coach Peacock paid.
Kyle Gilbert: 6’1 - 262
Another person who put in a lot of time to improve is Kyle Gilbert. Gilbert, who you could easily call a goofball, realized it was time to get serious. His hard work has paid off tremendously. He is now starting at guard, and improves each week.
Brian O’Leary: 6’1 – 264
The biggest question going into the season was, who is going to start at center? The loss of Brock Rydecki to graduation was a blow to the offensive line. Rydecki was Mr. Consistency, as he rarely missed a snap. Stepping in is junior Brian O’Leary, who has done a stand-up job thus far. He his still a work in progress, but has proved to get better with each passing week.
Billy Howe: 6’ – 215
Perhaps the lightest of the bunch is senior Billy Howe. Only 215lbs, he’s proven that even the small guy can hold his own.
Billy Nagle: 6’5 – 302 Joe Barone: 6’1 – 243
Battling it out for the other tackle position is Billy Nagle who started last season, and fellow senior Joe Barone. Joe has proven he can get the job done, and has given Nagle some competition. Last season Joe injured his ankle and was out for most of the year. This year he said he wants to take full advantage of his senior year. He goes out to practice everyday with the mentality that this could be his last opportunity. This has pushed him to give maximum effort, and why he has earned a starting spot. They will continue to push each other towards improving, and it will be interesting to see how the position plays out for the duration of the season.
They say that defense wins championships, and the best defense is a good offense. Whatever saying you like best, remember, that the key to success depends upon how well the offensive line does.
Venice plays Port Charlotte tonight. The Indians haven’t won their homecoming in at least four years and are going to try something new by posting a W. Their record against the Pirates has been pretty good over the years, but they should not overlook or underestimate their opponent tonight. Look for the Indians to come back fired-up after two weeks on the road. The Venice High Alumni shouldn’t be disappointed this time around.
158-41, that’s how many points the Indians have outscored opponents by in five games this season. Here are some more numbers: 12.5, 8, 8.3. In order; the number of yards Trey Burton averages per pass attempt; the number of yards Dri Archer averages per carry; the number of yards Venice’s offense has averaged on 248 plays.
Numbers are pretty impressive, and most of the glory and recognition goes to the people who wind up in the end zone. The Indians potent offense wouldn’t be this potent however, without the blocking and protection from the big guys up front, and boy are they big. 6’5 – 297lbs, 6’5 – 302lbs, 6’1 – 264lbs, 6’1 – 262lbs, 6’1 – 247lbs, 6’ – 215lbs. These are the heights and weights of what can easily be considered the biggest line Venice has seen.
Mike Lopez: 6’5 – 297
While Lopez stands at 6’5, 297, he has trimmed down considerably from last season. He weighed in at a hefty 350lbs. Early morning running, working out on days off, and a better diet, have all contributed to his transformation. Besides the bet that he and Coach Peacock had to see who would lose more weight over the summer, something finally clicked for Lopez. He realized in order to get better and be able to play at the next level he would have to drop a considerable amount of weight. The bet: Steak dinner at Outback, Coach Peacock paid.
Kyle Gilbert: 6’1 - 262
Another person who put in a lot of time to improve is Kyle Gilbert. Gilbert, who you could easily call a goofball, realized it was time to get serious. His hard work has paid off tremendously. He is now starting at guard, and improves each week.
Brian O’Leary: 6’1 – 264
The biggest question going into the season was, who is going to start at center? The loss of Brock Rydecki to graduation was a blow to the offensive line. Rydecki was Mr. Consistency, as he rarely missed a snap. Stepping in is junior Brian O’Leary, who has done a stand-up job thus far. He his still a work in progress, but has proved to get better with each passing week.
Billy Howe: 6’ – 215
Perhaps the lightest of the bunch is senior Billy Howe. Only 215lbs, he’s proven that even the small guy can hold his own.
Billy Nagle: 6’5 – 302 Joe Barone: 6’1 – 243
Battling it out for the other tackle position is Billy Nagle who started last season, and fellow senior Joe Barone. Joe has proven he can get the job done, and has given Nagle some competition. Last season Joe injured his ankle and was out for most of the year. This year he said he wants to take full advantage of his senior year. He goes out to practice everyday with the mentality that this could be his last opportunity. This has pushed him to give maximum effort, and why he has earned a starting spot. They will continue to push each other towards improving, and it will be interesting to see how the position plays out for the duration of the season.
They say that defense wins championships, and the best defense is a good offense. Whatever saying you like best, remember, that the key to success depends upon how well the offensive line does.
Venice plays Port Charlotte tonight. The Indians haven’t won their homecoming in at least four years and are going to try something new by posting a W. Their record against the Pirates has been pretty good over the years, but they should not overlook or underestimate their opponent tonight. Look for the Indians to come back fired-up after two weeks on the road. The Venice High Alumni shouldn’t be disappointed this time around.
