Photo

Photo by: Vindicator file photo

Black River running back Zach Marror (28) is tackled by a Girard defender as James Cupan (33) of the Indians comes in to help. Girard plays Norwayne on Saturday night in the Division IV, Region 13 championship game.

By Matthew Peaslee

mpeaslee@vindy.com

GIRARD

Prior to the season, Girard coach Nick Cochran said that the Indians would have to rely on the leadership of 19 seniors in order for the year to be a success.

In early August, there wasn’t any.

“We were a little worried coming into the season because none of the seniors were really stepping up,” said Ahmad Eggleston, a senior himself.

But, a 49-14 drubbing of Akron Manchester on the road set the tone for seven straight wins and the evolvement of that sought-after senior leadership.

“After that game, we gained a lot of confidence,” Eggleston said. “All the starters just came together and took it upon ourselves.”

Then, the offense took off running — literally.

Eggleston has totaled 1,660 rushing yards in an offense that averages 44.6 points per game. A two-year starter, he first saw varsity action as a sophomore on spare occasions. Growing into the position was necessary for Girard to reach the heights it has, this season.

“He’s played well, he’s a gamer,” Cochran said. “He’s got to trust himself, he’s got to hit the windows — if he hits the windows and trusts it — he can get through it.”

That’s been the biggest part of his development.

“I’ve read my blocks better, for sure,” Eggleston says. “When I just follow my line, I’ve been able to get in the end zone more.”

To be exact, 34 times.

Even with a backfield that touts Eggleston, a gun-slinging and fleet-footed quarterback in Dan Graziano and in the flat, a speedy receiver in Branden Byrd — the weapons need help. And for the Indians, that comes with the offensive line.

“You’re not going to put up 400 yards without a good offensive line,” Cochran said. “We’re only going as far as our offensive line is going to take us.”

Alex Walp, Bradon Martuccio, Eric Augustine, Joey Buonovolanta and Josh Danko had all seen a bulk of playing time on the OL over the past couple of years. Gelling together took some time, but chemistry emerged when working together.

“Everybody on the line has come into their own,” Walp said. “It’s a great feeling to accomplish what we’ve accomplished this year.”

And, putting up big numbers on a consistent basis has been the ideal pat on the back.

“Seeing how well [the offense] has done and knowing that we’re partly responsible for it is really great,” Walp said. “We’ve really tried to get everything down pat and the line has become the leaders that they need to be.”

Yes, it all has come back down to leadership for the Indians.

“Throughout this season, everybody has really stepped it up,” Eggleston said. “On both sides of the ball, it’s been different than at the start because how we have grown as a team and family.”

A family that stays — and wins — together.