In football, both the offensive and defensive lines are the ultimate key to success for a team. If a team is stout on the lines, chances are that squad will have more wins than losses at the end of the season.
That will hopefully be the case for the Greenbrier East Spartans after game 10 this year, in part because of the centerpiece they have built around on the offensive line, senior Jacob Wickline.
East celebrated their seniors before the game with the RCB Eagles on Sept. 10 in case the coronavirus interrupts the true senior night later in the year.
Wickline has come a long way since his White Sulphur Springs Falcons days when he started playing football as an 8-year old. He is now a 6-foot-five inch, 275-pound offensive tackle and defensive lineman that not only draws the attention of his own coaches, but college coaches as well.
“I didn’t really realize I might end up with college opportunities until I started to really grow and mature physically as a sophomore and junior,” Wickline said.
And mature he has.
According to Wickline, he holds offers from Central Michigan and Columbia, among others, but he lists no favorites at this time.
More offers are sure to come as Wickline continues to develop his leadership qualities.
“I’ve always felt I need to lead but this year I really had to turn it up being a senior,” he said.
East has had a lot of success early in the year running the football with Ian Cline leading the way with 320 yards through three games and quarterback Monquelle Davis also putting up good numbers. Wickline attributes that to the mentality of how his position group and teammates approach each and every day.
“We approach every practice one at a time and every game one at a time,” Wickline explained.
“As a line we always say we’re the best in the state. We always go out to prove that’s what we are and help Cline be the best he can be,” he said.
With just seven games remaining and his senior season moving quickly, Wickline has a couple of goals he would like to see happen before his time on Spartan field concludes.
“Personally, I want to go out and give it everything I have with my brothers every chance I get. As a team we always are looking at getting that state championship,” Wickline said.
Fan attendance at the Robert C. Byrd game was massive, and Wickline and his teammates hope to continue to see that each week after such a tumultuous Covid filled 2020 campaign.
“To the fans, thank you. We couldn’t do it without y’all, and we want to see as many of you as possible every week. Go Spartans!” Wickline exclaimed.
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