Holding the Line
Logan Manke and Elijah Freeman have plenty in common.
Both are third-year starters on Freeport's offensive line this season. Both are the only starters returning to the Yellowjackets' offense.
Manke, a 235-pound senior, is moving from guard to center. Freeman, a 190-pound junior, is entering his third year at right guard.
“We know we have to be leaders and we'll handle that role when need be,” Manke said. “But these guys all work hard. Everyone takes care of his own.”
While Freeman agreed, he doesn't mind adding some insurance to the younger players' development.
“If somebody doesn't understand something or makes a mistake, we'll coach 'em up,” Freeman said.
Freeport coach John Gaillot said Manke and Freeman have been playing alongside each other for quite a while.
The only person separating them was Garrett Ben, the Yellowjackets' previous starting center who graduated this year.
“Logan's moving to center and he's a natural for that position,” Gaillot said. “He's a vocal player. He'll shout out the line calls. You can hear him doing it right now (during practice).
“He and Elijah bring the experience. They're very confident players. Even though we lost a lot of seniors from last year, they have high expectations.”
Manke played center in youth football. While Freeport runs most of its plays from shotgun formation, he snapped the ball in the shotgun at the youth level as well.
“The only adjustment I have to make is handling the snap, then block as opposed to getting down in a three-point stance,” Manke said. “But I'm not a stranger to it.
“Garrett was an outstanding center here. I picked up a lot from watching him.”
Manke and Freeman have both picked up confidence from watching their teammates perform at the skilled positions as well.
“Those guys are so fast,” Freeman said. “They haven't been dropping many passes, either.”
“We've had some great players at the skilled positions in recent years and those guys are going to keep up that tradition,” Manke said. “We just need to do our job and give them time to do their thing.”
Besides anchoring the line, this duo has no individual goals.
Team goals are another story.
“Win as many games as we can and go as far as we can,” Freeman said.
