High school football: Cottonwood puts its title hopes on the (offensive) line

Quarterbacks, receivers and running backs get all the glory, but anyone familiar with the success of a football team knows the game is won or lost up front by the offensive line. That suits Cottonwood just fine.

"We have a great line," said Colts All-American right guard John Martinez. "We all work together to either protect the quarterback or open up holes for Isi (Sofele). We have been getting better all season, so hopefully we will play our best game this week."

The Colts are undefeated at 13-0 and get a shot Friday at 2:30 p.m. at Rice-Eccles Stadium for their first state championship in school history when they face Timpview. For Cottonwood to upset the two-time defending 4A state champion Thunderbirds, the O-line will have to be on top of its game.

"We know they have a good defensive line and that we will have to play well," said left tackle Percy Taumoelau. "We will be ready for them. We are working hard and coach has done a good job teaching us what we need to do."

Cottonwood coach Cecil Thomas loves working with his "big uglies" on the line. After all, he was one of them at the University of Utah in the early '90s and enjoys passing on some of his experience.

"Absolutely, it is the most fun thing to coach," Thomas said. "I wouldn't have it any other way. They are the heart and soul of a team. We have some pretty good players this season, and they have done a good job helping the others."

Martinez has garnered most of the attention for the unit. He is being recruited by all of the biggest college football powers and just recently returned home from a trip to LSU.

"It was a lot of fun," said Martinez, who is still undecided where he wants to play next season. "They really take care of you, and they have a great program and tradition."

Taumoelau is being heavily recruited as well and has trips planned to Hawaii and Arkansas after the season ends this week. Those two seniors are joined with juniors Taani Fisilau, Steve Nguatavai and Blaine Rangasan to form the core for the offensive attack. It is a group that has improved throughout the season both on the field and off.

"We all get together every weekend at my house and play PS3 (PlayStation 3)," said Martinez, who admitted he always loses at the Madden football games that go on when gathered. "We have gotten a lot closer together and we are brothers now. We are one group and go out to battle for each other every week."

It is the bonding that Taumoelau points to in making the unit one of the best, and has allowed them to advance to the cusp of a title.

"We all know exactly what the other guy is going to do because we are so tight," he said. "It is like one big family. I think that is the biggest difference on the team this year is that we all know that we are playing for our brothers. We don't want to let them down, so we go out and give it our all on every play."

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E-mail: mblack@desnews.com