The game of football is known for series’ of flashy play design and stat padding material covered throughout the media.
However, linemen are arguably the most important piece to the football puzzle by setting up other position players for success while battling it out in the trenches.
In order to give credit where it’s due, Press Pass Sports provides the Texas Panhandle’s Top 11 offensive and defensive linemen for 2019.
LB Moore, Tascosa, Sr. DL
Tascosa’s LB Moore is an incredible defensive talent for the Rebels. As a junior, Moore lit up the stat column with 147 tackles and 14 sacks in an incredible playoff run in 2018. The Texas Tech commit will be a notable lineman to be on the lookout for this season. He shouldn’t be hard to see, as Moore stands 6-foot-4, 230 pounds.
Tascosa Rebel defensive end LB Moore is poised for an incredible 2019. [John Moore/Press Pass Sports]
John Perriman, White Deer, Sr. DL
In 13 games in 2018, John Perriman of White Deer recorded an exceptional stat column for a class 1A Bucks team. Perriman recorded 91 tackles, 36 solo tackles, seven sacks, and every defensive linemen’s dream, TWO interceptions. With a returning championship team like McLean, the senior, Perriman, will be one to watch in a hard-nosed district 1-1A Division I.
Daniel Byers, Panhandle, Sr. OL-DL
The Panhandle Panthers bounce right back into 2019 after a lengthy playoff run to the state quarterfinals one year ago. Leading the charge upfront for the Panthers, is all-state offensive lineman Daniel Byers. The senior lineman returns for the 2019 season carrying with him an 87% grade, 35 pancakes, 20 knockdowns, and only three sacks allowed in 2018.
Returning class 2A all-state offensive lineman Daniel Byers looks for another standout season for the Panhandle Panthers in 2019. [Provided Photo.]
Jeff Jackson, Amarillo High, Sr. OL
Sandie football and wrestling standout Jeff Jackson is ready for another great year for coach Chad Dunnam’s Amarillo High offense. Jackson, who is a three-time state qualifier to the UIL state wrestling meet is also a significant returner to a solid Sandie offensive unit. Jackson’s experience and toughness will heed useful to the Amarillo High front line.
Amarillo High senior offensive lineman Jeff Jackson looks to make a significant impact in 2019. [John Moore/Press Pass Sports]
Saul Escamilla, Canadian, Sr. OL-DL
Escamilla steps up to a starting position for Canadian after a significant role-playing season in 2018. However, this season, Escamilla will take charge upfront in the Wildcats’ widely-known fast paced offensive attack. The returning Escamilla is posed for a breakout year on the defensive side of the ball as well. Canadian head coach Chris Koetting said, “Escamilla is physical, tough, and just mean.”
Canadian senior two-way lineman Saul Escamilla will be a standout interior player to watch in 2019. [Provided Photo]
Brandon Gonzalez, Tascosa, Sr. OL
After an incredible playoff run in 2018. The Tascosa Rebels return not only LB Moore and stand out option quarterback Joseph Plunk, offensively, the Rebs return senior offensive lineman Brandon Gonzalez. Gonzales will be to leader of a beastly Tascosa front. As a junior, the 6-foot-2, 290 pound Gonzalez graded out at 93%.
John Michael Holcomb, Wellington, Sr. DL
Wellington standout and Texas Tech commit John Michael Holcomb is known for his incredible stature at the tight-end spot. However, the 6-foot-5, 215 pound athlete is capable of wreaking havoc to offensive linemen at the defensive end position. As a junior, Holcomb totaled 114 tackles and 13.5 sacks, leading his team to a state semi-final appearance.
Wellington senior and Texas Tech commit John Michael Holcomb is poised for another standout season at defensive end. [Provided Photo]
Jaden Massey Dalhart, Sr. DL
The massive Massey of Dalhart will be a key returner for the Golden Wolves in 2019. The 6-foot-1, 330 pound senior recorded 30 tackles, six solo tackles, two tackles for loss, six quarterback hurries, and two pass breakups. Not only is the returning nose-tackle a truck upfront–Massey is incredibly strong in the weight room, adding to the senior’s arsenal. Massey benches 455 pounds, squats 720, and dead lifts 530.
Dalhart’s senior nose-tackle Jaden Massey aims to run over anything in his way upfront for the 2019 season. [Provided Photo]
Gavien Gabehart, Dumas, Sr. OL
The Dumas Demons have a returning center for 2019 whose stats coincide with his accolades. Gavien Gabehart controls the Dumas front. Last season, Gabehart earned all-district honors recording a 90% grade, 33 pancakes, 50 knockdowns, and only four sacks allowed. Gabehart is poised for another standout year for the Demons’ tough offensive scheme.
Dumas senior offensive lineman Gavien Gabehart returns to 2019 as an all-district honoree. [Provided Photo]
Berrian Lopez, Vega, Sr. OL-DL
Lopez aims to add to an outstanding junior year performance from last year’s Longhorn squad. The 6-foot-3, 265 pound lineman accumulated a 92% grade with 15 pancakes. When he’s not protecting and opening gaps for Vega’s dual-threat quarterback Carson Kirkland, Lopez terrorizes opposing offensive units. In 2018, the junior had 45 tackles, two sacks, five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and eight quarterback pressures.
Vega’s senior two-way starter Berrian Lopez returns to 2019 after an outstanding 2018 performance for the Longhorns. [Provided Photo]
Chris Galaviz, Caprock, Sr. OL
Galaviz returns for his third consecutive varsity season as an offensive lineman for the Longhorns. In addition to tremendous quickness and technique, the small in stature 5-foot-7, 235 pound “big-man” is incredibly intelligent. Galaviz is an honor roll student at Caprock who uses his brains on the field by identifying the defensive scheme and front. The three-year starter will be one to watch in district play.
