Coach's Corner: Up front with the Spartans' O-line

The forgotten five. The unsung heroes. The men in the trenches. The great protectors. Or even sometimes, more ingloriously, called "the hogs" or "the big uglies."

All of these have been used at one time or another to describe the proud and the few that choose to play on football's offensive line. But whatever moniker you choose to go with, it is always understood by those who know the game that these football warriors are among the most important players on the field, and naturally the ones who get the least notoriety.

In fact, usually the only time the average fan knows their name is if a penalty is called on them. So it isn't likely that high school football coaches have tons of kids raising their hands when looking for volunteers to play the position.

Nobody knows that better than Glenbrook North head football coach Matt Purdy, who has "O-line blood" flowing through just about every vein in his body.

He played there all four years in high school, then was a three-year starter and all Big 10 lineman for the University of Iowa. He even had a little NFL experience with the Philadelphia Eagles. All before spending the last 25 years coaching the offensive line for the Spartans!

That is a whole lot of time in the trenches as they say.

"I love it," Purdy said. "I enjoy teaching the skills that I learned, and always enjoy working with the guys who like to play on the line. Even when I became head coach three years ago, I decided I would still continue to coach the offensive line."

So, whom has Purdy chosen to protect some of the best and brightest in the green and gold backfield?

Meet Nate Glazebrook, Max Mulvihill, Pat Mahoney, Brian Clinkunbroomer, and Nate McGinnis. It is a solid mix of experience and youth, with two seniors, two juniors and one sophomore, three of them having experience as starters after last year's abbreviated spring season.

"I like this group," said Purdy. "I think they have a lot of potential. We have to see how they perform in game situations, but they are starting to develop a camaraderie and starting to work together as a unit. My philosophy with them is to play with pride and play with aggressiveness.

"One of our longtime team mottos for the line is finishing nasty," Purdy added.

A mantra to play through the defender, not to the defender. In layman's terms, instead of waiting to be hit, be the one to deliver the hit and do it with physicality.

Here is a closer look at the five upfront, who will mire much of the season in obscurity, but no question will be a key to the Spartan success.

Left Tackle: Senior Nate Glazebrook, 6'1, 225 pounds. The leader of the group, he is a team captain and three-year starter, earning a spot even as a sophomore. A talented three-sport athlete, he wrestles in the winter and is just crazy enough to play the most dangerous position in all of sport as the goalie for the Spartan lacrosse team in the spring.

A bit undersized for left tackle spot, he makes up for it with athleticism, great technical skills and just a little bit of that "nasty" coach was talking about. You will see Glazebrook play some linebacker on defense as well.

Side note: Definitely wants to play at the next level and is a prime candidate to play at the high DII or DIII level.

Left Guard: Junior Max Mulvihill, 6'3, 245 pounds. He Was thrust into a surprise starting role last year as a sophomore after playing freshman ball his first year. He played right guard, but then moved over to the left this year to team with Glazebrook for a power left side.

He's a smart player with a very cerebral approach, as well as a big, strong, physical kid who is quiet but works hard and keeps developing. He also plays baseball.

Side note: His older brother Murphy is the starting quarterback, so if he doesn't protect the QB you can be sure he will hear about it at home.

Center: Junior Pat Mahoney, 6'2, 200 pounds. He started at center as a sophomore, which is very rare. He has tremendous knowledge of the game and is an outstanding communicator. He handles all the calls at the line.

He's a coachable, smart, disciplined kid with classic center skills, and he has a chance to be one of the best Purdy has ever coached at that position.

Mahoney also plays baseball in the spring.

Side note: He comes from good stock. Dad Pat is longtime sports icon in the area as a baseball player at Loyola Academy and then head baseball coach for the Ramblers before then becoming athletic director. He is currently AD at DePaul Prep.

Right Guard: Sophomore Brian Clinkunbroomer, 6'0, 210 pounds. Folks, if you want to be an offensive lineman, "Clinkunbroomer" is the perfect name to have. The latest young sophomore to earn a starting spot on the line from Coach Purdy, he is a strong, powerful kid with developing skills.

He was a tackle last year, but now moved over to guard. Clinkunbroomer has a little of that "nasty" streak coach is looking for. His development and confidence level will be key for the line's success.

Side note: He only earned the starting position in the last week of camp. Things were still unsettled before Purdy picked the young sophomore to take on the role.

Right Tackle: Senior Nate McGinnis, 6'2, 250 pounds. McGinnis started one game last year then got injured and had a hard time working his way back into the lineup. He's a physical and strong player who plays the game with a lot of emotion. The key is to make sure it is "controlled emotion," as sometimes it can get the best of him.

He has great size for the position, and a welcome "won't back down" mentality. Last year scrimmages were infamous, with then junior McGinnis constantly challenging and refusing to be intimidated by all-conference DI star Jackson Carsello.

Coach Purdy will need some of that same confident, on-field "nasty" from McGinnis this year.

Side note: Dad played college football for Wisconsin.

Five individuals, all of differing ages, sizes and skills. But for the Spartans to have success this year they will have to come together as one.

"We are not there yet," Glazebrook said, "but we are getting better each practice. Now we have to prove it out on the field."

One final personal note regarding the offensive line - and this goes out to all the high school football teams, not just the Spartans - if you are a running back, receiver or quarterback and you score a touchdown and the big guys upfront come sprinting down the field to celebrate with you, please don't run away from them.

There's plenty of time to showboat a bit with the fans later. But first celebrate with the big fellas who did all the dirty work to make the play work. Maybe even let them spike the ball or do a little dance of their own. Then go and put on a show for the fans.

Just trying to give the guys up front a little bit of love.

• Jon Cohn of Glenview is a coach, retired PE teacher, sports official and prep sports fan. To contact him with comments or story ideas, email jcsportsandtees@aol.com.