With an attitude like the ‘Hogs’ of the old 1980’s Washington Redskins fame, the offensive line of the Baldwin Braves is a major reason, for the success of this years run into the state playoffs.

When watching this team of offensive linemen, it makes you wonder if there is another Anthony Munoz, Jonathan Ogden, Art Schell, John Hannah or even the nastiness of Dan Dierdorf among them.

“When I go out there in practice and in games, I know these guys are the ones I want to be on my side,” said senior center Galvin Myrick.

Myrick is a three-year starter who helps anchor this years version of the ‘Hogs.”

When one thinks of the offensive line, most people think of big, heavy, sometimes fat, monstrous looking guys who could shut down any restaurant and its’ buffet line. This bunch of young men don’t show those signs of obesity — but appear just the opposite as fit, muscular players because of the training from offensive line coach Clay McClendon and strength and conditioning coach Ryan “Maz” Maraziti.

“We think of coach Mac as another father figure just like we do coach Hicks. He gets us ready each week and always is in our corner,” said junior left tackle and second year starter Ryan Adams.

Along with Adams and Myrick, the Braves O-line consists of senior left guard Jadarius Dean (a two-year starter), senior tight end Craig Washington (a first year starter), junior right guard Antraun Grable (a first year starter) and junior right tackle Linton Latimore (a two-year starter).

“Maz not only got us in shape in the weight room but he has us running, and that has gotten our stamina and endurance to a level that allows us to be able to go above and beyond what any other team may see,” said Myrick.

This group has affectionately become known as the “Got One” group. On the football field, on any Friday night, if you listen very closely can hear one of the guys yelling, “Got one,” meaning they have just either had a “pancake” block or just executed a perfect block on their opponent.

It began in the Troup County game when one of the Troup defensive lineman, who is a Division 1 recruit, had some disparaging remarks about the less than “weighted” Baldwin lineman. The Braves players made it their mission to not only win the game but to prove that they can play with anyone, on any level, at any classification, and leave the opponent knowing they had been pushed to the limit.

And against this Troup recruit the “Got One” crew was born. It has continued throughout the year and will continue as the Braves push toward an ultimate goal of a berth in the Georgia Dome for the AAA state title game.

“We have to practice every day against one of the best defenses in the state. And when you practice against the best, it only makes you better,” said Latimore.

When talking to the starting front six they each could not say enough of the continuity between their sophomore quarterback’s DeAndre Thomas and Rashaun Milline.

Myrick, as the center, has been taking snaps from both of them and stated that he is comfortable no matter who he is snapping the ball to.

The linemen all said they are happy to see each running back have a great outing with them as their anchor — but with laughter involved, the other five stated, on those runs, it was Adams who was trying to beat the running backs to the end zone.

“We have to give our thanks to our families at home and also to our coaches here and our teammates, as they are family, too,” said Washington.

“And God, too,” said Grable.

“Yea, and God, too,” said every other member of the O-line.

“We probably pray more in this group than any other group on the team, and we always give thanks to God,” said Myrick.

This group also said they have been trained hard both mentally and physically to work harder to do what they do and they are ready for any and all challenges.

“It’s an honor to coach this group with coach Hicks. This is probably one of the best groups we’ve ever had,” said McClendon. “Coach Maz has not only got us on his bigger, faster, stronger program but has us on a football specific program to help the linemen get better. Athletically, this is probably the closest to each other, as a group, that we have on the team.”

McClendon also said this is not just six guys, but with Jarrell Saulsbury, Derrick Washington and Granger Harp, it gives them depth in case someone needs a breather or were to be a little banged up.

So, in the future, when watching or reading about a Braves game — and then seeing a 20-, 30- or 40-point score or that running back having two TD's and over 150 yards rushing, remember it all starts up front with the O-Line.

Kickoff for tonight’s second round AAA playoff game versus Cairo is set for 7:30 p.m. at Baldwin Braves Field in Milledgeville.

Fans may want to come a bit earlier because parking spots could be tough to come by.