Offensive line anchors East Aurora

Football is very much a numbers game and Kris Sheldon's speak volumes.

The East Aurora senior is a 5-foot-11, 305-pound offensive lineman preparing for his third season as a varsity starter. His hard work in the weight room this past offseason has improved his bench press from 250 to 315 pounds.

Just as important to him, however, will be the 72 on his jersey. It's a change from the 73 he wore last year.

"I'm switching in honor of coach (Bill) Bryant," Sheldon said. "He came up to me and said, 'I'd like you to wear my college number this season.' I told him I'd be honored."

This is the fourth season for both at East, and Sheldon is one of the seniors who bought in to Bryant, his program and its work ethic. In terms of wins and losses, progress may have been slow, but the coach thinks he and his staff are changing attitudes and a culture.

"To a lot of guys on this team, he's like a second father," Sheldon said. "He's always opening up the weight room for us and is like a father to me."

This season, Sheldon is moving from center to left tackle and leads a group that the coach thinks may be the strongest part of the team.

"We have four out of five offensive linemen back from last year and Kris, a two-year starter, is the leader of that group and leader of the team," Bryant said.

"He's a legitimate all-conference player and he's extremely bright. He's as strong as an ox and has lived in the weight room since last season."

And more important, his linemates have joined him.

Jose Yanez (6-3, 238) has moved to right tackle from left tackle and Geraldo Gomez (5-8, 205) and Alex Pequeno (5-10, 190) return as left and right guards, respectively. All are seniors.

Junior George Cortez (5-5, 225) and senior Michael Lopez (5-8, 180) are vying for the center position.

"We all hang out and lift together. I think we're gonna do really well this year," Sheldon said.

Bryant appreciates the bond they have.

"What I like is their ability to work together," he said. "We went to several linemen competitions this summer and they did a nice job. They were in the weight room every day. And tonight, when we're done with practice and I leave the office and walk by the weight room, those guys will probably be in there."

Sheldon likes his move to tackle.

"It takes another thing off my mind," he said. "I don't have to snap the football this year. I can mainly focus on blocking."

It's something he'd like to continue beyond this season.

"I'd love to have the chance to play some college football," Sheldon said.

He'll have his coach's support.

"I don't see why he can't play at some level," Bryant said.