Coming into this year, the Montague Wildcat football team had a lot to look forward to.

Returning, of course, was highly touted quarterback Cody Kater, as well as receivers Matt DeJong and Anthony Root. Running backs Drew Pineda and Anthony Guerra both saw time in the backfield last year as well.

So, the question wasn’t ‘Who is going to run, pass or catch the ball?’

The question was ‘Who is going to block?’

Losing four-out-of-five starters from last year’s dominant Division 6 state title team meant there were a lot of uncertainty to settle come last July.

“Offensively, the line was our main concern,” said Head Coach Pat Collins. “We’re a very line-centered offense, so without them we’re in trouble.”

Building on lone returnee, senior Kyle Eilers (#70), at left tackle, senior Dylan Schultz (#71) took over at the right tackle position; senior Jesus Aguilar (#52) manned the center spot; junior Kevin Harrie (#51) and senior Mike McClellan (#53) were slotted at the both guard spots.

“We knew going into this knowing our line would be inexperienced. But, now that the season is nearly over, these guys haven’t just met our expectations, they’ve exceeded those expectations, without a doubt.”

The man most responsible for keeping Kater upright is Eilers, a team captain who has been a sort of rock in which the rest of the unit has leaned on.

“I take my job seriously, because I’m protecting (Kater’s) blindspot,” said Eilers, who is still deciding where he will play football next fall.

Collins said Eilers has been the key to the whole unit’s success.

“Right from the start,” said Collins, “Kyle’s been the glue.”

For Aguilar and Schultz, this year has been an eye-opening experince. Schultz, who may play Division 2 or 3 football next year, played mainly as a back-up on last year’s Division 6 title team, while Aguilar saw time mainly as a defender.

“The speed of the different, so much faster,” said Schultz, comparing JV to varsity football. “It took some time for me to adjust.”

The same was true for Aguilar, who listing at 5-9, 177 pounds is perhaps a little generous.

“(On the line) you have to be willing to do anything, to give 110 percent,” said Aguilar, who will not go on to play ball in college. “I’M too small. Nope, this is the last time I’ll ever play football. But, it’s been great.”

There’s a a little of that ‘Never say die’ attitude in every lineman.

“We’re a bunch of tough SOBs,” said Eilers. “The backs get all the attention, but we do all the grunt work.”

Eilers paused before adding, “We make them look good,” the smile spread across his face never fading. “Well, I guess they do make plays sometimes.”