Though he's 6-foot-7 and 390 pounds,
Jarred Stewart still is pleading for help from his football teammates at
Heritage Hall (Oklahoma City, Okla.).
The powerful defensive tackle is just starting to become a true force on the varsity as a senior and he wants to lose at least 30 pounds this fall.
He told the Oklahoman, "When I go out to eat with them, I tell them to make sure I'm not eating something crazy that I don't need. I told them, 'Look, I'm gonna get mad at you, no matter what. We just got out of practice. I want to eat this burger. Just stay on me. You help me out and I'll help you out in the season.' My teammate push me as hard as they can. When it feels like I can't go any farther, I lean on my teammates pretty hard."
Coach Andy Bogert noted, "We haven't been able to block him in practice for three years. He has really come a long way. He struggled early here, but he's starting to realize he's a college football player. He's got the size and all the tools."
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Birmingham (Lake Balboa, Calif.) has its own strongman with the appropriate name of
Sam sun Young. He is a 6-6, 330-pound sophomore who played basketball last year and is giving football a whirl.
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Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.) has some impressive-looking freshmen who may see varsity action this year on the offensive line. They include
Richard Cabrera (6-4, 265),
Jalen Larry (6-3, 250) and
Cameron Townsend (6-0, 250).
*Steve Balash is starting his 41st year as an assistant football coach at
Hobart (Ind.), having worked at all levels under several coaches. He also has been an assistant in track for 40 years and head wrestling coach for 26 years with eight individual state champions.
*Jerry Pezzetti notched his 300th coaching victory as
Ankeny (Iowa) defeated Marshalltown (Iowa) 49-14. His overall career record is 358-142-1 in 50 seasons. Marshalltown quarterback
Blake Gimbel completed 42 of 61 passes for 405 yards and two touchdowns.