Mesa Moving Co.

Among the many feats performed by the Costa Mesa High offensive

line two football games into the new millennium, making a liar out of

Coach Jerry Howell might be the most impressive.

It was Howell who said introducing more finesse into the Mustangs’

heretofore smashmouth approach -- via more spread formations and a

greater willingness to throw -- would decrease dominance and lesson

lopsided scores. Howell contended straying from the relentless physical

toll the a double wing attack exacts from the defense, would keep the

Mustangs from drubbing teams into submission.

But, after clearing the path for 414 yards of total offense and 52

points in Friday’s shutout victory over Bolsa Grande, the Mesa Moving Co.

has become the not-so-visible front for Orange County’s most prolific

scoring machine.

Including a season-opening win over Saddleback, The Mustangs have

scored 100 points and averaged 446.5 yards per game.

Howell believes hard work and dedication, rather than impressive

natural ability, are the staples of this group, which includes senior

returning starters Charlie Amburgey (right tackle) and Scott Schepens

(center). Amburgey was second-team All-Pacific Coast League as a junior.

Senior Antony Grubisich, who played fullback last fall, starts at

defensive tackle and is the unit’s best athlete, plays right guard, while

sophomores Andrew Carich (guard) and Paul Martin (tackle) have started on

the left side.

From tackle-to-tackle, they average 6-foot-1, 245 pounds and are

supplemented by senior tight end Louis Day, as well as a backup group

spearheaded by 280-pound senior Wayne Hansen.

Howell has been pleased with the unit’s ability to block the run and

protect quarterback Patrick Hulliger, who has thrown for 267 yards and

three touchdowns without being sacked.

And, a scary thought for future opponents, they should only get

better.

“We showed some improvement (against Bolsa),” Howell said.

-- by Barry Faulkner