Talented linemen pave the way for North Hills running game

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, October 20, 2017 | 11:00 PM

In a 52-14 win against Chartiers Valley in Week 7, North Hills senior Melvin Blanks became the first rusher in Class 5A to eclipse 1,000 yards on the season.

Through eight games, he accumulated 1,065 yards.

Although he is the one that gets credited with the stats, he would split his success six ways if he had the chance thanks to his steady offensive line and tight end who have been opening holes for him all season long.

“The thing that sticks out to me is their unselfishness,” North Hills coach Pat Carey said. “They always work downfield to get that extra block. The combination of their determination to go downfield and Melvin's vision has helped this group as well.”

The Indians have been fortunate they have stayed healthy upfront all season. Another aspect that has helped them is their bond, as some have transitioned into the position from another.

The blocking core consists of three juniors and three seniors. On the right side of the line are juniors Lirion Murtezi and Jason Biswick.

At 6-foot-2, 315 pounds, Murtezi is in his second year as a starter and third year on the varsity. Murtezi plays both sides of the ball and has a few Division II scholarship offers.

“Very athletic and has a big personality,” Carey said. “He is leader on the team. He has some Division II looks right now, but I expect him to receive some Division I offers.”

Biswick started at defensive end last year and converted this season from the tight end position to help out his team.

“He is unselfish,” Carey said. “We had a need and he stepped up. He is a great kid who is an overachiever. He is a coaches' kind of kid. You can't say enough about him.”

The left side of the line consists of junior Trevor Hartman and senior Jason Heinauer.

At 5-9, 250 pounds, Hartman is one of the smaller lineman in the conference, but that has not stopped him from paving the way for the offense.

“He has grown as a player as the year has gone on,” Carey said. “His attention to detail is tremendous. He is a great weight room guy. It wasn't a natural fit for him, and he worked hard at it.”

Heinauer is coming off a junior season last year where he was voted most valuable offensive lineman by his teammates.

“He is a really smart football player,” Carey said. “He is a good student in school. You tell him something once, and he picks it up. He plays with an edge and comes off the ball great. He leads by example so much.”

Senior center Matt McCarten has grown a lot from last year both physically and mentally in understanding the position. McCarten has allowed his team to execute each run from the very start.

“He put on a lot of weight in the offseason,” Carey said. “He is a leader on the football field. He has learned to center the ball in the shotgun snap. He has excelled at that for us.”

A nice addition to the line has been senior tight end John Hodnik. Used more as a pass catcher last year, Hodnik has developed his run-blocking ability to help his team this year.

“His improvement in blocking has been tremendous,” Carey said. “We run off-tackle a lot, and his blocks are at the point of attack.”

A big key for the success of this group this season has been offensive coordinator Dave Schoppe and offensive line coaches Don Pilvis and Patrick Weber.

The Indians (4-4 overall) entered Week 8 in fifth place in the Allegheny Nine Conference with a 3-4 record and in the hunt for a WPIAL playoff berth.

Drew Karpen is a freelance writer.

Tags: North Hills