Mobley quietly efficient at center for Packers

MOULTRIE -- In 2003, the Colquitt County High coaching staff wanted to move two-time All-Region 1-AAAAA center C.A. Sanders to right tackle, but was reluctant to do so until and adquate replacement for him was found.

Matthew Mobley proved he could handle the job and nearly 1,000 snaps later, he is still leading the Packers out of the huddle and bending over the football.

Mobley will start his 19th consecutive game when the Packers play host to Region 1-AAAAA opponent Coffee High at 8 p.m. Friday at Mack Tharpe Stadium in the annual Homecoming game.

Perhaps no player has been as quietly efficient as the 6-foot-1, 205-pounder over the last two seasons.

Mobley has made the snap to start every important varsity play over that period.

And except for one snap that slipped out of his hand against Americus-Sumter earlier this season, he has been perfect.

"He really stepped up and did a good job for us last year," offensive line coach Scott Chafin said. "He held his own all year long and he's done it again this year.

"He comes to work every day. He doesn't complain. He's not real vocal, but he leads by example. He works hard every day."

And he and his offensive line teammates will have to continue to make that kind of effort on Friday.

The Packers, 4-3 overall and 0-2 in Region 1-AAAAA, are coming off back-to-back losses to Lowndes and Houston County in which they managed just 13 net yards of rushing.

"Hopefully that served as a wake-up call for us," Mobley said. "We need to win out."

And Mobley contends that Packers are capable of defeating Coffee, Tift County and Valdosta over the next three Fridays.

"Certainly we have a chance," he said. "Except for Lowndes, I think everyone else is equally capable of beating the other ones."

Mobley and guards Thomas Miller and Josh Fuller have been the mainstays of the Packers offensive line this season.

Reid Singletary and Walt Clary started the first six games at the tackle position. Last Friday in Warner Robins against Houston County, Kyle Allyn and Marcus Robinson got their first starts of the season at tackle. Chad Walden has been the tight end.

The Packers are hoping the offensive line will be able to carve some rushing lanes in an aggressive and physical Coffee High defensive front.

"We not only have to get into our blocks, we have to stay on them," said Mobley.

And Packer backs such Sam Heath, Kelvin Watts, Sherard Reynolds, Orion Ponder, B.J. Howard and Tracy Brown have proved elusive if given some room.

"If we can just give them an opportunity, they can outrun people," Mobley said.