Thomas Dale center’s stature grows

By Andee Sears

Published: October 10, 2008

Tonight's game against Dinwiddie is the most meaningful of Drew Lamb's high school career. A win would put Lamb's team, the Thomas Dale Knights, in control of the Central District, a dramatic turn after starting the season 0-3.

Lamb, Thomas Dale's senior center, is listed in the Knights program at 5-4, 222 pounds -- likely the shortest lineman to crack a Central Region starting lineup this season.

And 5-4 is, by Lamb's own admission, more than generous.

"When I first saw him when he was a ninth-grader, I said that he'll never play on varsity," said Thomas Dale's offensive line coach Ben Brockwell.

Lamb's work ethic, strength and surprising quickness won Brockwell over, though. The serious little center with the bright blue eyes rejoined quarterback David Williams on the starting varsity lineup as a junior last year. Except for their sophomore year, when Williams was pulled up to the varsity team, the pair has played together since Little League.

Taking a snap from anyone else feels awkward, Williams said. And as a not-so-tall quarterback himself, he appreciates the view over Lamb's back.

With Lamb patrolling the trenches between guards Dale East (6-3, 285) and Greg Gallup (6-1, 300) the Knights offensive line looks something like the uprights at the end of the field. Along with tackles Brandon Folmar (6-4, 277) and Spencer Randolph (6-2, 278), that line has become the strength of the program, according to head coach Vic Williams.

"When you see a running back ahead of you, getting yardage," Lamb said, "I guess it's the best feeling you can get for a lineman. We don't score touchdowns, but people who know football know the offensive line and how important it is."

Knights runners racked up a school-record 475 rushing yards on 41 carries last week in a win over Matoaca. In a world of pass-happy offenses, the Knights can rotate three running backs to share the load with their dual-threat quarterback. Two weeks ago, Thomas Dale (2-3, 2-0 Central District) moved the ball and eventually won against Meadowbrook, then ranked No. 1.

"It was awesome," Lamb said. "Nobody thought we could win."

That victory put Thomas Dale back in the district title hunt, looking for a place in the Division 6 playoffs. And it took away any chance that Dinwiddie (4-1, 2-0) would overlook the Knights.

The Generals come to Thomas Dale as the best passing team in the Central Region. In five games, senior quarterback Adam Morgan has thrown 19 touchdown passes and just three interceptions. He has averaged 281 yards. To put that in perspective, if an NFL quarterback matched those numbers he'd have a rating of 133 -- more than 20 points better than league-leader Brett Favre.

A showcase quarterback is an asset for any team but, as Lamb knows, sometimes a shorter-than-usual offensive lineman can cause trouble for a defense in his own particular way.

"I can definitely get underneath their pads," he said. "Definitely get up underneath their pads and do some blocking with them."
Contact Andee Sears at (804) 649-6210 or .