Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger Eisenhower’s offensive linemen, pictured, in front, from left, are: Kris Bunk and Tucker Lindell. In back are: Jayden Chase, JJ Darr, Conner Younger, Caleb Penley and Mike Vanatta.

RUSSELL — On grass or turf, at home or on the road, the Eisenhower Knights football team has beaten each opponent so far this season and has entered the District 10 Class 1A playoffs with the No. 1 seed and a perfect 10-0 record.

It has been a record-setting season so far for the Knights, in particular their offense and senior tailback Benji Bauer, who continues to break milestones and along the way set new ones.

While Bauer may get the “ink” in the paper or a picture, it is a group of players who really don’t get the glory; they may get a mention in the paper and almost never a picture.

These guys, the Knights offensive line and their “adopted” little brother as they call him, have done an amazing job this season, and if they want to continue their team’s success, will have to continue to do what they have done all season when called upon.

It is extremely difficult to get this unique group to say anything about themselves because they are all about the team. They really don’t care about the glory, or mentions in the paper, and it was hard to get them to stand for even a picture.

I asked each player to describe themselves in one word and it was a great insight into each of them.

The group consists of “strong” senior tackle Mike Vanatta, “logical” senior guard Caleb Penley, “the voice” senior center Conner Younger, “quiet” junior tackle JJ Darr, “quieter” sophomore guard Jayden Chase, “quick” junior tight end Kris Bunk, and “powerhouse” junior fullback Tucker Lindell.

The group is one that head coach Jim Penley calls “one of, if not the best, offensive line ever to play for the Knights.”

That statement can be backed up by some of the records that have been broken. Some thought never-to-be-broken records set this season are: career rushing yards, 3,225 and counting; single-season rushing yards, 1,751 and counting; and rushing touchdowns in a season, 21 and counting. Bauer is second in career touchdowns and total points scored.

The individual accomplishments of Bauer are impressive on their own merit, but the team records are almost hard to believe: 310.4 yards rushing per game, school record is 287.9; and total yards per game 409.8, school record is 396.6.

Impressive rushing numbers, but Bauer is not the only force with which to be reckoned. Lindell has 548 yards rushing, senior Keegan Eckstrom has carried for 365 yards and junior quarterback Shawn Pascuzzi has 310 yards on the ground.

“The rest of the team has added 1,353 yards,” Penley said. “Some teams don’t have that many yards rushing, and when you add Bauer’s total in, we are averaging 7.6 yards per carry.”

“These guys do the dirty work day in and day out,” Bauer said of his line. “They don’t get the credit they deserve. They open up some huge holes. They hustle to get downfield to get blocks. I’m glad I have them.”

The Knights have put up an impressive number of yards carrying the ball, but this group of linemen are also fiercely protective of their quarterback, allowing only two sacks of Pascuzzi.

He has been given time to throw the ball for 994 yards on 58-of-105 passing with eight touchdowns and only one interception.

“I can’t say enough good things about my line,” Pascuzzi said. “I don’t even think about getting hit. Conner’s snaps are perfect and the line just allows me to do what needs to get done.”

“Younger is a four-year starter and the most consistent center we’ve ever had here,” Penley said. “Having that consistency allows us to be flexible all along the line with what we do. Speaking of flexibility, Caleb Penley was a guard his sophomore year, a tackle last year, and this year is back at guard.”

“He is one of the most athletic pulling linemen we’ve ever had,” Penley added about his son. “Teaming with him on left side is Vanatta, who is one of the strongest linemen we’ve ever had, a two-year starter.

“We average 9.2 yards per carry when we run to the left behind our seniors. It is a credit to them that all three of the senior linemen have been all-star selections,” Penley added. “On the right side are Darr and Chase, who have really come into their own as first-year starters and completed the formation of the most productive offensive line in school history. … Add in Kris Bunk, who is one of the best dual-threat tight ends and edge blockers we have ever had, and Lindell, who is as punishing a blocker as he is at running the ball — this group has done the dirty work that has allowed us to physically grind teams down and control the tempo of games.”

When talking with the line, including Bunk and Lindell, the group wanted to add that they are not done, and that they are playing for one goal: to win games and improve every time they step on the field.

They truly don’t care about the glory some players receive. They all agreed that ultimately it’s nice to be part of the records and the team’s success. They are a very close group amongst themselves and laughed throughout the interview.

When asked the secret of their success they all agreed it was because they knew that they had each other’s back, are close on and off the field no matter what, and working together is how they have fun.

Eisenhower has a bye this week and is waiting for its semifinal opponent. No. 5 Mercer and No. 4 Cambridge Springs play at 7 p.m. today at Meadville High School.

The opposite side of the 1A bracket features No. 6 Maplewood and No. 3 Lakeview at 7 p.m. today at Farrell High School. The winner of that game will take on No. 2 Reynolds.

Make no mistake, this group will be ready for whomever they face because they will be there for each other.