Rival linemen ready to tackle district opener

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Gabriel Overmyer and Alex Salguero formed a unique bond when they were 12 years old — one centered around blocking schemes and body size.

With their size dictating their position, Overmyer and Salguero were thrust onto the Manatee Bulls offensive line, and together, the two shouldered much of the responsibility for their team. 

As the largest guys on the field, it only made sense that the two young men would be linemen. After an opposing coach questioned their age, their youth coach at the time began carrying official copies of both of Overmyer’s and Salguero’s birth certificates to all of their games. 

Overmyer and Salguero spent two seasons together playing for the Bulls before going their separate ways. Overmyer went on to play at Lakewood Ranch High School while Salguero opted to continue the tradition his cousins Mark and Matt McKoan helped establish at Braden River High a few years earlier.

Both were named to the varsity squad as freshmen and have been starters on their respective offensive lines each of the past four years. 

“It’s the only position I’ve ever known,” Overmyer says. “My size definitely made it a lot easier, especially when I was a freshman on varsity. I might not have necessarily had all of the skills, but my size allowed me to be able to do my job and block. It makes it hard to play hide and seek though.” 

Salguero agrees. 

“I just enjoy being able to dominate the person in front of me,” Salguero says. “My size helped me tremendously early on when I was going up against guys that were much bigger, stronger and faster than me. My freshman year I got some bumps and scratches, and I just took it from there.” 

Overmyer and Salguero may agree on the schematics of their position; but when it comes to this Friday’s Class 7A-District 11 opener, they're nothing to each other but competitors. When the helmets go on, friendships are pushed aside. 

“So many of the students went to middle school and elementary school together,” Overmyer says. “They know each other and want to beat their best friends. That’s what matters most.” 

The annual game between the two East County schools is about more than bragging rights. It’s an opportunity to move one step closer to competing for a district championship. And for the first time, Braden River and Lakewood Ranch will be vying for the East County championship trophy, which is a combination of aspects from both schools and the character they display. The winner will get to keep the trophy for the remainder of the year. 

“I can’t wait for the cheering fans and the atmosphere surrounding the game,” Salguero says. “Braden River versus Lakewood Ranch is the best game in the county hands down."

On Friday night, Overmyer and Salguero, both captains for their respective teams, will suit up and meet each other in the center of the field to shake hands in their final regular season rivalry game. 

As four-year starters, Overmyer and Salguero have been on both the winning and losing ends of the rivalry. Overmyer and his Mustang teammates won the contest each of his first three seasons before Salguero and the Pirates ended the Lakewood Ranch’s four-game winning streak in the pouring rain last season. 

Braden River went on last year to win its first district title and finish the regular season undefeated. 

When it comes to this week’s matchup, Overmyer and Salguero both know the past is irrelevant. The Pirates and Mustangs both will be ready to play, and anything is possible. 

But that doesn’t mean the two former teammates don’t have strong opinions on how the game will go. 

With 31 seniors on its roster, Overmyer says Lakewood Ranch isn’t intimidated by Braden River’s 3-0 start to the season. 

“Our guys have a lot of experience, and we have a lot of good athletes,” Overmyer says. “Our head coach is in his second year and has completely changed the way we practice. He’s not just a coach yelling. He’s leaving it up to us to determine what this team will become.

“If we work as a team and everyone does their jobs and plays to the best of their abilities, then we’ll win,” Overmyer says. 

After winning the first three games of the series, Braden River lost four straight before improving last season. The Pirates beat the Mustangs 21-6 in 2014, and Salguero and his teammates are looking to extend that streak Friday night. 

Braden River has scored 10 rushing touchdowns this season, and that’s in large part due to the strength of the offensive line. 

 Salguero is confident his team can go further in the playoffs this year, and can post another undefeated regular season. 

“It’s going to come down to me and four boys up front,” says Salguero, who scored his first touchdown on a fumble recovery last week. “If we can win the battle up front, then we’re going to win the game.” 

Having played alongside one another years ago and against each other the last three years, Overmyer and Salguero understand the tough task their respective defensive lines will be up against when they line up against one another. 

And luckily for Overmyer and Salguero, the two won’t be charged with tackling one another on the field. 

“I’m pretty sure we’d both be dead by the second half,” Overmyer jokes. 

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].