Published: August 29, 2007 02:23 pm            

McMillan ready for the next level

ALEDO — The Aledo Bearcats offensive line was something of great pride for the Bearcats last year. Talented and senior-laden, there were very few teams, even in the playoffs, that could match its size and strength.

District coaches took note of that, naming senior offensive tackle Kyle Hix the 2006 District 8-4A Most Valuable Player.

Of the original five starters from last year, none remain as all five graduated.

But there was one guy who started a few games for the Bearcats and saw quite a bit of time last year and will be key this season for Aledo to have a solid offensive line — senior guard Ethan McMillan.

“He is the only [offensive lineman] who took a varsity snap as a starter last year,” said Aledo head football coach Tim Buchanan. “I think he started two or three games for us when other guys were hurt and could not play. He started alternating [positions]. He was pretty much a starter for us. He played as many snaps as Hunter Heiss did at the left guard spot the last 10 games.”

That experience McMillan got last year is something he believes he could never replace.

“That playing time, it has gotten me ready for everything this year, to be a leader, to push the offensive line and tell them what is happening,” McMillan said. “It made me a better player and it is helping everyone else be a better player.”

“It is a big advantage having a guy who has been a trenches before, not only as far as varsity games, but varsity playoff games,” Buchanan said. “He knows what you have to do and knows how hard you have to work.

“Ethan has done a good job as a leader. He is the leader of the offensive line. He is the guy who pumps them up and gets them going in the right direction.”

The experience he gained last year is something that is going to not only pay off for him this year, but in the years to come, as he recently orally committed to the University of Houston.

“It was a thrill to know a college wants me after not even being a starter for a full year yet, just starting a few games when people were hurt,” McMillan said. “I know they expect a lot out of me this year and I plan on delivering.”

Cole Loftin, McMillan’s teammate who has also committed to a Division I school to play football, said committing early took away the pressure and stress, allowing him to concentrate more on his final high school season. McMillan feels a little differently about it.

“[Committing early] kind of does [take away the pressure], but I kind of wish it hadn’t either,” McMillan said. “Not having a scholarship gave me something to fight for. I would not mind having something to fight for all year long. Now, I am fighting to prove myself, not to a better scholarship. Knowing I already have one, I still have to play hard. I just have to prove [I deserve one] now.”

McMillan even feels there is more pressure on him to perform well this year because he is the only offensive lineman returning from last year with any true playing experience.

“That is, probably, the ultimate pressure,” McMillan said. “College is a lot, but I am a leader now and I have to stand up for all of my guys on the offensive line.”

McMillan knows that great things are possible for the Bearcats this season and feels much of it rides on the offensive line’s broad shoulders.

“We need to be technically perfect,” McMillan said. “We are not going to be the strongest. We are not going to be the biggest. But we are going to be perfect, technically. If everybody gets it down, we are going all the way.”

McMillan and the offensive line begin their attempts at perfection Friday at the new Bearcat Stadium against Brewer at 7:30 p.m.

        

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