Kelly Walsh offensive line coach Duane Reimer recalled what then-junior lineman Noah Creel and Jake Paulson said when the coaches met with the junior class following the 2008 season.

"Both of them said in that meeting, 'Guys, next season starts today,'" Reimer said.

Now seniors, the leadership of Creel and Paulson is a big reason why the Trojans average over 350 yards rushing a game and have advanced to the semifinal round of the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

The all-senior right side has paved the way for Trojans' four-headed option attack, and senior quarterback Lucas Nolan said the duo's repetition dedication has paid huge dividends this season. It was a sentiment Reimer echoed.

"They've lived [in the weight room] since last season," Reimer said.

But the whole offensive line has been instrumental in the Trojans' four-headed option attack. Reimer said the all-junior left side of tackle Lane Millay, guard Tyler Meyer and center Kyle Smith have improved from their sophomore years "as much as any kids I've coached."

"And a lot of that is due to the leadership they got from the seniors, but a lot of that is just due to them just working really hard and growing and wanting to really bad," Reimer said

"I'm really proud of those junior kids. They stepped up big time."

The Trojans made an early-season living running behind Paulson (guard) and Creel (tackle) on the right side. But last week against Green River, the Trojans were also able to find success running the option to the left. Nolan certainly noticed during the 38-20 quarterfinal win over the Wolves; he scored the game's final three touchdowns and finished with 221 yards rushing.

"There were some times during the Green River game where we wanted to run to the left," Nolan said. "Tyler and Lane were just firing off the ball and really dominating that side of the line."

Creel and Paulson both said the entire line has done a good job of communicating, not only in game situations, but also in practice.

"We all hang out," Creel said. "It's just easy for us to communicate and keep each other's backs ... That helps keep us intense and mentally focused."

Added Paulson: "Me and [Noah] work better together and it's the same with Tyler and Lane. They work good together."

Nolan said the balance the line now has in regards to the Trojans' rushing attack, has him excited for today's semifinal game against Sheridan.

"Just the diversity of being able to go to either side and getting good results," Nolan said, " has been hugely helpful for us."

Contact sports reporter Clint Robus at (307) 266-0615 or clinton.robus@trib.com. Read his blog at tribtown.trib.com/ClintRobus/blog

O-line Tracker

Left tackle

No. 67 Lane Millay, jr., 6-3, 235

Left guard

No. 56 Tyler Meyer, jr., 6-1, 210

Center

No. 52 Kyle Smith, jr., 6-3, 210

Right guard

No. 72 Jake Paulson, sr., 6-0, 220

Right tackle

No. 70 Noah Creel, sr., 6-5, 240