TUSCOLA — If you’re a Big Country high school football fan, you’ve likely heard of Jim Ned star running back Xavier Wishert. You’ve likely heard of Jim Ned quarterback Tate Yardley and the extraordinary defense the Indians have been playing.

You may have even heard of the outstanding special teams play going on in Tuscola.

But sitting outside of the spotlight the entire time has been a largely unsung, but no less extraordinary offensive line, without which Jim Ned’s run to the Class 3A Division I state semifinals could not have happened. 

Beyond that, the unit has helped Jim Ned sculpt an entirely new football culture — from that of a finesse-style team years ago to one that currently bulldozes its way to wins.

The Indians (12-1) will square off with Mount Vernon (12-2) on Friday at Arlington’s Globe Life Park with a trip to the state championship game going to the winner.