— For Kyle Emmons and his Wagoner teammates to live up to the lofty expectations they have this season, players and coaches agree that whatever happens up front will go a long way in determining the Bulldogs’ fate.

They see the offensive line holding the key for the team that moved up to No. 5 from No. 6 in the Associated Press Class 4A poll this week after opening the season last Friday with a  35-21 victory against county rival Coweta.

The Bulldogs have reason to think this season could be special with 10 offensive and eight defensive starters back from the team that reached the quarterfinals in 2009. Still, any success could come from those in the trenches who are going to do the blocking and opening up the holes for the Bulldogs.

“How good they become can determine if we win the whole thing,” coach Dale Condict said about his line. “They have good potential. We’re not established up there yet, but the players are working hard and learning. They’ll see a lot of defensive fronts this season and learn from their mistakes.”

Much of the responsibility on the offensive line falls upon Emmons, the Bulldogs’ 6-foot-1, 200-pound senior center.

He’s the most experienced starter in the group as he’s now in his third year at the position. That’s something he doesn’t take lightly.

Three other starters in Marc Scroggins, Daniel Brown and Heath Wilson are in their second season on the varsity for the Bulldogs. Two others, Nick Cody and Calvin Jones, are transfers from Pawnee and in their first year with the District 4A-3 team.

“I guess you could say I’m the leader of the line and basically I’m making sure everybody does their job,” Emmons said. “I want to keep everybody together and striving hard. If we go out there and get our jobs done, that will allow the rest of the offense excel. Without us up front, our skill players wouldn’t be able to play at the same level.”

Condict isn’t afraid to put that kind of responsibility on Emmons.

“He’s very consistent and rarely has any busts on his assignments,” the Wagoner coach said.

Emmons and the Bulldogs await a challenge this week at W.L. Odom Stadium when the Hilldale Hornets, also 1-0 after beating Pryor last week, come to play.

“If we go in and do our job, I believe we will do very well,” Emmons said.

But Emmons knows the Hornets will come to town inspired and motivated, not only from an solid opening-game effort but the sting from last year’s battle between the teams. Wagoner, scoring with eight seconds left in the game, knocked Hilldale out of a chance for the 2009 playoffs with its 14-13 victory.

“After it the way ended last year, I know they’ll be gunning for us,” Emmons said. “This game is going to be a good one. It’s a very big game for both teams.”