Lebanon duo forms strong bond

Richard Lockridge and Skyler Musick formed a bond in kindergarten.

That bond has grown in the classroom and on the football field, where Musick and Lockridge play in the same backfield for Lebanon High School.

The final act of their high school football journey begins to unfold tonight as the Pioneers (7-2) host Northwood (1-8) in the regular season finale. A trip to Gate City for the Region D, Division 2 playoffs is likely next week.

"Skyler and I have known each for so long,’’ Lockridge said. "Since about the ninth grade, we’ve lifted weights, ran and worked out together every day in the off-season.

At this point, we just know what each other is going to do on the field.’’

The Pioneer tandem accomplished plenty this season as Lebanon won the first Clinch Mountain District title with a 4-0 record.

With the 5-foot-11, 225-pound Lockridge supplying the lead blocks at fullback, the 6-0, 185-pound Musick has rushed for over 1,400 yards.

"Skyler knows I’m going to block for him, and I know he’s going to run hard,’’ said Lockridge, who can bench-press 325 pounds. "That’s the way we’ve done it for years, and it works

With a potent mix of strength, speed and instincts, Musick has worked for over 3,700 yards rushing the past two seasons.

"I can count on my linemen and fullback,’’ Musick said. "The holes are usually there on every play. I just have to hit them.’’

Both Musick and Lockridge have attracted interest from a variety of colleges. The list of suitors for Lockridge is a bit unique, however. It includes academics elites such as Yale, Harvard, William and Mary and Lehigh.

Last week, Lockridge took in a big dose of Ivy League football as he watched the No. 12 Yale Bulldogs (8-0) defeat Brown in New Haven, Conn.

"There’s a lot of pride and history for football at Yale,’’ Lockridge said. "I talked to the coaches and watched the game. It’s just a great environment for football.’’

With a grade point average of 3.8 and a full load of demanding classes, Lockridge has the right stuff for the rigors of the Ivy League.

"I want to be either an mechanical and aerospace engineer,’’ Lockridge said. "My parents are in the medical field, but I just like math and science. I’d eventually like to design automobile engines.’’

Just like on the football field, Lockridge and Musick push each other in the classroom.

"I’ve taken two physics classes together with Skyler,’’ Lockridge said. "We both like different aspects of engineering, and our interests have just developed.

"The AP [advanced placement] classes take a lot of my time, but I want to make sure I get into a good school.’’

Lebanon’s Nathan McGlothlin played football at Princeton in the mid-1990’s after collecting nearly 2,000 yards rushing for the Pioneers.

According to Lockridge, academic success carries over to athletics.

"After you’ve been in the same program like Skyler and I, you kind of have an understanding of what’s going on,’’ Lockridge said. "We run the no-huddle system, so we try to see things on the defense and maybe adjust our plays.’’

Lebanon head football coach John Adams is a stickler for efficiency and effort. Lockridge has passed the test, with extra credit.

"Richard is a solid kid,’’ Adams said. "He’s been really good at fullback, and we’ve used him some at H-back, tight end and halfback. And Richard is our main guy on defense.’’

Lockridge has started for three years at both fullback and linebacker.

Though Musick and his speedy junior running mate Drew Helbert have earned most of the headlines and highlights, Lockridge can see the big picture.

"When one of our back breaks break a big run or score, I know me and the guys on our offensive line played a part in that. That makes me happy.’’