The big guys pave the way for powerful Frontier offenses

The big fellas up front pave the way for what has become a tradition in the Frontier Conference - high-powered offenses. And run or pass, you can't have a high-scoring offense without a great line.

Coming into the 2021 season, there will be plenty of good offensive lines and plenty of great OL around the Frontier Conference.

Carroll College, which won the 2020 Frontier title, played in the spring, had an outstanding offensive line, and while a pair of All-Conference performers did graduate, head coach Troy Purcell's team returns two All-Conference standouts in Andrew Carter (6-3, 300) and Hunter Mechem (6-4, 284) to lead the way for what should be a great running attack this fall.

The running game is paramount for the College of Idaho, the 2019 league champions and a team that's ;led the Frontier in rushing in four of the last five seasons. And the Yotes will bring back a stout OL with three All-Conference returners in Braden Bale (6-1, 275), Ryan Halford (6-3, 260) and Tyler Barron (6-2, 255).

From last spring, there's also players to watch like Imari Heard and Dylan Beridon at Rocky Mountain College, while Dylan Pope will be key for Montana Western's OL, as well Hunter Spartz and Trey Copeland at Montana Tech.

Of course, building a strong OL has been a focal point in Montana State University-Northern head coach Andrew Rolin's time in Havre. And he returns a big anchor to that OL in the form of Spencer Kolody, who was a Second-Team All-Conference performer in the spring season. The Lights also return two-year starter Tristin Willis to what should be a much more experienced and veteran offensive line this fall.

Editor's Note: This is the third in the Havre Daily News' series of the top returning players in the Frontier Conference. Next up will be the wide receivers and tight ends in Monday's HDN.