Versatile Barnett Excelling for Lewis County

Photo Courtesy: Steve Wherry, Lewis County Herald

Last fall, Gerry Fischer ran for 1,664 yards and 18 touchdowns for the Lewis County Eagles. This fall, with Friday's regular-season finale against Lakeside still to play, Branden Nelson has also eclipsed 1,600 yards rushing and picked up 19 touchdowns. Head coach Monty Moddrell has had a similar message for both backs.

"I tell our tailbacks that, on lead plays, they need to grab a hold of Jimmy's belt," Moddrell said of junior Jimmy Barnett, his 200-pound fullback/linebacker.

And then ... just hang on.

"I've got multiple plays on film where Jim puts his assignment to rest on his back and moves downfield to pick up a safety or a freed defenseman that someone else lost," Moddrell continued. "We talk a lot about 'block maintenance' offensively and I've used film on Jim multiple times to show examples of what I refer to as a well-maintained block."

Barnett gets his touches on offense but much of his value turns up elsewhere for the Eagles. Whether that be the rushing totals of the tailbacks that follow him up the field or his coverage skills on defense leading to sacks, Barnett's hard work leads to good things on the football field.

"'Physical' would be the best word to describe is type of play," Moddrell said. "He's not the fastest guy, so he tends to lean on his strength and coordination to gain the upper hand."

Which he regularly does. His coach says his physical play in pass coverage reminds him of long-time NFL standout Lester Hayes.

"Many times, he has completely taken our opponent's best receiver out by his physicality at the line of scrimmage and his coordination to turn and close the game to be in a good position to make the tackle or a play on the ball," Moddrell noted. "Jimmy has made others look great on the defensive line with what amounts to, more or less, a coverage sack."

It is clear, stats or or no stats, on offense or on defense, Barnett has had a big impact on the Eagles program.

"He leaves everything on the field and, because of that, he earns the respect of his teammates, coaches, and opponents," Moddrell pointed out. "Over the past three years, I have asked him to play just about every position and he has never once complained. He simply loves to play the game of football, has accepted his role within our program, and plays his heart out every snap, drill, and rep(itition)."

Moddrell spoke of an internal grading system the team employs where Barnett usually grades himself as average. But the head coach begs to differ.

"Ask any of his teammates and coaches and they would be more likely to tell you about a much more successful young man," Moddrell said. "His modesty is a characteristic that is often overlooked, in that I believe it keeps Jim hungry and drives him to get better every day."

Though Lewis County will miss the 1A Division 2 postseason this fall, Barnett has another season to continue to display his quiet versatility. He'll be a senior next fall and, teamed in the backfield with Nelson (who will be a junior), will once again be a key cog in what should be a good offense. Could the Eagles, who are averaging 45 points per game this season, be in the mix for a playoff berth this time next year?

If they are, you can bet Barnett will be in the middle of it. He may not get all the headlines or the TV highlights but, when good things happen for Lewis County, it's a good bet that Jimmy Barnett is nearby.

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