Each week as fans seek out information on the upcoming Friday night football game, they turn to the stats to give them a good idea of what to expect from upcoming opponents.

Scouring stat lines from quarterbacks, running backs and receivers, one gets a good glimpse at the offensive firepower. And studying the number of tackles, sacks and interceptions, fans can also find the playmakers on the defensive side of the ball.

But when it comes to individual stats, offensive linemen really don't even exist. After all, other than when they allow a sack or miss a block, the O-line remains almost anonymous.

And frankly, that's just fine with Conner Klauer.

Klauer, Nevada Union's senior right guard, and his fellow linemen will once again lead the way in Saturday's Division I Sac-Joaquin Section championship game against Monterey Trail. But just don't expect Klauer and company to be clamoring for any press. They'd rather let their work on the field, and the Miners who most benefit from it, do the talking.

“Our running backs are good to us,” Klauer said. “They give us a lot of love. They all give us shout outs in the paper, so we're happy.”

And so are those running backs.

Nevada Union's front five has helped plow a path to 3,586 rushing yards this season. Four backs have run for more than 500 yards on the season. Throw in their 2,037 passing yards and the Miners have a amassed nearly 6,000 yards of offense through 13 games.

Klauer (5-9, 175) and two of his fellow seniors anchor the O-line up front, with Conor Scott (5-11, 220) at center and Austin Harlicker (6-1, 205) at left guard. Juniors Cody Long (6-1, 240) and Michael Champagne (5-11, 265) bookend the senior trio as the team's starting tackles.

“Our backs would tell you that we have an outstanding offensive line. They really take pride in making the right block and moving people,” NU coach Dave Humphers said. “They are strong. They're quick. And they know their assignments extremely well. All of the credit goes to them and (offensive line coach) Dennis Houlihan.

“This offensive line is as good as we've ever had. And the proof of that is we've got more than 5,000 yards, or almost 500 yards per game. That doesn't happen without a great offensive line.”

Nevada Union's produced some top-tier talent on the offensive line through the years, including recent Division I recruits Andrew Jackson (Fresno State), Brennan McFadden (Utah State) and Taylor Dever (Notre Dame).

Houlihan might not have a blue-chipper in the trenches this season, but he has helped mold the group into a cohesive unit. The team juggled the lineup after losing senior Jake Arnold (6-0, 215) to a fractured ankle. And ever since the five up front have been encouraging each other to improve, as they know the O-line will only be as strong as its weakest link.

“We've been working hard every day, pushing ourselves” said Harlicker, a two-sport star who is also one of top shot put and discus throwers in Northern California. “Everybody is always pushing each other and coming together to help each other out with our (assignments) and everything.”

Although NU's balanced offensive attack has spelled trouble for opposing defenses all year long, the Miners showed they're not exactly a finesse offense in last week's 31-28 semifinal victory over Pleasant Grove. NU turned to the ground game and totaled 334 yards on 45 totes.

In one third-quarter drive, in particular, Nevada Union ran the ball nine straight times for 72 yards and a touchdown to take a 28-21 lead. NU was chewing up chunks of yardage, nearly coming up with a first down on each snap.

“It was fun,” Harlicker said. “We know how strong we are and we were showing how powerful we are as a line. I think we were running like the same three plays in the same hole.”

And sometimes, when the play doesn't pan out, they help their fleet-footed quarterback get creative through improvisation. Broughan Jantz has thrown for more than 2,000 yards on the season, but he's also gained nearly 600 yards on the ground, much of which has come on the fly after a pass play has broken down.

“Having Broughan back there, we've passed a lot,” said Scott, a two-year starter up front. “But when you get an opportunity like that against Pleasant Grove, which defends the pass so well, we showed we get off the ball so hard.

“And with Broughan, sometimes you have no idea where he's at.”

“And you don't know if he's going to pass it or keep it and run it,” Harlicker added. “So you don't want to run down field too soon.”

“I like it,” Scott said, “because when he cuts back it really sets up the blocks for you. They're chasing him and you can get them when they're not looking.”

The Miners know they'll be facing one of the best defensive teams they've lined up against all season, when Nevada Union kicks off with the Mustangs Saturday.

But their coach is confident his guys are capable of winning the battle up front, whether the Miners are running or throwing the ball.

“We've shown we can throw all year,” Humphers said. “And last week, against a strong, stout defense that Pleasant Grove put on the field, we showed we can come out and run on you, too.”

Contact Sports Editor Brian Hamilton, e-mail bhamilton@theunion.com or call 477-4240.