The guys doing the grunt work got their time to shine Tuesday in Goodpasture. Members of the Pioneers offensive and defensive lines made the trek to Nashville to take part in the lineman challenge.

The big men upfront for the Pioneers are used to operating in the shadows, paving holes for big runs or protecting the passer. On Tuesday though, their skills were put to the test against some of the best groups in the state.

Assistant coaches Ben Matheney and Matt Turner took a group of 14 players to the event. Devin Jordan, Garrett Ashburn, Caleb McCormick, Douglas Wells, Ethan Sanchez, Kaden Jordan, Dillon Haley, Buddy Hillis, Jessie Lira, Dean Galloway, Alex Juarez, Ethan Bernhardt, Austin McBride and Aiden Cummings were put through a gauntlet of workouts, which tested the Pioneers both as a unit and individually.

Some of the events were a sled push, obstacle course, farmer’s carry, trip flip and a 225-pound bench press challenge. Coach Tom Moore, who said in the spring he believes the line will be a strength in the fall, believes the competition was important for the group.

“It gives them a challenge and they work hard,” said Moore. “There’s only one way to get stronger and that’s being in the weight room. They are all working hard.”

The Pioneers were without Austin Jakes and Noah Martin, two players expected to be major contributors. Both were in Cookeville for 7-on-7 action.

The full unit will get its chance to join the skill players this fall when the Pioneers participate in two scrimmages before the start of the season Friday, Aug. 17 in DeKalb County. Warren County is set to scrimmage Lincoln County Friday, July 27 and Tullahoma on Aug. 3. Both scrimmages will be on the road.