Chase Oliver stands in front of Dean Durham's 1967 Ford Fairlane 500, complete with a 289 cubic inch V8 motor. Come Friday night's in the fall, Chase will keep his foot on the gas as he looks to lead the Lumberjack defense in a stellar 2009 campaign. Thanks again to the good people at Sonic for their hospitality during our interview. Photograph by Anthony Delco. In this week's edition of 'Meet the Jacks' I get defensive with Senior starting linebacker Chase Oliver.

"Chase is a relentless competitor, be it on the track or on the football field you can expect him to give his all and then some. Last year he came to Diboll about three games late into the football season, and was still amongst the leaders in tackles and blocked kicks on the team. This all while basically playing out of position as a undersized defensive tackle. This year he is not only expected to have a huge impact on the defensive side of the ball but he is also expected to provide leadership both on and off the field." - Coach Bruce Bolden

Andrew Scott: How long have you been playing football? Chase Oliver: I've been playing football since I was 7, so for 10 years now. AS: What's your favorite part about playing football here in Diboll? CO: I came here from Beasley, Texas, and the difference in intensity is like night and day. Even though they are about the same size population wise, the fans are noticeably louder and overall more passionate about their football. AS: What do you plan to do to not only make the playoffs this year, but to also end the six-year playoff win drought? CO: For me, it's about being a leader on the field and in the classroom. I want to be an example the rest of the team can look up to and respect for my work ethic and desire to win. AS: What do you feel like it will take that to accomplish that as a team? CO: We have to play every down as a cohesive unit. This team has good leadership and we have a high football IQ. If we play fast, play hard, and play smart, everything should take care of itself. AS: What do you know about your opponents heading in to the season? CO: We have a tough schedule and we're going to be underdogs in a lot of our games. The best 3A team in the state is in our district. However, every team has lost the Seniors from last year. We know we can be competitive in every game. AS: What have you been doing so far this summer to stay in shape? CO: I'm in the weight room three or four times a week, and I do cardio every other day. Having a job and working out in the sun six hours a day doesn't hurt either. Cutting down and hauling off trees is a workout in itself. Also, the coach and nutritionist at New Mexico talked to me about how to watch when and what I eat. AS: Do you have a memorable play that sticks out in your mind? CO: It's more like two consecutive plays, does that count? Last year against Jasper they were looking at a 3rd and 7 late in the game. Their QB rolled out of the pocket and it came down to me making the play or him beating me for a touchdown. I broke off the line and caught him for a sack. It happened again on 4th down, but this time I hit him right as he was throwing and Trey Loche picked it off. We scored on the next play to put the game away. AS: What's your dream scenario for this season? CO: For me, it's all about having an injury-free season where I keep getting better every week. This is my Senior year so I want to make it count. My first goal is to win district, and then it's about making a run in the playoffs that hopefully ends with a ring. AS: Why did you choose the number 43? CO: I had worn 30 every year I played until I got to Diboll. They didn't have it, so Coach handed me 43. I had the best year of my life last year so might I as well stick with it and see where it takes me. AS: What's the worst you've been hurt while playing? CO: I went to the hospital last year when we played Carthage. I was chasing the tight end on a dump pass, and just as I put it in high gear, #13 came across the field and speared me. It cracked a rib that almost fully punctured my lung to the point where I was coughing up blood. It was enough to keep me out the next week as well. I think he was an underclassman last year so I hope they send him on slants over the middle all game long this year. AS: What are your future plans for after you graduate? CO: I'm going to college, hopefully to play ball for a Division-1 school. So far I've had a few verbal offers. Academics wise, I want to major in some kind of wildlife science and go on to get my masters. From there, who knows? Dare I say Dr. Oliver? AS: I've got one more question for you. You play Kirbyville to start the season. Do you have a message for them? CO: They better come with their chin-straps tight and ready to play because it's going to be on. I'm ready to get out there now and crack some heads. didn't get to play in last year's game because I had to sit out per UIL rules, so I'm going to be fired up for the opener. AS: What do the Lumberjack's need to do to make sure they're ready to go? CO: It all starts right now in the offseason. That's when all the work goes in to getting strong and ready for the year.