In this "New Era" of Southeast Missouri State football, the quarterbacks have been some of the most visible participants on the field this season. Indian football fans see Bobby Brune and Rashad West throwing passes and accumulating touchdowns and they attribute those feats to their outstanding athletic ability. And although nobody doubts Brune or West's abilities, it is another group of men on the field that make it possible for Brune and West to accomplish these feats . . . the offensive line. Today, two of those gentlemen, Chris Evertsen and David Fielder, will be playing in their final home game at Houck Stadium.

This season has been an interesting one for the Southeast Missouri offensive line. New players, the process of learning a new offense and injuries have made the line subject to criticism at times. Through it all, Evertsen and Fielder have been there to give senior leadership to the newcomers and fill in where needed.

Evertsen is a native of State Center, Iowa and graduated from West Marshall High School in 1996. At West Marshall, he played both offensive and defensive tackle while earning all-conference honors for two years. He also participated in golf where he won a conference championship and basketball where he also was all-conference. Following high school, Evertsen moved on to Forest City, Iowa to play football at Waldorf Junior College. At Waldorf, Evertsen once again won all-conference honors for playing offensive tackle. Following his two-year stint at Waldorf, Evertsen was recruited by the likes of Northern Iowa and Iowa State but choose to showcase his talents at Southeast Missouri.

Fielder, a native of Sumeral, Mississippi, graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1997. At Oak Grove, he played both offensive guard and defensive tackle while earning the "Best Defensive Lineman" award from his team. Fielder also participated in track and field and powerlifting at Oak Grove. Following graduation, Fielder took his talents to Poplarville, Mississippi to play at Pearl River Community College. At Pearl River, Fielder had an outstanding two-year stint that included be named first-team All-State and playing in the JUCO All-Star game. Then after turning down chances to play at Sam Houston State and Liberty, Fielder brought his game to Southeast.

At Southeast, Evertsen and Fielder have been two-year mainstays on the offensive line. Evertsen took over the right tackle position last season and has not relinquished it yet. Fielder, on the other hand, has been more of a journeyman on the line. His versatility and leadership as one of the six captains this season, has given the Southeast coaches the luxury of moving him where needed without losing a beat at that position. Last season, Fielder saw most of his playing time at center but this season he has seen action at center, tackle and guard.

Fielder has had to wear many hats this season, as he has played several key positions. The adjustment for the most part has not been difficult. "The main difference is that I have to pay extra attention in the team meetings and not goof off. Each meeting I have to watch and learn about every position I could potentially play that week instead of just one like most of the other players," Fielder said.

This season has also been an adjustment for Evertsen and Fielder as they have had to learn the new blocking schemes implemented by the coaching staff while blocking for two different quarterbacks. "It's not too different from previous years although this system is more speed-oriented. I especially enjoy the run blocking because we use to do that on my junior college and high school teams," Evertsen added. Fielder did not really see a difference in blocking for West or Brune. "Although Bobby tends to stay in the pocket longer, as long as we as a squad work together and continue blocking, the quarterback will make something happen," said Fielder.

The injury bug hurt the cohesiveness of the offensive line at the beginning of the season, but both guys think the line is coming around as of late. "We have worked a lot harder lately and are starting to gel," Evertsen thought. Fielder shared, "The line is no longer me, me, me and that is different from the beginning of the season. We are simply working together to help the team."

After graduation, Evertsen plans to work in the golf construction business, helping to design courses. Fielder hopes to return home to Mississippi, complete graduate school and work as a teacher and coach.