NATCHEZ — Trinity Episcopal head coach David King can always count on Chance Fenn to be at practice.

That’s because, King said. Fenn has taken the time to perfect his craft as an offensive guard at practice — and the hard work has paid off.

Fenn started several games for the Saints his freshman year of high school, and has been a full-time starter ever since his sophomore season. Now a senior, Fenn will be looked at to help anchor the Saints in the trenches.

“Ever since Pee Wee football, he’s been someone who loves to practice,” King said. “He really excels at that. I think early on he saw that he wouldn’t be the biggest or fastest kid, but he’s made up with effort and determination.”

Fenn said he thinks the time he puts into practicing is what caused the Trinity coaching staff to notice him when he was just a freshman.

“I guess it’s because I work hard,” Fenn said. “I try to do everything how they how they like it and how they tell me to do it.”

Fenn said the techniques the Trinity staff has taught him have gone a long way in helping him win against opposing defensive linemen on Friday nights.

“It’s basically just stay low and keep my feet moving,” Fenn said. “It’s pretty standard, but when you’re playing against a lot of bigger guys, that’s the only way to (push them back).”

King said Fenn’s good technique on the line stems from how much he’s memorized what the coaches have taught him.

“His attention to detail is what got him where he is,” King said. “He always knows his blocking assignments, and he’s relentless. In high school football, that’s what you want from your linemen.”

But even though he’s been working hard to perfect his craft, Fenn said the right techniques are not always easy to pick up.

“You’d think it’s easy to remember, but sometimes it’s hard depending on the blocking schemes we’re using,” Fenn said. “Sometimes when you’re playing bigger teams, you want to try to outmaneuver them.”

While it’s usually the running back or quarterback getting credit for touchdowns, Fenn said the Trinity coaches always acknowledge the importance of a good offensive line.

“I don’t worry about (not getting recognition),” Fenn said. “Most of the time the running back gets noticed — and we have really good running backs here — but the coaches here stress giving us the praise we need.”

Fenn also said it’s important for a linemen to have a mean streak, since opposing defenses are going to come at him with one.

“You have to be more aggressive (than them) with your blocks in order to do what you’re supposed to do,” Fenn said. “You can’t be passive on either side of the ball.”

And that’s something Fenn knows from experience, since he also plays defensive end for the Saints.

“It’s different, because on defense, you really have to be more aware of what’s going on,” Fenn said. “You have to try to find the ball and pick up where it’s going, while on offense, you already know where it’s going.”

Playing both offense and defense can take a lot out of you if you’re not in good shape, Fenn said.

“It’s kind of hard to play both, but they try to keep us in such good shape so that it’s easier,” Fenn said.