JASPER, Tenn. — By design, the veer offense typically does not allow individual players to become the focal point. If it were a form of government, the veer would be socialism, favoring an equal distribution of wealth.

But even with a depth of backfield options, Marion County’s Joe Muir has found ways to stand out this season. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound senior leads the team with 907 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He also has more than 200 yards and three touchdowns receiving and ranks among the area leaders with seven interceptions on defense.

“Joe is a prime example of what you can do when you put your head down and go to work,” Warriors coach Troy Boeck said. “He’s worked for everything he’s gotten this year and has really stepped up on both sides of the ball to make a key run or block or tackle.

“It’s not always things you see on the highlight tape. He does a lot of little things that don’t get noticed as much, but that’s the reason we’ve been successful.”

With opposing defenses routinely keying on Muir, teammates Nick Wells, Chris Martin and Corpeio Brocks have combined for more than 1,200 rushing yards. Last week, one play after York Institute had pulled within a touchdown, Wells answered with a 51-yard scoring run that put the game out of reach.

“We knew we had several players that had talent that was untapped last year,” said Boeck, an assistant on last year’s team that lost in the first round to York. “They showed glimpses of what they could do last year but were underutilized. We’ve tried to evolve the offense to show what the kids can do.

“We’ve been successful running the veer because people can’t key on one player. The playing field has been leveled by keeping people honest and having to respect several guys. The difference as the season has gone is that the kids believe and expect to make plays now. There has been a big-time attitude change.”

Muir, who helped Marion’s baseball program to back-to-back trips to the Spring Fling, has brought an element of confidence that has helped the football team claim nine consecutive wins and advance to the second round of the Class 2A playoffs for the first time in five years. Ninth-ranked Marion (9-2) will travel to Smith County (9-2) tonight with a chance to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in 13 seasons.

“Getting to the state in baseball was expected,” Muir said. “But coming into the football season, we didn’t know what we were capable of. We hadn’t had a lot of success lately, so there wasn’t a lot of confidence. But then we nearly beat Boyd-Buchanan and did beat Tyner, and after that we all started believing we could compete with anybody.

“I just want to make plays whenever I can that will help us keep the season going. All of us know our role and we’re getting it done as a team, which is a great feeling. No matter what, I’m glad our senior class will be remembered as the ones who got Marion County football turned around.”

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