SLIPPERY ROCK — Impose their will.

Slippery Rock University's offensive linemen don't just do it. They get a kick out of it.

“When the defense knows you're gonna run right at 'em, you do it anyway and they're powerless to stop it ... There is no better feeling,” SRU right tackle and Seneca Valley graduate Steve Gaviglia said.

When a Rock offensive player reaches a significant number, “we take it personally,” right guard and Slippery Rock High graduate Colten Raabe added.

And so they should.

SRU is piling up significant offensive numbers as a team and the offensive line has had plenty to do with it.

“Honestly, this is the best offensive line we've had here in a number of years — and we've had some good ones,” Rock head coach Shawn Lutz said.

Besides the 6-foot-3, 285-pound Gaviglia and 6-3, 290-pound Raabe on the right side, Austin Wayt is a 320-pound center, Chris Larsen a 6-4, 325-pound left tackle, Ryan Podgorski a 6-6, 290-pound left guard.

Gaviglia is the only senior among the starters up front, and he leads the team with 31 career starts, including the last 21 games in a row.

Larsen has started 26 games at The Rock. Wayt has started every game at center this year. Raabe had started every game at right guard this season before a labrum injury kept him out of last week's win over Gannon.

“Steve is the unquestioned leader up front,” SRU offensive line coach Chris Conrad said. “He's a captain for a reason.

“These guys have developed a trust in each other. They play as a unit and it shows.”

The Rock offense has been the prime beneficiary of that unified front:

SRU ranks No. 1 in all of Super Region One with an average of 490 yards and 41 points per game. Those figures rank No. 11 in all of Division II.

The Rock averages 207 yards rushing and 283 passing per game.

Senior running back Wes Hills enters Saturday's PSAC Championship game with three successive 200-yard rushing games. He is the first Rock player to do that in decades, if ever.

“When you're blocking for a powerful back like him, all we need to do is open up a little hole ... Then he's dangerous,” Gaviglia said.

Hills is quick to return the compliment.

“I've got 1,000 yards and I have them to thank for it,” Hills said of the offensive line. “They make it easy.”

Conrad is a former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman who has been SRU's line coach for seven years.

“When you have a coach like that teaching you, I mean, he's been there, done that,” Raabe said of Conrad. “The guy's played in the NFL. He went as high as you can go.

“When he talks to us about technique, attitude, cohesiveness, whatever ... We're gonna listen to him.”

Conrad said he's pleased with how the line came together.

“All of these guys have come from different programs, were used to doing things a different way,” the coach said. “Getting everyone on the same page is the first step.

“After that, it's practicing together, playing together, taking it all seriously. You have to have that dedication no one can teach you and these guys have it.”

Raabe lauded the strength program Conrad runs as well.

“It's very good, persistent. He makes everybody buy in,” Raabe said.

Lutz may be the offensive line's biggest fan.

“Just watching them fire off the ball, wear down defenses, it's impressive,” the head coach said. “When they impose their will, they break your will.”