Robert E. Lee senior offensive lineman Conner Grooms switched to center from tackle this season. (Jaime R. Carrero | Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Listen for the ‘S’ on Friday when Robert E. Lee and Lufkin’s starting lineups are announced.

Lee senior Conner Grooms is starting his second game at center for the Red Raiders. Lufkin senior Conner Groom is in his third season as Panthers’ center.

Both linemen earned first-team all-district honors last season with Grooms also being tabbed honorable mention all state.

“We went down there for a (powerlifting) meet and met each other,” said Grooms, a Lee captain for this week’s game. “It’s pretty funny because my sophomore year he started at center, so when they were announcing the teams and he said, ‘Starting center for Lufkin, Conner Groom,’ we all just looked up like they’ve got something wrong, but then they flashed it on the scoreboard.”

Lee coach Randy Huffstickler also knows of the two linemen and their similar names, saying it keeps them alert during powerlifting meets.

“They lift against each other … they’d call the name out and both of them would stand up, so you had to listed for the ‘s’ or no ‘s,’” Huffstickler said.

Grooms stands at 6-3, 280 pounds, and his versatility has been a real strength for the Red Raiders. While Groom was starting as a sophomore at Lufkin, Grooms was playing defensive end and tight end. In the spring prior to last season, Grooms was approached by offensive line coach Gary Fleet, who asked if he would consider a move to the offensive line.

Grooms started every game for Lee last year with left tackle his primary spot, but also filled in at right tackle and the guard spots when needed because of injuries.

“Being a junior and starting, I just pushed myself,” Grooms said. “I wanted to be out there, I wanted to help my team and I wanted to win.”

The musical chairs continued this spring following the graduation of Jimmy Landes (Baylor). Coach Fleet once again approached Grooms about taking over the vacated center position.

“He’s done everything that we ask him to do; he’s the ultimate team player and he tries to lead by example,” Huffstickler said. “For Conner I am really proud of him and how he’s trying to take ownership of the offensive line, and I thought the offensive line looked really good (against Trinity).”

The Red Raiders rushed for 219 yards compared to 85 yards a year ago in the same game. Lee quarterback Joseph Seeber was sacked just once — the only negative was the penalties as Lee was flagged for five false starts.

“A lot of it I think was first-game jitters,” Grooms said. “Our game (against Trinity) last year there is a play … I was up in my two-point stance and I just fell backwards. I jumped off the ball so bad, so I’ve been there and I know what it’s like. We all know that if we can go out there and fix our mistakes, I think we will be great.”

Grooms has received offers from Houston, Memphis and Kansas, but adds that was for last year when he played tackle. He wants to see what schools think when they see him play center.

As for Grooms and Groom, Huffstickler said both players may take center stage before the game ever begins.

“Conner will be our captain this week and maybe their Conner will be one of their captains,” Huffstickler said. “You never know.”