Matt Weiss of Longwood won the Bob Zellner Award for...

Matt Weiss of Longwood won the Bob Zellner Award for most outstanding lineman at the Suffolk All-County Gridiron Dinner at the Hyatt Hotel Dec. 1, 2014. Credit: Andrew Theodorakis

Matthew Weiss' demeanor is a bit like the heroes in those old Western classics. He doesn't say much, and his expression seldom changes as a poker face cloaks his emotions.

That is, until it's time for action. And his actions spoke more loudly than words ever could.

The Longwood junior anchored both lines for his football team, paving the way for an unstoppable rushing attack that carried the Lions to the Suffolk I semifinals. Those accomplishments earned Weiss the Zellner Award, presented Monday night to the top lineman in the county. He is the second Longwood player to receive the honor, joining Darius Greene in 2011.

Much like the gallant cowboys in those flicks, video of Weiss' exploits depicts a tough guy often triumphant despite being outnumbered.

"In one game, he made two pancake blocks on the same play," coach Jeff Cipp marveled. "Me and the looked at each other like, 'Wow! You can't teach that.' "

That being a mean streak and a drive to dominate.

As a defensive tackle, Weiss filled gaps and drew countless double-teams. Nevertheless, he made 46 tackles, including 17 for loss. On offense, at right tackle, he consistently cleared lanes and sealed edges, helping Isaiah White tear through defenses. "He opened holes like nobody's business," said White, who ran for 1,948 yards and 28 touchdowns. "We'd watch film after games and see him 30 yards downfield pancaking people."

That happened 22 times, according to Cipp. So twice per game, on average, Weiss was able to overpower and outmaneuver a defender, flattening him to the ground. "Running behind Matt," White said, "you knew you'd get 5 more yards than you probably should."

There was little secret to what Longwood did offensively. White, Malcolm Stowe and Marquis Simpson were going to run. And they were going to run to the right. A lot.

Defenses adjusted, stacking the box, and still the Lions averaged more than 10 yards per carry.

"He's a quiet kid," White said, "but if a play was unsuccessful, you knew Matt was mad and he'd dominate on the next one.''

At 5-11, 245 pounds, Weiss plays with leverage in the trenches and has smooth technique. His explosiveness and core strength -- he squats 455 pounds -- convinced Cipp before the season that he could successfully make the transition from center to tackle. "He works hard and we expected good things," Cipp said, "but by no means did we think he would be this good."

Weiss excelled despite playing most of the season with a bone bruise in his right hand and an injured right thigh. But you didn't hear a peep from him about it.

He was, however, vocal when necessary. During an early-season practice, White said, a few players were "fooling around too much," and it was time to get serious.

"Matt just erupted with this booming voice," White said. "He was kind of scary and he made everyone take a step back."

For different reasons, quite a few of the guys who lined up across from him probably can relate.

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