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File August Eastern Montgomery High School's Michael Shelor (right) and Stephen Lilly (center) joke with Shawn Christian during practice this summer. Shelor says the time he and his teammates have spent in the weight room during preseason is one of the causes of the team's success — the Mustangs posted one of the best records in school history at 8-2.

| Becca Favret

Special to The Roanoke Times

"It's a good time to be Michael Shelor," said Eastern Montgomery head football coach Mark Poston.

Given the type of season the junior has had, most would have to agree.

The Mustangs posted one of the best records in school history at 8-2. Now, they're poised for an even better postseason.

Shelor was impressive at running back with eight touchdowns and nearly 500 yards rushing. He also contributed on defense, playing linebacker.

Success like this doesn't come without hard work.

Shelor is known for his fierce commitment. He's put in countless hours in the weight room.

"I don't think he's missed a day of weight lifting in four years," Poston said.

Thanks to his work ethic, Shelor is surprisingly strong.

"You're talking about a kid that's 165, 170 pounds and can squat 550-plus [pounds]. He's strong, and he's incredibly dedicated," Poston said.

The extra work has paid dividends on the field, and Shelor said the time he and his teammates have spent in the weight room during preseason is one of the causes of the team's success.

Like most seasons, this one hasn't been without challenges for the Mustangs.

Shelor said his biggest test has been staying focused.

"The hardest thing this year has been taking it game by game ... and not forgetting what we're working toward."

Team chemistry has kept him on track.

"Everybody's friends," Shelor said. "We all hang out every day. That's the best part about being on this team."

He also said extra inspiration from his coaches, along with his desire to play football after high school, have motivated him.

Polite and soft-spoken, Shelor is a quiet leader who has earned the respect of his coaches and teammates.

"I try to lead by example," Shelor said. "I'm not one of those 'rah-rah,' in-your-face kind of guys, but I get enough respect from my teammates by just playing hard."

"He's a 'yes sir, no sir' type of player," said Poston. "He's just a great kid."

When asked what drives him, Shelor answered, "I just love playing football. There's nothing else I'd rather be doing."

The second-seeded Mustangs earned a bye in the first round of the Three Rivers District tournament.

Shelor cited EastMont's victory over Glenvar as the highlight of the season and said the Mustangs have a good chance in the playoffs.

The Mustangs will host either Bath County or Narrows on Nov. 20. They beat both teams earlier in the season.

Bath County and Narrows play tonight for a chance at the rematch.