Both can bench-press more than 315 pounds. Both are three-year starters. Both are leaders for a team that is rebuilding a bit after losing several talented players from last year's 8-2 squad.
"I've been coaching offensive linemen for 20 years," Holmes said. "I've coached a couple of D-I guys. These guys are as good as any offensive lineman I've ever coached.
"They both play with a big-time edge. They're just not 6-4, 300 pounds."
Kane, who plays right guard, is 6-0, 215 pounds. Scanlon, the left guard, is 6-2, 225.
What the pair might lack in bulk, they make up for in explosiveness and agility.
"A lot of people think you have to be big and heavy to play on the line," said Kane, who lives in Delran. "But it's a big advantage to be quick and explosive off the ball."
The Lancers use their guards' speed to their advantage, designing a lot of plays that call for the offensive linemen to be on the move.
"When we're pulling as guards, we can get out there and lead the way," Scanlon said. "Our speed is a big advantage for us."
The guards' experience is key, too. As three-year starters, they bring veteran savvy to a youthful lineup.
The Lancers have a talented quarterback in senior Conor Dempster, but he's a converted wide receiver. Running backs Myles Pressey and Khalid Hendricks are new starters. Same goes for wide receiver Lloyd Smith, a big-play man, as well as the three other members of the offensive line.
"We've been around the block," said Scanlon, who lives in Riverton. "We know what we're doing, so we can help out the younger guys."
Unlike some coaches who put their top linemen at tackle, Holmes prefers to have his best blockers at guard.
"I like for us to be strong in the middle," Holmes said. "We're a gap team. We like to have our guards on the move."
Scanlon said he likes "being in the center of the offense, getting it all started."
Kane said anonymity "comes with the job" for an offensive lineman. But he said his teammates understand the value of quality blockers.
"The fans might not notice you, but as long as your players do, that's all that matters," Kane said. "It's not a glory position, but it might be the most necessary. It's hard to do anything without good blocking."
From one of the most obscure positions on the field, Kane and Scanlon manage to stand out. And unlike most top guards, they tend to separate themselves during sprints, too.
Contact staff writer Phil Anastasia at 856-779-3223, panastasia@phillynews.com, or @PhilAnastasia on Twitter.
