Preps Preview: Northwest Whitfield Bruins

BY THE NUMBERS2 - Returning offensive players who started a game for the Bruins last year. The two, both linemen, had 10 combined starts.7 - Offensive linemen with playing experience vying for five starting spots. It's a unit expected to be a strong point.0 - Bus rides over two hours for the Bruins this year after they had five last season.SCHEDULEAug. 31 at PepperellSep. 14 at Pickens CountySep. 21 CassSep. 28 at River RidgeOct. 5 Heritage*Oct. 12 at Dalton*Oct. 19 Ridgeland*Oct. 26 Southeast Whitfield*Nov. 2 at LaFayette*Nov. 9 Region 7-AAAA play-in game* Region 7B-AAAA game

NORTHWEST WHITFIELD BRUINS

Coach: Josh Robinson (second season, 6-4 here and overall)

Stadium address: 1651 Tunnel Hill-Varnell road, Tunnel Hill, GA 30755

RECENT HISTORY

The Bruins spent the past two years playing in a region with mostly Atlanta-area schools and finished out of the playoffs by a game each season. Northwest has not won a playoff game in five seasons.

Here's a look at the regular-season win total for the last five years:

2011 ------(6)

2010 -----(5)

2009 -------(7)

2008 ------(6)

2007 ---------(9)

THREE STRENGTHS

1) Reclassification was kind to Northwest, which played in a metro-Atlanta region the last two seasons. New-look Region 7-AAAA includes natural rivals Dalton and Southeast Whitfield and other nearby foes.

2) While the offense is mostly new, the defense has good experience returning, including Isiah Mack, linebacker Jared Farmer and cornerback Kaleb King.

3) Kicker Miguel Villa returns, giving the Bruins a weapon in close games, and with an offense starting nine new players, touchdowns may be hard to come by early.

THREE CONCERNS

1) Among the many graduated players from last year's 6-4 team was the entire Northwest starting backfield and receivers. One of the candidates to step up this year is O'Shea Hill, a bruising runner at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds.

2) Ball security was an issue for the Bruins last season, something Coach Robinson has stressed early and often in camp this summer.

3) The Bruins had a strong running game a year ago, but the lack of a consistent passing attack showed up against strong defenses. Developing a more consistent aerial threat with expected new starting quarterback Silas Ledford was a focus of camp.

THREE QUESTIONS WITH KALEB KING

(Senior defensive back)

Q: What does it mean to this team, especially the senior class, to be playing in a more localized region?

A: It feels great to play people our size and not have to go two hours away to play. We expect to see a lot more fans this year. Our whole team is pumped, and I know the seniors can't wait to get going.

Q: What's one reason Northwest fans should be excited to watch this team on Friday nights?

A: Our defense should be really good. We've got six or seven returning starters, our defensive line is strong and our linebackers are solid across the board. We also have a great defensive coaching staff.

Q: What is the one game you have to win and why?

A: We have to win the Dalton game because we haven't played them in two years in a game that counts, and they are our main rival. It wouldn't ruin our whole season if we lost to them, but it would mean a great deal to win.


ROSTER

1 Kaleb King - Senior

2 Andy Whisenant - Junior

3 Clay Phillips - Sophomore

4 Tevin McDaniel - Junior

5 Will Brock - Sophomore

6 Cody Hufstetler - Senior

7 Jalen Lockett - Senior

8 Tyler Clayton - Junior

9 Moises Sanchez - Senior

10 Dylan Joyce - Junior

11 Brady Middleton - Senior

12 Walker Creswell - Sophomore

13 Caleb Shiflett - Sophomore

14 Austin Morrison - Freshman

15 Seth Hutchinson - Freshman

16 Seth Pierce - Sophomore

17 Silas Ledford - Senior

19 Connor Beard - Sophomore

20 Miguel Villa - Junior

21 O'Shea Hill - Senior

22 Jarrod Farmer - Senior

23 Nick Bramblett - Junior

24 Chris Tinson - Senior

25 Ethan Hayes - Sophomore

26 Jamon Horne - Sophomore

27 Raekwon Watson - Sophomore

28 Caleb Bowie - Junior

29 A.J. Orozco - Senior

30 David Douhne - Sophomore

31 Blake Heard - Senior

32 Bryan Villa - Sophomore

33 Cesar Orejel - Sophomore

34 Alex Reynolds - Junior

35 Blake Ownbey - Sophomore

36 Sam Crider - Junior

37 Erich Stark - Sophomore

38 Chris Hull - Senior

40 Kyle Brock - Senior

41 Christian Hurd - Sophomore

42 Colten Leonard - Sophomore

43 Kobe Hull - Freshman

44 Jacob Webb - Junior

47 Aaron Ball - Sophomore

50 Tyler Floyd - Senior

51 Raul Franco - Junior

52 Trey Hasty - Sophomore

53 Harley Gates - Junior

54 Cameron Atkins - Junior

55 Hunter Burnette - Junior

56 Ross Chadwick - Junior

57 Blake Frankenberger - Junior

58 Noah Smith - Sophomore

59 Vince Angeles - Sophomore

60 Victor Lopez - Senior

61 Aaron Swaney - Senior

62 Jordan Lopez - Sophomore

63 Tyler Linder - Sophomore

64 Rodrigo Martinez - Junior

65 Charles Haven - Senior

66 Dustin Stanley - Senior

67 Kory Mack - Senior

68 Ryan Rhudy - Sophomore

69 David Wagner - Junior

70 Andrew Janow - Sophomore

71 Jordan Pittman - Sophomore

73 Bryson Williams - Junior

82 Noe Castro - Sophomore

83 Austin Norton - Sophomore

84 Cyrus Addison - Freshman

86 Terrell Russell - Senior

90 Isaiah Mack - Junior

Upcoming Events