Friday, August 17, 2012
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
Coach: Josh Robinson (second season, 6-4 here and overall)
Stadium address: 1651 Tunnel Hill-Varnell road, Tunnel Hill, GA 30755
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)
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.
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.
(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.
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