Countdown to Kickoff | 2012

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2012

INSIDE YOU’LL FIND

 Meet the Northwest Viking and Northern football teams and coaches  Season game schedules  2011 season results  Meet the cheerleading squads  Meet the Vikings dance team  Get a sneak preview of the marching bands’ performances

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Friday night football is just around the bend!

Get your sweatshirts out. Though daytime temperatures are still hovering in the high 80s, early morning and evening temperatures have recently been delivering a slight touch of fall. And that means just one thing – the fall football season is about to get underway.

Thousands of northwest-area students, parents, school staff and alumni will soon make their way to the stadiums at Northwest and Northern high schools to watch their football teams take the field, be charged up by the cheerleaders and dance team, and enjoy the performances by the marching bands.

Behind the scenes these kids have been preparing for this moment for months.

of whether you can recite the rulebook by heart or you’re stuck at Football 101 like I am, it’s hard not to get excited when the scoreboard lights up, the cheerleaders and dance team take their place on the sidelines, the band marches in, and the players take the field.

We hope you’ll enjoy this first annual edition of Countdown to Kickoff, which will give you just a glimpse into what’s ahead for Northwest and Northern high school football this season.

I’d like to thank our associate editor, Thomas Lester, for spearheading this edition, and together we look forward to bringing you season highlights in the Northwest Observer and at www.nwobserver.com!

Our best to both the Northwest Vikings and Northern Nighthawks for a great season, on and off the field!

For someone who has spent a lot of time around football enthusiasts, I have to confess that I still don’t know very much about the game (I do know that there are 11 players from each team on the field at all times, and that the goal is to move the ball down the field to the end zone). But regardless

See you at the game,

Patti Stokes publisher/editor

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4

at a glance:

2011-2012 SEASONS

Northwest Vikings

Northern Nighthawks

5240 Northwest School Road, Greensboro

7101 Spencer Dixon Road, Greensboro

2012 GAME SCHEDULE

2012 GAME SCHEDULE

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION Aug. 17 .............Smith .......................................... Home Aug. 24 .............Western Guilford.................... Away Aug. 31 .............Grimsley ................................... Away Sept. 7 ..............Northern Guilford................... Home Sept. 14 ............Glenn......................................... Away Sept. 21 ............Southwest Guilford ................. Homehomecoming Sept. 28 ............High Point Central................... Away Oct. 5 ................Ragsdale .................................. Home Oct. 12..............Parkland ................................... Away Oct. 19..............East Forsyth .............................. Home

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION Aug. 24 .............Page .......................................... Home Aug. 31 .............Dudley ....................................... Home Sept. 7 ..............Northwest Guilford ................ Away Sept. 14 ............Williams .................................... Away Sept. 21 ............Eastern Alamance ................... Home Sept. 28 ............Eastern Guilford...................... Away Oct. 5 ................McMichael ................................ Homehomecoming Oct. 12..............Rockingham County ................ Away Oct. 19..............Morehead ................................ Home Oct. 26..............Western Alamance ................. Away

Northwest Guilford High School

(all games start at 7:30 p.m.)

2011 SEASON RESULTS DATE OPPONENT SCORE Aug. 19 .............Smith ................................................................ 49-14 (W) Aug. 26 .............Western Guilford.......................................... 42-21 (W) Sept. 2 ..............Grimsley ......................................................... 26-12 (W) Sept. 9 ..............Northern Guilford............................................ 21-14 (L) Sept. 16 ............Glenn............................................................... 41-28 (W) Sept. 23 ............Southwest Guilford ..........................................28-7 (W) Sept. 30 ............High Point Central......................................... 21-13 (W) Oct. 7 ................Ragsdale ....................................................... 31-28 (W) Oct. 14..............Parkland ............................................................42-7 (W) Oct. 21..............East Forsyth ..........................................................35-6 (L) Nov. 4................Richmond County ................. 28-14 (W) 4-AA Playoffs Nov. 11 .............Page .......................................... 44-25 (L) 4-AA Playoffs

Northern Guilford High School

(all games start at 7:30 p.m.)

2011 SEASON RESULTS DATE OPPONENT SCORE Aug. 26 .............Page ....................................................................35-14 (L) Sept. 2 ..............Dudley ................................................................ 31-8 (W) Sept. 9 ..............Northwest Guilford .......................................21-14 (W) Sept. 16 ............Williams ............................................................. 56-0 (W) Sept. 23 ............Eastern Alamance ..........................................38-19 (W) Sept. 30 ............Eastern Guilford............................................... 48-0 (W) Oct. 7 ................McMichael .......................................................55-23 (W) Oct. 14..............Rockingham County ......................................... 42-7 (W) Oct. 21..............Morehead ......................................................... 49-8 (W) Oct. 28..............Western Alamance .......................................... 42-7 (W) Nov. 4................Eastern Guilford.................... 39-0 (W) 3-AA Playoffs Nov. 11 .............Western Alamance .............49-13 (W) 3-AA Playoffs Nov. 18 .............Douglas Byrd ......................... 35-6 (W) 3-AA Playoffs Nov. 25 .............J.B. Hunt ..............................29-13 (W) 3-AA Semifinal Dec. 2 ................Crest ......................31-7 (W) 3-AA State Championship

(left to right) Doug Geiger, Carrie Cozart, Karyn Efird, Jennifer Holland and Andy Michels

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NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 31 32

NAME Tyler Messick Ethan Tingler Joseph Heck Kevin Parrish Josiah Lovick Parker Scaggs Anthony Harding Artemus Brower Damian Harris Reid Baxter Andrew Ritz Christian Bryant Jake Jordan Joshua Homol Aaron George Andrew Collison Kenneth Eason Adam Montgomery Mark Murphy Brandon Weaver Arrington Kellam Colton Luchs Zachary Odeh Christian Dix Myles Mitchell Hunter Powell Kamen Powell

GRADE 11 12 12 12 11 12 11 12 12 12 12 11 12 10 11 12 12 12 10 12 12 11 12 11 10 10 12

POSITION OL/DL WR/DB DB/WR WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/DB RB/DB/KR QB/DB WR/DB K/P QB/DB RB/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB OL/DL RB/DB RB/LB RB/DB OL/DL RB/LB

HEIGHT 6’4” 6’0” 5’10” 6’0” 5’9” 6’0” 6’3” 5’8” 5’7” 5’10” 6’1” 5’10” 5’10” 5’10” 5’9” 5’11 6’0” 6’0” 5’9” 6’1” 5’10” 5’8” 5’8” 5’11” 5’10” 5’11” 5’11”

WEIGHT 165 165 155 175 165 175 195 160 145 170 175 155 165 140 140 170 175 160 175 165 175 160 180 175 150 230 215

NO. 33 34 36 40 42 44 45 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 64 65 66 67 70 72 74 76 77 81 83 87 89

NAME Keenan Scott Lucas Moore Joshua Beitz Michael Hunt Reid Victory Evan Albertson Anas Ettorchi Aidan Smith Brian Thompson Jake Bethea Ryan Gravley Mike Millen Chris Kirksey Gage Michaux Jeff Killian Payton Stull Mark Salmon Clay Shelton Cary Miller Parrish Poteat Sean Clark Hampton Billips Chase Michaux Jonny Sugg Jon Smith Zachary Conway Jabob Smith Cole Anderson

GRADE 11 10 12 10 11 12 11 12 12 11 11 11 11 12 11 10 12 11 10 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 12

POSITION RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB QB/DB K/P OL/RB/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/LB TE/LB TE/LB TE/LB

HEIGHT 6’1” 6’0” 6’4“ 5’8” 6’1” 6’0” 5’8” 5’11” 5’9” 5’10” 6’0” 5’8” 6’0” 6’2” 6’0” 6’1” 5’11” 6’4” 6’1” 6’1” 6’4” 6’6” 6’1” 6’3” 6’1” 6’2” 6’1” 6’1”

WEIGHT 195 180 190 140 155 250 185 190 200 155 180 180 230 190 225 195 200 265 205 200 200 220 250 245 165 205 185 205

7

Vikings poised to join state’s elite in 2012 Northwest ready to build on two straight conference championships

By THOMAS LESTER On the heels of consecutive Piedmont Triad 4-A Conference championships, Northwest Guilford is ready to take the next step with a deep playoff run.

Last season, the Vikings rolled to a 9-3 record that ended with a loss to eventual 4-AA state champion Page in the second round of the NCHSAA playoffs. With the confidence that comes from playing for championships and the experience of competing in the postseason, Head Coach Joe Woodruff is dreaming big with a hungry, tested team by his side.

“The program has come on a lot faster than I thought it would.

In 50 years of the school we’ve won three conference championships – two in the last two years,” Woodruff says. “This should be the best team I’ve Woodruff had since I’ve been here.”

Offensively, the Vikings play primarily out of the Wing-T set, but Woodruff says they aren’t afraid to pass the ball around on any down.

With a talented stable of running backs, Northwest should be able to grind opposing defenses down and make hay in the fourth quarter with fresh legs running at tired defenders.

“We’ve got a lot of bullets in the gun this year, we think,” Woodruff surmises.

Leading the charge will be Reid Baxter (5-foot-10, 170 lbs.). Woodruff is confident in the senior’s abilities and thinks he stacks up favorably to any back in the county.

“He’s been playing varsity football since he was a freshman. He’s a phenomenal playmaker,” Woodruff says. “When you talk about Guilford County running backs, obviously Northern’s got a special one over there (T.J. Logan) but I think our kid is pretty dang good, himself. He’s very dynamic.”

Others with varsity rushing experiContinued on page 14

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NO. 2 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 19 20 22 23 24 30 32 33 34 40 41 42

NAME Tre Purcell Brett Welch Jamon Reynolds Robert Willcox TJ Logan Ryan Dirks Nick Jones Austin Coltrane Justin Wallace Matt Page Burney Sindab Yrral Davis Molick Scott Chris Ripberger Malik Parker Matthew McGarry Rory Bergen Bernard Sindab TJ Ruff Josh Parker Brant Williams Johnny Loflin Jacob King

GRADE 12 12 10 11 12 12 12 11 12 12 12 10 11 11 12 9 12 12 11 12 12 12 12

POSITION TB/DE WR/LB WR/DB WR/LB TB/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB FB/LB WR/DB QB WR/DB WR/DB FB/LB TB/LB FB/LB WR/DB FB/DE FB/LB WR WR/LB TE/DL TE/DL

HEIGHT 5’10” 6’2” 5’11” 5’11” 5’11” 5’11” 5’11” 5’11” 5’9” 5’9” 6’1” 6’ 5’11” 5’10” 5’5” 5’9” 5’10” 6’3” 6’ 5’8” 6’3” 6’1” 5’11”

WEIGHT 185 190 170 180 185 180 180 165 160 155 170 160 155 170 145 170 150 215 200 140 190 185 170

NO. 43 44 45 50 51 52 53 54 55 60 61 62 63 64 66 71 72 74 80 81 83 85 87

NAME Frankie Lollis Ryan Johnston Nick Fryer Mason Monroe Trevor McKee Austin Simmons Duncan Taylordean Max Klietsch Clay Chapman Trey French Eric Hong Josh Steele Kamen Smith Chris Forlano Steven Branze Malik Hampton-Prieleu Andrew Keen John Wagoner Seth Collina Myles Sanders Carlos Williams Terrell Headen Alex Hasler

GRADE 10 12 10 11 12 12 10 11 12 11 10 12 12 12 11 12 12 11 12 12 12 12 12

POSITION FB/LB FB/DL FB/DL OL OL OL/DL OL/DL OL OL/DL OL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL DL OL/DL OL/DL OL TE WR WR/DB WR PK

HEIGHT 5’9” 5’11” 5’10” 5’9” 6’ 6’ 6’ 6’2” 6’ 5’7” 6’ 6’ 6’ 5’8” 5’8” 6’5” 6’2” 6’2” 6’ 5’9” 6’ 5’11” 5’9”

WEIGHT 155 225 200 155 230 200 200 225 190 145 200 200 250 195 180 220 230 225 175 150 165 155 150

9

Northern eyes third trip to the top

JOIN THE

Defending state 3-AA champs back for more Offensively, we like to throw but we have With two straight state 3-AA to be able to protect championships in tow and a team full so the linemen will of talented returning players, Northbe a big key.” ern Guilford definitely has a shot at One area in another crown. which Roscoe can But Head Coach Johnny Roscoe rest easy is at Roscoe isn’t so bold as to predict a third banrunning back. T.J. ner season for the Nighthawks – at Logan (5-foot-11, least not in August, anyway. He says 185 lbs.), who verbally committed there are a lot of key spots to fill beto North Carolina in July, gives the fore the tale of 2012 can be told.

Nighthawks a big play threat any “We’ve got to replace some time he touches the ball – and he’ll really good players that were an imget plenty of help from Tre Purcell portant part of us winning two state (5-foot-10, 185) and Malik Parker championships,” Roscoe says. “We’ve (5-foot-5, 145). got to see if these young players are “All three are pretty fast,” Roscoe ready to step up. I don’t care what says. “We’ve got to be able to run grade you’re in; if you’re the best at the ball straight ahead. We’ve been your position, you’re going to play.” successful doing that. We’re not goWhile the results of recent years ing to be trying to outrun people to bear out on the field, Roscoe believes it truly takes a village to bring the sideline.”

A stable of receivers, led by Nick home a title.

Jones, will keep defenses from keying “We’ve had good players and on the run game, as the Nighthawks excellent parental support. That’s as can throw with the best of them. important as anything else; we do Carlos Williams (6-foot, 165), Brant ask a great deal of our players and our parents work well with us,” Roscoe Williams (6-foot-3, 190), Brett Welch assesses. “You don’t just win with good (6-foot-2, 190) and Austin Coltrane players; everything’s got to be clicking (5-foot-11, 165) are among Roscoe’s reliable receiving threats. and it has the past two years for us.”

“We try to move it around and With an undersized front on both give people different looks,” he says. sides of the ball, the Nighthawks So who will get the ball to all rely on speed to counter much larger these offensive weapons? Right now, opponents. Offensively, that means using the whole field and working to Roscoe says it’s a three-man race between Burney Sindab (6-foot-1, tire the other team out.

“Offensively, we’ll spread the ball 170), Ryan Dirks (5-foot-11, 180) and Coltrane. Regardless of who around and we’ve got some power plays quarterback, Roscoe notes that plays we’ll run. We rely on our quickness because we don’t have the there’s room for all three in the ofbig linemen,” Roscoe says. “We may fense.

Continued on page 14 have one guy about 218 (pounds).

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Viking cheerleaders ‘stand above’ the rest NWHS

2012 VARSITY CHEERLEADERS Members of the 2012-2013 Northwest Guilford varsity cheerleaders are: Kelsey Bobetich (co-captain), Anna Boggs, Autumn Buford, Morgan Childress (cocaptain), Bailey Clark, Megan Coffey, Morgan Coffey, Erika Hawkins, Nicole Hinterburger, Sarah Kincaid, Laura Knoll, Erin Morton, Michelle Murphy, Alicia Perry, Haley Pressley, Rachel Pusey (co-captain), Latraesha Thompson, Abby Turner, Chloe Tuttle, Kayleigh Tyler, Laken Walker and Tatyana Walls.

Photo by Sarah Burchette/NWO

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Jenny Knoll has coached cheerleading in London, Ohio and Michigan for over 20 years. But when she started coaching the Northwest Viking cheerleaders this year, she quickly detected something unusual to the cheerleading world.

“When most people think of a cheerleading team, they think of smaller girls with a shorter average height,” says Knoll. “We don’t have that size of a team. Five of my girls are 5'9" or taller, which gives us a strong team with great bases. It’s an advantage.”

Knoll points out another strength the Vikings possess – knowing the cheerleading basics and how to tumble and stunt.

“This is a really talented team and it makes it fun for me to test them and see how far they can go – the sky is the limit,” she says.

With the new season soon getting underway, the Vikings cheerleading coach has her sights set especially on the game against Northern, watching the girls’ interaction with the crowd and having a good showing at the state competition for cheering in December.

“We’re looking forward to new stunts and pyramids and trying to get the crowd fired up at the games,” she says. “We have all sorts of interesting things planned, but we won’t lose the old favorites and we won’t get rid of any traditions that the crowd knows.”

Knoll says she also looks forward to a warmer North Carolina fall and winter season than those in Ohio and Michigan, with no sleet or worries about how to keep the girls warm during games.

“We’re ready for the season,” says Knoll. “I can’t wait to get there and enjoy it with the girls!”

11

Nighthawks bring high energy to season Northern

2012 VARSITY CHEERLEADERS The 2012-2013 Northern Nighthawk varsity cheerleaders are: front row, from left: Bria Allen, Eboni Davis (co-captain), McKenna West, Morgan West (co-captain), Rayven Phillips. Second row: India Schenck, Dianne Griffin, Arielle Brown, Alaria Benton, Amber Crawford, Sara Rossi, Rachel Francisco. Back row: Tristan McKee, Elly Dirks, Rebecca Ambler, Ashton Tyler, Caroline Owen, Amanda Helms, Bailey McClendon, Kennedy Smith.

Photo by Sarah Burchette/NWO

by SARAH BURCHETTE Nighthawk cheerleading Coach Ajalyn Dunn says the Northern community can look forward to seeing her team bring high energy and a new style to the upcoming football season.

“These girls are hilarious, and I’ve enjoyed watching them project into a different style with a lot more high energy this year,” says Dunn.

The coach notes that the team’s performances will include stunts with solid tumblers and flyers.

“The key for us now is coming together as a team,” Dunn says. “This is definitely a community school with a big family and a lot of support. It’s a family atmosphere.”

Dunn is anxious to share her love for cheerleading with the girls and the community.

“Cheerleading is something I love to do and is something I’m passionate about,” says Dunn. “Being able to share that with other people is a pleasure for me and I feel like there is a lot we can accomplish together as a team.”

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Northwest to feature ‘Duae Turres’

The 2012 members of the Northwest Guilford Viking marching band are: Piccolo/Flute: Marisa Boulton, Lauren Harris, Taylor Phillips, Maya Williams, Kailee Akers, Elizabeth Amos, Vichelle Buck, Mariam Walters, Gracie Gardner, Sarah Geib; Clarinet: Kara Carmichael, Alexandra McQueen, Travis Cothren, Shawn Flick, Madison Pitts, Katie Greene, Elizabeth Cheney, Christy Doyle, Harley Nefe, Sharon Slakter, Austin Shelton; Bass Clarinet: Rachel Funke, Caroline Gilmore; Alto Sax: Madeline Robless, Caitlin Huber, Andy Jackson, Erin Warner, Aaron Aguilar, Sean Duffy, Brittany Davis, Will Schoppman, Kiana Villanueva, Morgan McNeil; Tenor Sax: Eli Umrani, Nathan Adams; Trumpet: Stephanie Fenton, Claudia Kennedy, Riley Lynch, Philip Osborne, James Stallings, Will Lothian, Abby Warner, Andrew Pearson, Mary Fenton, Jonah Springs, Wes Ring, Collin Boatman, Michael Brotherton; Mellophone: Avery Downs, Weston Yasaki, Katie Duckett, Remick Pearson; Baritone: Emily Duckett, Rick Ralston-Asumendi, Ayers Gilmore, Steven Hatton, Gavin Rust, Alyssa Osborne, David Wright, Jesse Pitonzo; Sousaphone: Evan Campfield, Charles Cornelius; Drum Line: Christian Sizer, Matthew Floyd, Trevor White, Kevin Capps, Nick Heflin, Brittany Beck, Alex Hill, David NWHS Alumnus ‘79 Burnstein; Front Ensemble: Stephen Graves, Josh Sizer, Mounir Zerrad, Max Davis, Grayson Wofford, Brenden Flick, Zach Simmons, James Abbott, Michael Soper, Micah Gesford, Katherine Shull, Jason Dispensa; Guard: Rebecca Athey, Courtney Atkins, Anna Fletcher, Danielle Floyd, Carmen Grant, Jessica Hasteadt, Katherine Hubbard, Liz Hubbard, Haley Jenkins, Melanie Jenkins, Olivia Kimes, McKenzie Lester, Jamie Luckhard, Christine McGuire, Taylor Meredith, Megan Morrison, Melynn Mueller, Jen Nelson, Madison Parnell, Emily Pearson, Morgan Pilcher, Shannon Rigsbee, Autumn Roux, Ashley Schatz, Tori Smith, Tess Sullivan, Sarah Wells, Brianna Williams, Jacquiline Williams, Anna Wurz; Drum Major: Rachel Phillips; Assistant Drum Major: Justin Shelton.

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A pair of larger than life towers will be the focal points of the Northwest Guilford Marching Band’s 2012 field show.

“Duae Turres” is the name of the band’s program and as part of the show, two 30-foot towers will be incorporated on the field.

“Everything happens around and in

between the towers,” says band director Brian McMath.

Musical selections come from two shows by noted marching band composer Marty McCartt, featuring works from “Oh The Places You’ll Go!” and “Journey of 1,000 Miles.”

The Northwest Viking band opens its 2012 marching season on Aug. 17 during the varsity football game against Smith.

13

Nighthawks to share ‘Sound of Simon’

2012 Northern Nighthawk Marching Band • Drum Majors: Megan Anderson, Tyler Rochelle; Flutes: Leah Gilmore, Gretchen Preheim, Erin Lee, Cierra Coleman, Erin Yow, Kaila Dungen, Rebecca Rochelle, Rena Evenson; Clarinets: Emily Peck, Alex Rhoades, Nick Infante, Meredith Woetring, Crissy Brown, Deja Webb; Saxes, Mike Piscatelli, Matt Blakeman, Nick Schneider, Nathan Kohn,Tucker Smith, Annie Koenig; Trumpets: John Derrick, Chris Smith, Will Alemanni, Jake Brandberg, Hunter Burkitt, Bryce Yates, Nate Patterson; Mellophone: Colin Shelton; Trombones: Nathan Rackers, Ryan MacKay, Evan Rhoades, Ryan Williams, Shyquan Sherrod, Andrew Hamilton; Baritone: Ethan Wagner; Sousaphones: John Lasley, Jenna Allen, Brian Peck, Nick Purdy; Drum Line: Snares: Nick Gregory, Drew Vincent; Quads: Patrick Walker, Chris Powell; Bass Drums: Johnny Eades, Scott Ewell, Lucien Poulan, Luke Reynolds; Cymbals: David Chambers; Front Ensemble: Blake Riley, Lydia Spencer, Ashley Alemanni, Jordan Haynes, Hunter Camp.

by THOMAS LESTER The Northern Guilford Nighthawk Marching Band has an exciting fall planned.

The band’s halftime show this year will be “The Sound of Simon,” featuring the music of Paul Simon. Selections for the show include “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Late in the Evening,” “The Sound of Silence,” and a reprise of “You Can Call Me Al.” The Nighthawks’ first home game this season is against Page. The Northern band will combine with the band from Page to perform an extended patriotic pre-game perfor-

mance. Halftime will feature the two bands individually performing their opening numbers followed by two or three arrangements performed by the combined bands.

“The Sound of Simon” arrangements were donated to the Northern High School Band Library by Jeannette Moffitt, wife of Bill Moffitt who penned the arrangements. Mrs. Moffit is planning to travel from her home in Florida to attend the game.

In addition to the halftime performances, the Nighthawk band, about 65 strong, plays extensively during the games and travels to all or most of the away games.

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Northern

continued from page 9

On the offensive line, Roscoe knows he can count on Trevor McKee (6-foot, 230) at center, Austin Simmons (6foot, 200) and Max Klietsch (6-foot-2, 225) at each of the two guard positions and Andrew Keen (6-foot-2, 230) at one of the tackle spots. Malik Hampton-Prieleu (6-foot-5, 220) and Eric Hong (6-foot, 200) are among those battling for the final starting spot up front.

On the defensive side of the ball, Northern will employ five defensive backs in an attempt to get as many speedy, athletic players on the field at once.

“Defensively, we run a 4-2. We’ll be outweighed by every team we play,” Roscoe notes. “We don’t have a great deal of size so we have to rely on quickness.”

Logan will play free safety, while Coltrane and Chris Ripberger (5-foot-10, 170) will join him in the defensive backfield. Sophomore Jamon Reynolds (5-foot-11, 170) is penciled in at one of the cornerback spots and Rory Bergen (5-foot-10, 150) could be an impact player in the secondary as well.

On the defensive line, Ryan Johnston (5-foot-11, 225) will play at the 3-technique position while Purcell and Bernard Sindab (6-foot-3, 215) are slotted for defensive end duty. Hampton-Prieleu, Simmons and Kamen Smith (6-foot, 250) are also expected to take snaps at the point of attack.

T.J. Ruff (6-foot, 200) is set at one of the two linebacker spots with Robert Wilcox (5-foot-11, 180) and Brant Williams vying for the other starting nod.

“For us, our linebackers have to be able to run,” Roscoe says.

Coltrane will handle punting duties for the Nighthawks with Alex Hasler (5-foot-9, 150) ready for extra points, field goals and kickoffs. A combination of Logan, Parker, Reynolds and Dirks will take care of the return game.

Northern opens its season on Aug. 24 with a matchup against Page – the defending 4-AA state champions.

Roscoe believes scheduling hard prepares a team for those late-season playoff clashes.

“That’s the kind of game we want to play,” Roscoe says. “Our schedule, in 3-A, is probably about as tough as anybody’s. We want to go against 4-A teams so we’ve got Page, Dudley and Northwest. All of those have gone quite a distance in playoffs. It’s not like those guys aren’t really good, because they are.”

Northwest

continued from page 7

ence for the Vikings include Anthony Harding (6-foot-3, 195), Mark Murphy (5-foot-9, 175), Keenan Scott (6-foot-1, 195), Kamen Powell (5foot-11, 215) and Christian Dix (5-foot-11, 175).

Andrew Ritz (6-foot-1, 175) will be taking snaps for Northwest this season after serving as backup quarterback in 2011. Woodruff can’t say enough good things about Ritz’s dedication to the team.

“In 20-some years of coaching, I don’t think I’ve ever had a kid work as hard as he did in the weight room,” Woodruff notes. “He really committed himself. He’s that kid that you love having on your team. He’ll be solid.”

When Ritz isn’t handing the ball off to the stable of talented runners, he’ll have his choice of capable receiving targets. Brandon Weaver (6-foot-1, 165), Joey Heck (5-foot-10, 155) and Andy Collison (5-foot-11, 170) lead the way.

A seasoned, veteran offensive line will do its best to keep Ritz and company upright for as long as possible. Hampton Billips (6-foot-6, 220) and Clay Shelton (6-foot-4, 265) are entrenched as tackles while Jonny Sugg (6-foot-3, 245) looks to be the starting center with Chase Michaux (6-foot-1, 250) in the mix as well.

Aidan Smith (5-foot-11, 190), Brian Thompson (5-foot-9, 200), Jeff Killian (6-foot, 225) and Gage Michaux (6-foot-2, 190) are among those vying for playing time at guard. Cole Anderson (6-foot-1, 205) is slated to start at tight end.

Woodruff says having so many experienced offensive linemen is a coach’s dream.

“That’s where everything starts and we return a plethora of offensive linemen,” he notes.

Defensively, Woodruff’s team is strongest on the line and in the secondary. Evan Albertson (6-foot, 250) is a returning starter at nose guard while Sugg, Killian, Billups and Zach Conway (6-foot-2, 205) are expected to play several snaps a game up front.

With two-year starters Ethan Tingler (6foot, 165) at one cornerback spot and Kevin Parrish (6-foot, 175) at one safety spot, North-

“

The program has come on a

lot faster than I thought it would. In 50 years of the school we’ve won

three conference championships – two in the last two years. This should be the best team I’ve had since I’ve been here.”

— NWHS Head Coach Joe Woodruff west has a pair of defenders who have seen most everything. Baxter, Parker Scaggs (6-foot, 175) and Murphy help fill out a defensive backfield capable of changing games.

Woodruff has particularly high hopes for Murphy.

“He’s going to be a phenomenal contributor for us,” he predicts.

Ritz is expected to take care of kicking duties and Woodruff says he wouldn’t be surprised to see teams play keepaway from Baxter on kickoffs and punts.

“Teams don’t kick to Reid Baxter much anymore,” he notes. “Every time they kick to him, every third or fourth time, he’s in the end zone.”

And while Northwest’s varsity team is poised for a season to remember, Woodruff says the school’s football program is making strides at every level. The junior varsity Vikings continue to prepare younger players for the rigors of varsity football – and they’ve won a lot of games in the process.

“When we came here five years ago or so, we wanted to build a complete program.

Our JV program the last four years has been 39-1. We haven’t lost since George W. Bush was president,” Woodruff says. “When these kids come up to varsity, they know our system and know what we’re doing. That’s one of the things we think we can use.”

The Vikings kick their season off Aug. 17 against Smith in the newly-renovated R.L. Billings Stadium. Improvements include seating for 4,100 and a brand-new field house.

15

Northwest Vikettes have a passion for dance NWHS

2012 VIKETTE DANCE TEAM Top Row, Left to Right: Victoria Glosson, Dominique Garcia, Kali Perdue, Rachael Murphy, Cassie Fischer and Rebecca Barber. Bottom Row, Left to Right: Tayler Williams, Imani Chavis, Olivia Wooten, Jessica Spinale, Breanna Price and Jessica Glosson.

Photo by Sarah Burchette/NWO

by SARAH BURCHETTE

Dance Coach Christina Stewart says the Northwest Viking dance team is ready to pump the crowd up this football season.

Expect to see some new dances this year, including a kick line and more hip hop routines. The dance team will also be competing in a dance competition, which will be the first competition the school’s dance team has participated in for many years.

“These girls love it and I’m excited to see how the team will join together and bond as the season gets underway,” says Stewart. “We have some fun things planned to build those bonds, like running a 5K in October to support finding a cure for breast cancer.”

While the dance team is very talented, Stewart notes that one of its greatest strengths is leadership.

“There’s a lot of talent on this team and a lot of good leaders,” she says. “The new girls coming in have good veteran dancers that will show them excellent leadership.”

Above all, Stewart believes what will be most evident in the dance routines is team members’ passion for dance.

“Their hearts are so much into dance and when they’re out there at halftime, that shines through and they get the crowd going,” she says. “They really show their spirit for their school through their love for dance.”

Meet the dance team captains: Jessica Glosson (nickname “J-Gloss), senior Years danced: 15 Favorite food: Fettuccini Alfredo Dream job: Maternity nurse Fun/Interesting fact: “I’ve met the dancers from the ‘Step Up’ movies and they taught us dances!”

Pre-game/competition ritual: We pray as a team.

Jessica’s thoughts on dance: “My favorite thing about dancing is that you can make anything your own style and show who you are through your dancing. The feeling is untouchable.”

Jessica Spinale (nickname “J-Spin), senior Years danced: 5 Favorite food: Lobster and BBQ Dream job: Work for a photography company in New York or Boston Fun/Interesting fact: “I can cook minute rice in 59 seconds.”

Pre-game/competition ritual: Praying with the team.

Jessica’s thoughts on dance: “Dance relieves stress and it’s a great workout. My favorite thing is you can express yourself, and I also love performing. Once I get on stage I feel so confident in showing the audience what I do best.”

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