News-Record.com

Northern Guilford

Last season: No varsity team (new school), 8-2 JV

-The Nighthawks join the varsity ranks in their second year of existence, a move designed to give more kids playing experience. They won't join a conference until next season, so their schedule is comprised mostly of private schools and the occasional public school with a date to fill. And they're still incredibly young, with no senior class at the school yet. "Nobody can drive. Everyone either rides a bicycle or their parents give them a ride," head coach Johnny Roscoe said. "Our 'veterans' will be sophomores who have never played a varsity game."
-There are two key exceptions to that caveat. Keenan Allen, who started at running back and receiver for Grimsley as a sophomore last season and was at Page the year before, has moved into Northern's district. So has Chris McCain, who was scheduled to start at middle linebacker for Page again as a junior this season. He joined Northern a week ago. Sophomore Maurice Harris, who was Northeast Guilford's presumptive starting quarterback after filling in some there last season, is also a Nighthawk now. He'll split snaps with sophomore Rocco Scarfone, who piloted the Nighthawks' JV team last season.
-Other key returners: linebackers Matt Farris and Austin and Alex Pauley, running back/safety Mohammed Khellar, linemen Eric Hayes, Bailey Dossett, Stephen Machanic and Zack Anderson and wideout Tyler Davis. Bob Hicks, who converted a 47-yard field goal last season, will handle kicking duties again. He'll also play tight end. "We're way behind on strength," Roscoe said. "People are going to be bigger than us, but so long as we're quick, I don't mind."