Photo by Joe L. Hughes II
For Northwestern, the third time was truly the charm.
Two consecutive years of disappointment came to a head last December, the Trojans finally getting over the hump in resounding fashion by way of a 42-10 thumping of Greenwood. It was the first title for the program since 1993, and its first undefeated football season in school history.
The victory provided the perfect swan song for quarterback Justin Worley, who during his time at Northwestern claimed several state passing records.
In April, legendary head coach Jimmy "Moose" Wallace also decided to call it quits after 31 years roaming the sideline, 24 of those at Northwestern. Wallace finished with a 286-62 record and four state titles.
On their way to last year's Class AAAA - Division II championship, the Trojans' perfect campaign clashed with another in the Lowcountry — that of Goose Creek. The Gators ran out to a 20-7 first half lead, only to watch Northwestern's "Air Raid" assault fight back and eventually claim the game.
Goose Creek head coach Chuck Reedy and his players have yet to forget about that game.
Ahead of the curve last season, the Gators come into 2011 as the odds-on favorite to claim the "Little 32" state title. Arguably boasting the Palmetto State's best running game keyed by its big bruiser at fullback Virgil Smalls and an improved passing game, it'll be tough to figure who can put the clamps on this offensive juggernaut.
Defensively, look for the squad to be equally as stout, led by hard hitting linebacker and Clemson commitment T.J. Burrell. However, one must wonder whether Goose Creek can stop the big play, evident in last year's loss to Northwestern.
Do not be surprised if the road to Death Valley in the Class AAAA-Division II ranks passes through "The Swamp."
The Trojans may have a say in how things finish though, returning 12 starters from last season's championship winning squad. Guru of the program's renowned "Air Raid" attack Kyle Richardson has taken the headset once fitting the head of Wallace, but he definitely will not be the only one with big shoes to fill.
Among the gaping holes seeking plugging are those left by Gatorade Football Player of the Year Worley, now at Tennessee, and star defensive tackle Gerald Dixon, a South Carolina signee. Whoever is under center for the Trojans will have plenty of experience at wide receiver to count on though, among them B.J. Boyd and Rontavious McClure.
Also hungry to get the sour taste of defeat out of its mouth is Greenwood. Though Shrine Bowl linebacker Quinn Backus — a key piece of a defense which gave up under 15 points per game last season — is gone, coach Gene Cathcart's cupboard is far from bare, bringing back 11 players from a team which advanced to the state title game.
Speed will be the name of the game for Greenwood, this year expected to stretch teams out by way of weapons like all-purpose back D.J. Goodman, who can line up in the backfield and split out at wide receiver on any given play. The Eagles potentially could be even better than last year on defense, particularly at linebacker where Davon Durant and Marquavious Lewis will roam free.
Easley, North Augusta and Beaufort could also make things interesting this season, each trying to make that next step toward a title.
FAVORITE: Goose Creek
CONTENDERS: Greenwood, Northwestern, Easley, North Augusta, Beaufort, Wren
LOOK OUT FOR: Conway — After three consecutive close calls in the state title game, the Tigers fell on hard times — particularly the last seasons in which head coach Chuck Jordan's teams could not get past the five win plateau, bowing out in the first round of the playoffs each time. This year's team has the talent to break the trend, led by the versatile Mychal Moody. Look for Conway to reassert its dominance in Region VI-AAAA.
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