North Hall won its region this past year over eventual state-champion Buford, which forfeited two games for using an ineligible player.
The No. 7 Trojans open their season against Chestatee on Aug. 30 after an impressive 11-3 mark in 2012 that ended in the state semifinals with a 31-6 loss to St. Pius X. North Hall lost a senior class of 15 including quarterback Bradley Brown but coach Bob Christmas has remained optimistic about the quarterback position with versatile senior Andrew Smith, who also plays safety. This year, Smith will take over the quarterback job after playing both sides of the ball a year ago. He rushed for 605 yards with an explosive average of 10.8 yards per carry. Smith scored 10 touchdowns and dominated defensively leading the team with 138 tackles and two interceptions.
While playing last season behind Bradley Brown, Smith was 10-for-15 for a total of 73 yards. The offense averaged 38 points per game last season, and Christmas recognizes the impressive athletic ability Smith has as the ingredient necessary to continue the unit’s offensive efficiency.
“Andrew was first team all state last year as a safety and he will also play both sides of the ball this year for us,” said Christmas. “He is a real electrified type player. As a backup he rushed for over 600 yards so he’s got a lot of experience we played him a lot last year and we think he’ll be a key player for us.”
Andrew Smith won the 2012 North Hall MVP Award and returning senior Thomas Marchman was awarded both Ironman and Scholar Athlete. Marchman did not miss a practice, workout or game the whole calendar year while maintaining academic excellence for the scholar-athlete award. Christmas believes he is a guy that can fill an important leadership role this season.
Among other returning players is linebacker Destin Bennett, who accumulated 119 tackles, second on the team to Smith.
Offensively, receiver Lee Shelton averaged 30.9 yards per reception. His eight catches for 247 yards sparked big plays, and Christmas sees him becoming a bigger part of the offense this year.
The Trojans have an identical schedule to last year’s in terms of teams each week. Christmas believes that his team can use that to their advantage.
“It’s a two-year cycle so you know every two years it changes, we’re in the second year of the cycle and as long as the coaches stay the same you pretty much know what you’re up against, which is the case this year. You know what to expect as far as their schemes offensively and defensively,” said Christmas. “You can look at their roster and tell what they got coming back, you just know a little more what to expect and what to prepare for than you do the first year of a two year cycle.”
The Trojans will scrimmage Salem this year as they prepare for their Aug. 30 season opener.
Loading ...
