TriStateFootball.com

2019 Snapshot: Northwest

For most of the 2019 season it seemed like Northwest playing with cement shoes on. The Knights look to improve on their sluggish ways this fall. That means those who remain must take their games to a higher level.

“We are Looking to improve on an inexperienced and inconsistent offense from the previous year,” head coach Lee Johnson says. “We have experience with 14 returning starters and very good team speed.”

The defense allowed 32.4 points per contest a year ago. Northwest gave up 49 points or more four times in a 1-5 start. That has led Johnson to installing a new defense.

The Knights can ill-afford to get out of the gate slow if they want to make the playoffs for the first time in five years. Finding an identity on both sides of the ball will ultimately determine this squads success.

Division III, Region 12
2018 RECORD: 3-7, 2-4 SWOC
COACH: Lee Johnson (13-17 at Northwest, three years; 13-17 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Diego Neri, Jr, LB – A Division III OPSWA First Team All-Southwest District as a sophomore, Neri is the real deal. He has 195 total tackles, three sacks, 21.5 tackles for losses, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and one interception return for a touchdown at the varsity level.

TOP RETURNEES
Kevin Buckner, Jr, DE – Back for his second season as a starter, look for Buckner to be a bigger presence as a pass rusher.

Bobby Green, Jr, HB – Has a very good shot a being the featured back for the Northwest offense.

Ryan Dearinger, Jr, OL – A two-year starter, the 6-foot-5, 255-pound Dearinger is the anchor of the Knights offensive line.

Jaheim Cherry, Jr, RB/LB – will compete for starting quarterback job. Cherry had a rushing and receiving touchdown on just 11 offensive touchdowns as a sophomore.

NEWCOMERS
A trio of juniors LB Isaiah Benson, WR/DB Keith Love and DB Brenden Baltimore all have a chance to make the defense more respectable. Benson has big play potential to complement Neri at linebacker. Sophomores OL/DL Nicholas Moore and QB Cameron Goode have a shot to crack the starting lineup on offense.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(four appearances, 1-4) – 2014, 2013, 2012, 1990

2019 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/30/19 – at Taft – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/06/19 – TURPIN – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/13/19 – at Kings – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/20/19 – EDGEWOOD – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/27/19 – AIKEN – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/04/19 – LITTLE MIAMI – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/11/19 – at Ross – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/18/19 – MOUNT HEALTHY – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/25/19 – at Talawanda – 7:00 PM
Fri – 11/01/19 – at Harrison – 7:00 PM

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