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2023 Snapshot: Northwest

Northwest head coach Lee Johnson

For the first time since joining the Southwest Ohio Conference, the Northwest Knights may be considered the favorites to win the conference in 2023. The Knights finished second in the SWOC in 2022, just one game behind Edgewood in conference record and losing to the Cougars 48-12.

But this is not the 2022 SWOC. Ross and Edgewood, the only two teams in the SWOC to beat Northwest in 2022 (Ross beat the Wildcats in the playoffs), have left the SWOC for the Southwest Buckeye League beginning this fall. That leaves four teams in the SWOC for the 2023 season: Northwest, Harrison, Mount Healthy and Talawanda.

One thing that could hurt Northwest is the inexperience. The Knights are only returning five players on offense, four on defense, and three on special teams. Northwest is also returning zero all-league players. The Knights will need to work hard to build chemistry and experience, while playing in a heavy non-conference schedule.

Division II, Region 8
2022 RECORD: 6-5, 4-1 SWOC
COACH: Lee Johnson (28-42 at Northwest, seven years; 28-42 overall)

TOP RETURNEES
Kaleb Jones, Sr, RB/slot – Jones is a three-year starter and a great leader for the Knights. He has recorded 998 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground in his career.

Kinxton Hill, Jr, RB/LB – Hill returning as the leading returning rusher from last season (758 yards) with a 6.5 yards per carry average in 2022.  He will be asked to play on the defensive side of the ball in 2023.

Sean Perry, Sr, LB- Perry comes into this season as the team’s leading returning tackler, entering his second year as starter in 2023. Racked up 30 tackles, three of those for loss, in 2022.

Stephaun McDaniel, Sr – McDaniel brings big play potential on both sides of the ball. He is quick and athletic with high football IQ.

Anden Felix, Sr, LB- A returning starter on defense, Felix has great football intelligence that will led a strong linebacking core after an early injury cut his junior year to two games in 2022.

Kyle Jackson, Sr, OL- Jackson is a returning starter that will help anchor the offensive line.

Brandon Rice, Sr, OL/DL- Rice is another returning starter on the offensive line.

Jordan Bailey, Jr, DL/QB – Bailey turned in a productive season at defensive end in 2022, but will compete for the starting QB job in 2023.

Brian Howard, Jr., DB/WR- Howard started three games in 2022.  He is a playmaker in the secondary that plays the ball well and will be used as a wideout on offense.

Michael LaCue, So, DL/RB – LaCure comes in as an Impact player with speed and punishing running style that will be used in the Knights spread attack.  High energy player that played well as a backup on the defensive line in 2022.

NEWCOMERS
Roman Johnson, Jr., OL/DL – At 6’3, 265 lbs., Johnson brings good feet and quick first step will help on the offensive and defensive line.

Jaylin Lilly, Fr., QB – Lilly is a promising athlete that will compete for the QB job. Great runner and smart football player that has a bright future at Northwest.

Hezikiah Kelley, Fr., DB – Kelley is an explosive player that shows signs of competing in the secondary. Will join Lilly as class of 2027 players looking to see action on the varsity team.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(six appearances, 1-6) – 2022, 2020, 2014, 2013, 2012, 1990

2023 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/18/23 – at Wilmington (5-6 in 2022) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/25/23 – INDIAN HILL (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/01/23 – at Ross (6-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/23 – CARROLL (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/15/23 – at Western Hills (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/22/23 – MOUNT HEALTHY (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/29/23 – at Talawanda (1-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/06/23 – PONITZ (3-7)– 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/23 – at Col. DeSales (7-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/23 – at Harrison (4-6) – 7:00 PM

 

 

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