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2024 Snapshot: Northwest

Northwest RB Michael LaCue (photo by: Heather Sauerbeck/heathersauerbeck.smugmug.com)

When you think of Northwest football there are very few phrases, adjectives, or words to associate with it. The program has been pretty non-descript and lacking an identity throughout the years. Second year head coach Brandon Schon is looking to change the perception of his alma mater, adopting the motto of “Become The Standard” (or B.T.S. for short) for his team in 2024. How Schon’s players and how they embrace the credo is going to be compelling to follow this fall..

There is plenty for the Knights to get better at from last season. With eight starters returning on offense and seven back on defense this should be a much improved squad. “We have many returning varsity players. We played five freshmen and seven sophomores in 2023. Now we have to learn how to win and how to finish games,” Schon states.

The Northwest offense found the end zone just 16 times a year ago. They gave up and eye-popping six touchdowns on returns (five IRs, one FR) off of turnovers.  The Knights can combat those woes by controlling the clock with a rushing attack that was one of the teams bright spots a year ago. The unit must do a better job cherishing possessions.

Northwest RB Kinxton Hill (photo by: Heather Sauerbeck/heathersauerbeck.smugmug.com)

Defensively, it all comes down to heart. Northwest allowed 39.4 points per game in 2023. The Knights were pushed around in the trenches last fall and gave up too many big runs. There has to be a sense of pride and toughness on defense if they are to take things to the next level in 2024.

“Become the Standard” goes beyond the football field. It is a motto that Schon wants his players to adhere to in the classroom and how they treat people, day in and day out. If the Knights can “Become The Standard” in those aspects of their lives, success is sure to follow.

Division II, Region 8
2023 RECORD: 1-9, 0-3 SWOC
COACH: Brandon Schon (1-9 at Northwest, one year; 1-9 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Kinxton Hill, Sr, RB/LB – The Knights workhorse out of the backfield. Hill is putting in the time to build upon what he accomplished last fall. He ran for 1,142 yards and nine touchdowns and was named OPSWA Honorable Mention All-Southwest District as a junior. Hill has 1,900 yards and 18 touchdowns rushing in his career.

Hezikiah Kelley, So, DB – Played well in his varsity debut, grew each week and was the only freshman to be named First Team All-SWOC. Kelley was in on 34 total tackles, had a sack, three pass break-ups and one interception. On offense, he caught eight balls for 92 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Kelley also earned OPSWA Honorable Mention All-Southwest District accolades for his efforts.
Freshmen of Influence: Class of 2027

Northwest DB Hezekiah Kelley (photo by: Heather Sauerbeck/heathersauerbeck.smugmug.com)

OTHER RETURNEES
Jordan Bailey, Sr, ATH – The Knights Swiss Army Knife. Bailey played QB, RB, TE, DE, NT last fall. He threw for 467 yards, ran for 74 yards, accounted for seven touchdowns (six pass, one rush) and had 16 total tackles.

Michael LaCue, Jr, RB – A powerful downhill back who is looking to have a breakout year. LaCue amassed 604 all-purpose yards including 179 yards rushing and six receptions for 147 yards as a sophomore.

Karsyn Curry, Jr, WR/DB – Had a solid sophomore campaign finishing fourth in the SWOC with three interceptions. Curry also had 33 total tackles, a sack, a pass breakup, nine receptions for 99 yards and one receiving touchdown.

Deshaun Wynn, Jr, CB – Started all 10 games at cornerback last season and recorded 16 total tackles. Wynn is having a great off-season and has gained 10 pounds of muscle.

Austin Ashurst, So, C/G – The leader on the offense line who can play center or guard. Ashurst had a 69% grade out blocking with 20 pancakes as a freshman.

NEWCOMERS
The coaching staff feels good about juniors LB/SS Jackson Pettaway, LB Josh Dixon along with sophomores QB Lauris Barnes and WR Deshawn Rushing becoming contributors starting in Week 1. Rushing had five receptions for 136 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman. Barnes has a tremendous upside at quarterback.

Northwest WR/DB Deshawn Rushing (photo by: Heather Sauerbeck/heathersauerbeck.smugmug.com)

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

2024 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/23/24 – WILMINGTON (8-3 in 2023) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/30/24 – at Indian Hill (9-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/06/24 – ROSS (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/13/24 – at Carroll (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/20/24 – WESTERN HILLS (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/27/24 – at Mount Healthy (8-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/04/24 – TALAWANDA (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/11/24 – at Ponitz (0-10)– 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/18/24 – COLUMBUS DE SALES (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/25/24 – at Harrison (9-4) – 7:00 PM

 

 

 

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