The 2012 state championship is barely visible in the rear view mirror of the Northview Chiefs. The 2016 squad looks to erase the bitter taste of a subpar 2015 campaign and start fresh.
“We were a young team last year with a very difficult schedule. Playing two 6A and two 4A teams was a challenge. We got off to a rough start and it hurt our confidence but I felt like we grew and matured as a team last year. We return a large group of seniors this year who we will count on to lead this team” said Coach Wheatley, the seven-year head coach of the Chiefs.
Pointing to the eight returning starters on defense, Coach Wheatley is not coy about how that squad will play this season. “We’re going to get the most speed on the field as possible and play very aggressively – very”, he says. He also touts the return of Defensive Coordinator Derek Marshman as another reason to be optimistic. Marshman was on the defensive staff during the championship season. Jacob Weaver (LB – team leading 112 tackles in 2015), Justin Helton (DE/DT) and Jason Fischer (DE) anchor the defensive front.
The offense returns five starters including multi-position star Luke Ward, who led the team in rushing and receiving in 2015. The holes up front will be opened by an experienced line of Dillon Clary, Hunter Cofield and Zach Payne. Coach Wheatley does worry about the lack of depth at his key skill positions and inexperience at running back when Ward is under center or split out wide. But he feels the QB position with either Ward or Seth Killiam is in good hands and the unit will be able to put pressure on the defense.
Looking at the Chief’s 2016 schedule, it is easy to pick out the game of the year. Coach Wheatley has it circled too.
“Baker – It has decided the District Championship for many years now”.
Northview Chiefs
Written by Arnold Gamber
