By JOSH FRYE
News Sports Writer
After earning its first playoff appearance in several years last season, Northview High School has gone back to the football field to prepare for the next step in its rebuilding project.
Last season, the Chiefs proved that they were a contender for a championship as they fought their way into the playoffs. Unfortunately, Northview’s second postseason game was played on the heels of tragedy as 16-year-old defensive end Dariontae Richardson suffered a heart-attack after helping lead the Chiefs to their first playoff win in six years.
The Chiefs felt the loss of their leading defensive end as they fell in the second round of the playoffs to Baker High School.
Despite the tough ending, Northview’s team is planning to pick up right where they left off.
“We have a ton of experience returning,” NHS head coach Derek Marshman said. “We have a huge senior class returning. That will help us drive into another great season.”
Among its returnees, NHS will have four starters from the offensive linemen, three starting running backs, a returning tight end and a quarterback who started over half of last year’s games.
In total, nine offensive starters and six defensive starters will return to this season’s lineup.
“Guys will play two-way due to the simple fact that we are a 1A school with low numbers,” said Marshman. “We will have holes to fill, as every team does, but we have the experience to get it done.”
The philosophy and playing style are staying the same, as well.
Marshman explained that the physical philosophy of the game is what the Chiefs pride themselves on and said that will continue into the upcoming season.
“Not many things are going to be changed,” Marshman said. “Last year we broke in a new offensive plan that worked for us. We will continue that this season.”
Northview became known as a team that was deadly on the run last season.
With an offensive plan that focuses on the running game, the Chiefs will look to make another postseason run during the upcoming season.