The Northview Chiefs football team wrapped up a second week of spring drills this week as they prepare to defend their Florida Class 1A state title.

Coach Sid Wheatley admits the Chiefs will be young next season, but the talent has come through in practice so far during the first week in pads.

“Things have been a little slow,” he said during practice Thursday. “They’re trying to get acclimated to the pads, but we’ve had some kids over the last several days show some signs.”

One big area of change for Northview next season will be on the offensive line, Wheatley said. The team lost six or seven players along the front line, he said.

“Tackle to tackle we’ve got players with no varsity snaps,” Wheatley said.

The line will be protecting a new starter at quarterback with last year’s starter Kevin Vaughan graduating this month. Wheatley said last year’s backup Daulton

Tullis will be a factor at that position next season. He added that the team has also been working Neino Robinson and Jacob Dunsford at quarterback during spring drills.

The Chiefs’ defense will have a bit more experience next season with strong players in the secondary, Wheatley said. Robinson returns as well as Brannon Freeman and Jody Bonner.

“We have some speed on defense,” he said. “It’s just a matter of them gelling as a unit.”

The team’s goal for next season is to win its district and make the playoffs, Wheatley said.

Northview will play Hillcrest-Evergreen and Andalusia in a spring jamboree on Saturday, May 18 at W.S. Neal High School in East Brewton. The Chiefs will take on Hillcrest at 2:40 p.m. and Andalusia at 4:20 p.m.