By By Matthew Nascone
The Northview Chiefs will become known as the road warriors if they continue winning as they did Aug. 25 while away from home. The Chiefs traveled to Panama City and pummeled the Bozeman Bucks 43-0 last Friday and they hit the road again this Friday to take on Sneads High School.
In 2005 the Chiefs defeated Sneads quite easily to the tune of 34-8, but quarterbacks and defensive ends coach Mark Heaton said the coaching staff has kept on the team to make sure they don't get complacent.
"Last year we were real physical with them," Heaton said. "And we have told the guys to be that physical again. And we got up early on them in that game as well and we need to do that again this year. They are a much improved team and they have just about all their guys coming back this year."
Heaton said the key to the game will be cutting down on the penalties as NHS committed too many in the game against Bozeman. But he said practice went well Monday and the expectations are high for Friday's game.
"The first game is always the time to iron things out for the rest of the season," Heaton said. "But we have to be real aggressive and a great day in practice Monday showed us a lot. These guys are working hard every day and that is all you can ask of them."
Heaton said the Chiefs' legs will have to be fresh to combat the offensive sets Sneads will throw at them.
"They have six running backs they can rotate in and out to keep their legs fresh," Heaton said. "And they are some big kids that can run it and break tackles. We have to make sure we have five or six hats on the ball at all times."
But Heaton said the philosophy is simple, even if the execution may not be that easy.
"We will have to run the football like we know how to and take our shots when we can at their weaknesses," he said.
Head coach Cody Keene also said the game plan is a simple one.
"We have to cut out the mistakes and be physical," Keene said.