By By Chandler Myers
In one year’s time, the Northview Chiefs have gone from a dismal 2-8 season to playing for the lead in their district.
The Chiefs (4-1, 3-1) have put their best foot forward in turning around from their 2008 campaign to playing solid football in 2009, which has them fighting for a shot at the playoffs.
This week, the Freeport Bulldogs (5-1, 4-0) come to Bratt, Fla. to put their district lead up for grabs.
A Chief’s win puts Northview in a three-way tie for that district lead with the Bulldogs and the South Walton Seahawks who gave Northview their only loss this year.
Northview Chiefs Head Coach Sid Wheatley said this will be a huge game that his players should already be motivated for.
In order to have a shot at the win, the Chiefs must be on top of their game defensively against a potent Bulldog offense.
Wheatley said Freeport’s offensive unit is strong at several points.
To help the defense prepare for the Bulldogs’s attack, the Chief defense has been shown their opponent’s tendencies.
Wheatley said schemes have been put in place to slow down Freeport.
Offensively, the Chiefs have been efficient in almost every game with a suffocating running game that put up 359 yards of offense last week at Holmes County.
Wheatley said another consistent performance along with ball security will help the Chiefs get control of the game.
With Friday just two days away, the Chiefs first two days of practice were intense with Tuesday being the toughest of the week.
Wheatley said Tuesday was important from a physical standpoint, while the rest of the week will be a little lighter.
The Chiefs and Bulldogs kick off Friday night at 7 p.m. in Bratt, Fla.