Dynamic duo

Published 1:55 pm Monday, July 23, 2012

The Northview Chiefs have been on the cusp of a state championship for several seasons, as deep drives into the playoffs have ended in heartbreak in both of their last two seasons, but in 2012, NHS is hoping to complete a championship run, boosted in large part by a pair of explosive running backs in seniors La’Mikal Kyles and Roderick Woods.

Chiefs head coach Sid Wheatley said both players are talented, disciplined veterans capable of making huge contributions to the NHS offense.

“As far as both of those guys go they’ve both been with us for three years and they’ve basically been starters for three years,” Wheatley said. “So they bring a lot of experience and athleticism and have put up some big numbers for us in the past.”

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Wheatley said both backs bring a distinctive style of running the football that allows the Chiefs’ offense to throw off opposing defenses with the ground attack alone.

“Roderick is a great full back,” Wheatley said. “His physical, tough determination is really powerful and lets him get some good yardage. LaMikal is also a great runner and he is more of a big play threat for us.”

The Chiefs will add Kyles’ and Woods’ dynamic rushing styles to an already potent offense, despite the loss of starting quarterback Brandon Sheets to graduation.

“Kevin Vaughn is a real good athlete who is a sharp kid with his head on his shoulders and I think he’s going to have a real good year ahead of him,” Wheatley said.

Coming into the 2012 season, Vaughn will look to continue the leadership he began with some late-season starts in 2011 after Sheets was disqualified for several games.

For Woods and Kyles, they will look to administer a punishing one-two punch for defenses. Both running backs shared duties with senior Montaio Mitchell during 2011 and will now look forward to more time on the field, a larger number of carries and more opportunities to contribute to the success of the NHS offense.

Wheatley said the combination of two talented running backs will give Vaughn extra weapons to compliment his passing game and is always a positive during the rigorous schedule they face year in and year out.

“We’re just so glad to have both of those guys back this year,” Wheatley said. “It’s a real boost to what we do.”

The Northview Chiefs will kick off their second season in the Florida rural league this fall in Bratt, Fla. looking for a third deep drive into the Florida High School Athletic Association playoffs.