Northview head football coach Derek Marshman learned a lot about his football team and program last week.

The Chiefs ventured to South Walton, trailed 21-6 at halftime and ended up taking a 23-18 loss.

“I think one thing I really learned about this program is that I think we’re heading in the right direction as far as developing a will to win,” Marshman said. “In the past when we fell behind, there would be a lot of finger pointing and the seed of doubt would creep on us.”

Marshman said the players came out in the second half and fought.

“We forced turnovers and rallied to the football,” he said, adding that the team’s mentality is getting stronger.

As far as this week, the Chiefs will host Blountstown, another Class 1A school.

“They’re a great football team,” Marshman said. “They’ve got 18 seniors. They’re very battle tested.”

Marshman said BHS played in the Final Four a year ago and the game came down to a final possession against Baker, a NHS rival.

“They’re big up front on both sides of the ball,” he said. “They run to the football and tackle well.”

Marshman said the BHS offense includes a lot of misdirection.

“It’s going to be a challenge defensively,” he said.

So far this season, NHS has played four games.

Marshman said if there is one area that has progress well, it’s the defensive line, and added that they have improved each week.

Marshman said this week’s game will be a good measuring stick.

“It’s the first time we’re playing a 1A team from Florida,” he said. “You’re playing a traditional power house. This is a good chance to see where our program matches up right now.”