Northwood’s Stoots concerned with turnout of linemen in summer | Sports | Our Gazette

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Northwood’s Stoots concerned with turnout of linemen in summer

Published Wednesday, July 22, 2009 12:03 PM

By Rob Gantt
The Gazette

Rob Gantt/Gazette

Northwood Academy linebacker Brock Richards.

Photo courtesy HSSR

Northwood running back Uriah Singleton rushed for over 2,000 yards to lead the Chargers to a 12-2 record and state championship last fall.

Northwood Academy football coach Jerry Stoots feels like everything will come together when it’s time.

As for now, though, he’s a little concerned about some of his team’s work ethic heading into the season.

“Like everybody else we’ve got some kids on vacation and we’ve got some other ones playing travel baseball,” said Stoots, whose team captured the SCISA Class AA crown last fall. “But it seems like our numbers are down overall a little bit. It’s going to be one of those things where we have to see what happens.”

For the most part, the Chargers’ skill guys have been involved in summer workouts. The linemen haven’t been as noticeable.

It’s of particular concern to Stoots since the Chargers have to replace four offensive linemen from a prolific offensive unit. They scored over 35 points 10 times en route to a 12-2 record.

They capped the season with a 28-10 over Thomas Sumter Academy in the finals.

“It looks like the success might have worked the other way,” Stoots said. “It looks like we might be hard-pressed to have 30 players but we might get some surprises that we don’t know about.”

No surprise is how vital returning running back Uriah Singleton will be. He rushed for over 2,000 yards ago as a junior. He’s one of few returning starters on offense, though.

Defensively, the Chargers bring back most of the entire unit, led by returners Brock Richard (LB), Christian Rothhaus (DT), Josh King (DT) and Kevin Thomas (DE).

Kicker Seth Graham and receivers Nick Burn and Ryan Shipley are also key returners.

“I think we’re going to be competitive,” Stoots said. “I don’t know how many guys we’re going to have so we’re going to have to get some backups ready quickly so we’ll be able to get the other guys some rest.”

The Chargers begin practice Aug. 3.

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