Justin Northwest had a near flawless season last year as they dismantled almost all opposition and found themselves late in the season ready to battle Aledo in a showdown of the undefeated. The winner would claim the District 6-5A title and receiving a huge momentum swing heading into the postseason. Despite Northwest losing that game, they rebounded the following week to end the season on a high note and begin their postseason with a hard earned win against Denton.
Justin Northwest’s run toward postseason glory would abruptly end the next week when they faced a stingy Colleyville Heritage team that defeated them 31-13 and gave Northwest a surprising early exit.
Even with a plethora of talent on both sides of the ball, Northwest met an untimely fate and will have quite the task ahead of them in curating a team that will be able to avenge this past season’s result.
Eight defensive starters from last year’s team will need to be replaced, and let’s not forget the three-headed monster that was composed of QB Prince Mavula, RB Syrus Moore and WR Gavin Holmes. The Texans will lose the latter two to graduation.
Northwest will have to produce some new talent if they wish to not only compete in the playoffs but also finally knock Aledo off the top of the district summit.
Key Losses
WR Gavin Holmes, WR Carson Hickman, RB Syrus Moore, LB Koby Belcher, LB Caden McDonald
Holmes is now at Baylor University and Moore is at Harding University after both having a stellar season at Northwest. Both had over 1,000 yard seasons at their positions and totaled 31 touchdowns together.
Belcher and McDonald were both first-team all-district selections and are two of the eight defensive starters that need to be replaced.
Key Returners
QB Prince Mavula, WR Leo Saldana, DL David Wilson, DB Daniel Bin-Mitende
Northwest returns one of the best quarterbacks in the state in Mavula. Mavula’s stock rose even more after his junior campaign and it is sure to rise as a senior after compiling 3,201 passing yards and 30 touchdowns while rushing for eight touchdowns. One of his best returning weapons on offense will be Leo Saldana who had 33 receptions for 313 yards.
Wilson and Bin-Mitende will be crucial players on the defense as they will have the knowledge and experience needed as Northwest looks to replace the voids left by different players.
The Verdict
Well Northwest is definitely a playoff team and it would be safe to believe that they advance past the second round this coming year. With Aledo in the district it will be tough for Northwest to pry away the district title from their hands but the team is still talented enough to make a deeper run than this past season. Expect Northwest to produce another great season.
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No respect for the big men. You have a 4-star 6-7 320 pound Tackle that can go to any college he wants and is not listed as key return. “It all starts up. Front”.