Northwood Football Is Ready to Bounce Back from Rough 2009

Although the Northwood High School varsity football team suffered a losing season last year, the squad will approach this season with the confidence to go undefeated, head coach Dennis Harris said.

The Northwood team, which finished with an unflattering 3-7 record a year ago, is coming back this season with a speedy spread offense and a 4-3 defense that relies on the strength of its secondary.

Offensively, the team's success depends on the play of senior quarterback Tristan Pomeroy and senior wide receivers Gary Vaughn and Jabrari Francis. Defensively, the junior-laden team aims to win games through turnovers.

"This is definitely the most confident football team Northwood has ever had, and I think that will show up on the field," said Harris, who has served as the head coach of the varsity team for five years. "We think we have the best secondary in all of Montgomery County. We want to have as many DBs on the field as possible."

In all, the 35-member Northwood team is returning six starters on offense and eight starters on defense. The team is currently practicing six days per week to prepare for the upcoming season. 

Contrary to his confidence, there's an unspoken school of thought in Montgomery County, according to Harris, that dictates that a losing team from the previous season is "foolish" for thinking they can beat traditionally dominant teams like Quince Orchard or Damascus.

"People think you're going to lose to [Quince Orchard] and Damascus, and to think you're going to win is arrogant," Harris said. "Some folks are spooked by the time they hit the field. We're coming and ready to play."

Northwood school officials will host a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday for parents wanting more information on the fall athletics program.

The varsity football season will begin on Sept. 3 at Northwood at 6:30 p.m. against Watkins Mill High School.