NC lines up against a respectable team in North Gwinnett for the second year in a row, this time at home.

Last year, the Warriors rallied from a 29-13 deficit for the go-ahead rushing touchdown with 35 seconds left in the game to win 36-29. Of course, both sides saw overturn in their rosters and coaching staffs as both programs are breaking in a new defensive coordinator, a new quarterback, and a host of receivers.

North Gwinnett will look to push their offense through Josh Imatorbhebhe. The 6’2,” 205 pound senior receiver committed to the USC Trojans, attains great speed, strength, and the ability to levitate.  

When it comes to running the ball, North Gwinnett will keep the offense relatively simple and in the hands of running back Kameron Pickett. The guards will not pull often, nor will the Bulldogs sub in extra backs to lead through the hole (except on the goal line) while sophomore quarterback Cade Fortin (#6) will not loom to carry the ball himself much in his second start. Expect to see zone blocking, both inside and out, with linemen all moving in one direction and Pickett finding the hole in the defense.  

North Gwinnett coach Bob Sphire has built a reputation for trick plays, and last year’s game against NC proved no exception. North Gwinnett ran a flea flicker, flipping the ball back to a receiver, who threw it back across the field to North Gwinnett’s back-up quarterback following his linemen for a long touchdown. This play, along with the fake punt the Bulldogs ran deep inside their own territory for a first down earlier in the game, gave NC plenty to worry about in the week building up to the game.  

On defense, North Gwinnett will usually line up with three defensive linemen and four linebackers, but will keep one of their ‘backers outside, over a receiver and to the wide side of the field in a hybrid box safety/linebacker. The Bulldog’s defense, designed to stop the deep ball, heavily emphasizes zone defense with three or four defenders deep, so do not be surprised if NC comes out throwing the ball short to take advantage of their speed out wide and the Bulldog’s focus on the big play.

All told, NC provides the talent and coaching to pull off the victory at home.