There hasn’t been excitement like this for Northrop football in quite some time. Friday’s 26-15 victory over North Side at a packed Spuller Stadium pushed the Bruins to 3-0 on the season for the first time since 1983.
There was no shortage of talent on the field Friday night, both well known and perhaps a bit underrated.
Here are five players who stood out to Blitz:
JERQUADEN GUILFORD, NORTHROP
It is impossible for a 6-foot-4 receiver at the high school level to be invisible, but Guilford was as close to it in the first half as the Bruins’ offense looked in other directions to move the ball. North Side did a good job bracketing the Ohio State commit, leading to other guys such as Maddox Weil and Robert Rembert IV stepping up in the passing game.
The Northrop coaching staff knew it had to get the ball in the hands of its star receiver in the second half, and adjusted accordingly. They put Guilford in the backfield to take the direct snap, making him a runner and facilitator with guys like Dee Hogue in motion. Guilford finished with a pair of rushing touchdowns in the win.
Guilford also was looked upon as a leader in the defensive huddle, particularly when emotions began to run high with his teammates. Referees were quick to ask Guilford to gather everyone in a huddle and get them under control. He was able to do that well, showcasing his leadership skills.
MAALIK MOORE, NORTH SIDE
Moore earned a scholarship offer from Western Michigan earlier this week, then showed why he is worth full-ride FBS offers on Friday.
At the time, the biggest play of the game was a touchdown reception by Moore right in front of Hogue on fourth-and-goal for the Legends late in the third quarter. It looked like a simple pitch and catch, but Moore made it look easy with his route break to the inside. It put North Side up 16-13 at the time.
Moore finished with 69 yards and a touchdown, but was perhaps a bigger impact player defensively. He had the safety help over the top on Guilford, which was crucial in limiting the star’s opportunities in the pass game. The junior Moore had an interception off a deflected pass in the second quarter as well.
JERMICHAEL LOVELACE ROBINSON, NORTHROP
What has taken the Bruins to the next level this year hasn’t necessarily been the elite athletes. To a certain extent, it’s always had guys at the skill spots.
No, the primary difference is adept play along the offensive and defensive lines.
Robinson isn’t a “wow” guy, but the 6-foot-1, 220-pound junior is a rangy player who can play on the interior or edge of the Northrop defensive front. He is one of several underclassmen who hold down key roles along the point of attack for the Bruins. Helping hold down the North Side running game, particularly in the second half, was a huge part of Friday’s victory. Robinson was crucial.
MARKUS WILLIAMS, NORTH SIDE
With Caleb Kiengele still nursing an injury, Williams once again was the primary running back for the Legends on Friday. He is exceptionally quick through the hole with very good field vision. He is a threat out of the backfield in the passing game, as he hauled in a touchdown reception against the Bruins.
Williams also sees spot action on defense, showcasing his versatility.
The junior finished with 122 total yards on Friday.
ROBERT REMBERT IV, NORTHROP
Not to brag or anything, but Blitz did have Rembert IV as one of his sophomores to watch entering this fall.
Rembert IV opened the scoring Friday when he took a short pass from quarterback David Callison, faked a North Side defender with a quick juke and strolled into the end zone for a score. He got warned for his point and walk across the goal line, but come on, let the kids have a little fun as long as they aren’t surpassing a certain threshold.
What makes Rembert IV so impressive is he can beat you with finesse, speed or pure physicality. He doesn’t shy away from contact when need be, but he leaves defenders frequently grasping at air when he makes them miss. And he is just a sophomore.
These opinions represent those of Blitz and Outside the Huddle. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers. Follow Blitz on Twitter at Blitz_OTH
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