Northside Christian

At a glance

Coach: Mike Alstott, 11th season

Class: 1, District 4 (Metro)

Last season: 7-3

Key players: OL Jack Colgrove, Sr.; ATH E’Marion Glover, Sr.; OL Jameson Jensen, Sr.; ATH Joe Key, Sr.; OL/DL Anthony Smith, Sr.; ATH Justin Stephens, Jr.; QB Myles Swisher, Sr.; ATH Zuri Watson, Jr.

Schedule

Aug. 26 vs. Akelynns Angels, 7

Sept. 2 at Bradenton Saint Stephens, 7

Sept. 9 TBD

Sept. 16 vs. Cambridge Christian, 7

Sept. 23 TBD

Sept. 30 at St. Petersburg Catholic, 7

Oct. 7 at Seffner Christian, 7

Oct. 14 TBD

Oct. 21 vs. Indian Rocks Christian, 7

Oct. 28 vs. Zephyrhills Christian, 7

Nov. 4 at Orlando Christian Prep, 7

Outlook

Northside Christian is coming off a region final appearance. To make another postseason run, the Mustangs had to find a replacement for quarterback Will Griffin, who threw for 2,400 and 30 touchdowns as an eighth-grader last year before transferring to Jesuit in the offseason. A pair of transfers, Myles Swisher (Clearwater Central Catholic) and Landen Holley (Zephyrhills Christian), will compete in August to be the starter. The transition will be made earlier thanks to a veteran offensive line, led by Jameson Jensen, Jack Colgrove and Anthony Smith. The running game is sound with the top two leading rushers from last season – Zuri Watson (654 yards, eight touchdowns) and Justin Stephens (624, 13 touchdowns) – both returning. Joe Key, who had 572 yards and 11 touchdowns receiving, is the top target in the passing game. Key also had a team-leading four interceptions on defense last season. He will team with Watson in a strong secondary. Another key returner on defense is E’Marion Glover, who had 34 tackles and 4 ½ sacks a year ago.