Northside Christian football ready for a big move up
The transition is complete. All there’s left to do is play a game.
Northside Christian is leaving the ranks of 8-man football to join 11-man SCISA Class A this season. It’s something Stacy Bell has been preparing for since he took over the program from legendary prep coach Jerry Brown, who helped start the program at Northside Christian.
“I know you probably hear this often, but our administration has been awesome,” Bell said. “They aren’t looking at the next five days. They’re looking at the next five to 10 years and where our program will be.”
The transformation has involved more than the on-the-field product. A new sports complex has been built on campus that will give the Crusaders a true home field advantage.
Bell expects to carry 25 to 30 players on the varsity roster this season. Running back Noah Powell returns and will be counted on heavily. Powell will also play linebacker.
Blake Austin will lead the offensive line and Thomas Kodmon is expected to be one of the top wide receivers.
Defensively, Caleb Pantoja provides leadership and Christian Hampton joins Powell at linebacker. Thorton Dyches and Cory Black lead the secondary.
“Our numbers are up, and the kids are excited,” Bell said. “We have our own facility this year and that means a lot to the kids. I think things are just going to keep improving around here.”
Northside Christian finished last season 7-6 and played in the SCISA 8-man football state championship. Bell believes the coaching staff and core players returning will be the key to any success they have this season.
Angelo Anderson is the defensive coordinator. Adrian Despres will coach the defensive line and Charles Gee will oversee the secondary.
Seth Smalls will handle the offensive line duties and Andy Walker works with the wide receivers.
Bell believes he has the right staff to lead them into this uncharted territory.
“Anybody that has our kids best interest is an asset to our program,” Bell said. “We have that from our administration all the way down to anyone that associates with the football team. I honestly don’t think our assistants get the credit they deserve. They put in long hours with these kids and want the best for them. Anything we accomplish is because of that group of guys and the dedication they have for the program.”
About Northside Christian
Coach: Stacy Bell (2nd year)
Last year’s record: 7-6 (SCISA runner-up in 8-man)
Number of starters returning: 4
Key returning players: Noah Powell RB/LB, Christian Hampton LB, Caleb Pantoja
Newcomers to watch: Cory Black Slot/DB, Joey McRoberts OLB
2018 schedule
Aug 17: at Hilton Head Prep
Aug 31: at Greenwood Christian
Sept 7: Dorchester Academy
Sept 14: Thomas Sumter
Sept 21 at Bethesda Academy
Sept 28: Thomas Heyward
Oct 5: at Oakbrook Prep
Oct 12: Christian Academy
Oct 19: at Colleton Prep
Oct 26: Spartanburg Christian
This story was originally published August 16, 2018 at 11:34 AM.