Northside-Warner Robins went 13-1 last season, ending its winning streak in the semifinals of the playoffs to Ware County in overtime, 24-17. The Eagles come into the 2013 season ranked No. 2. Coach Kevin Kinsler has yet to lose a regular season game in his three-year career with the Eagles.
“Our kids have been putting in a lot of work, we have the same goals we have every year,” said Kinsler. “We try to be a perfect 15-0 every year. This year is not going to be any different. The kids come in and have high expectations. Hopefully, they’ll work and take pride in what they have been able to accomplish and we just take one game at a time.”
Northside-Warner Robins had 38 players graduate after last season, so they stand as one of the youngest teams in 5A coming into the 2013 season. Kinsler described the inexperienced team and what they have to work on in order to continue the kind of success they have had in the past.
“We’ve got our quarterback coming back, but we will have to replace most of our offense and defensive line,” said Kinsler. “Most of our defense will have to be replaced from last year’s team. So, the good thing is we have a lot of guys who got to play some last year. The assistant coaches do a good job of just trying to get their guys playing each week. Our kids have a certain amount of pride and wanting to continue to try and play well.”
One of the players that will be returning this season is senior quarterback Glenn Smith. Last season, Smith passed for more than 1,200 yards and rushed close to 900 yards. However, Smith will be used in a different way than he was last season. Kinsler will play Smith in different roles, in hope of getting the ball in his hands more. Smith has already had offers from Furman and Mercer, but has not made a decision as to which he will attend.
“Glenn works hard and is a nice young man we expect for him to hopefully pick up where he left off last year, but each season brings its own set of challenges,” Kinsler. “So, hopefully, Glenn will finish out his career as strong as he started it.”
Other than Smith, running back Willy Jordan will be a huge asset to the otherwise young offense. Junior offensive lineman Brandon Sandifer is a talented player who will bring success for the Eagles in the upcoming season. As a junior, Sandifer is receiving interest from SEC programs like Florida and Alabama. The other offensive lineman who will be returning is Tyler Martin, who has experience in the position as well. Ranked No. 1 in the Region 2-AAAAA standings, the Northside-WR offense scored an average of 40 points last season. Even though the offense is young, the players that are returning have the drive and leadership to create a team that will be as successful as in the previous seasons.
A.J. Banks is the only returning defensive lineman for the Eagles, and will be an important anchor on the front line this season. “He’s a good solid player for us,” said Kinsler.
In addition, linebackers Thomas Brown and Darius Holmes are two-year starters who have played a lot of football for the Eagles and will both be playing college ball.
Kinsler explained, “We will look for all those returning guys to work in their different position groups, in order to, lead the way for the new guys to improve throughout the season.”
The Eagles begin their season against Flowery Branch on Aug. 30 and do not begin region play until Sept. 27 against Lakeside-Evans.
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