Among the first teams to put cleats to grass Monday for the start of football practice was North Henderson. The Knights hit the field at 8:00 am, streaking the morning dew as they began preparations for what they hope will be a bounce-back year.
"We had probably the best offseason since I've been here," noted head coach Jim Beatty. "Got bigger, stronger, faster in the spring with weight training and had great turnouts for the summer. Kids are dedicated, been showing up, and I think they're hungry."
Last year left a sour taste in their mouths as the Knights battled the injury bug en route to a 3-7 record. Among the injured was three-year starting quarterback Jaxon Willis, who has now moved on to the college ranks. Replacing him is senior Mason Fowler.
"He's done all the work we've asked him to do," praised Beatty. "He's come in the mornings to work on his technique, throwing mechanics, and all that stuff. And then he's done a great job this offseason you know leading and getting us ready."
Fowler won't be going at it alone, though. The Knights believe they have three running backs ready to contribute, led by Zion Fauntleroy-McDaniel who paced the team with 218 yards in 2022. Mason Gasperson, a junior, was right behind him with 164 yards.
Those three will have to hit their stride out of the gate as North Henderson faces county rival Hendersonville in the first game of the season.
"We've got to get on a roll early," stressed Beatty, whose schedule follows up with Rosman, Owen, and West Henderson before conference play begins. "We're going to have to be able to run the ball this year. We've got three good tailbacks and the offensive line is experienced, so we've got to run the ball."
On the defensive side of the ball, the Knights will hope to improve on a 31.3 points per game mark. Several starters return, including linebackers Keith Payne and Zach McCraw.
A big factor, literally and figuratively, upfront will be Reese Meadows. "He's really come a long way. He's starting to fill in and just doing things we knew he was capable of doing," said Beatty.
The Knight and Bearcats start their respective seasons on August 18th at North's Glenn C. Marlow Stadium.
STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSNorth Henderson bringing experience into 2023 | WLOS
