More News

In the past six months, the Northwest football team has faced staggering upheaval.

It began when gifted junior linebacker David Katembwe was charged with, and subsequently imprisoned for, a March 26 robbery. A June 30 car crash injured standout rising senior Hassan Dixon and took the life of his 12-year old sister, Shiane. Shortly after that, rising junior Edwin "Dek" Miller collapsed on the field during voluntary conditioning drills and died three days later.

With their nightmarish offseason in the past, the Jaguars can now look forward to a possible dream in-season.

"We've had a lot of tragedy since I got here and all I can say is that we have a resilient group of young men," said first-year head coach Mark Maradei, who helmed Rockville for the past three years. "I've been very happy and really amazed at how everyone's been dealing with everything that's been dropped in their laps. I can't imagine being their age and doing what they're doing. And you know, I believe in these kids."

His faith is not blind. With the talent and experience they have back, the Jaguars are a legitimate threat to make postseason noise.

It starts in the backfield, with Dixon back for an encore. In his first year with the school after transferring in from Good Counsel, the lightning-fast halfback — he ran on Northwest's Class 4A state-champion 4x400-meter relay teams during indoor and outdoor track seasons — rushed for 1,026 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also shows outstanding potential at cornerback, where he could start.

"He's healthy; we scrimmaged Kennedy and he scored three touchdowns," said Maradei. "He's dedicated the season to his sister and he is doing everything 100 miles per hour."

Also lining up behind the line is third-year starting quarterback Jarrhett Butler, who threw for 1,279 yards and 10 touchdowns a year ago.

Though his targets are new, the dropoff should be nonexistent. Senior Alieu Nyass looked like a star in the Upper Montgomery Passing League this summer, while Thomas Johnson transfer Tyler Demett also appeared promising. Junior Detrick Hoes, according to Maradei, has "off-the-charts athleticism" and scored 12 touchdowns in his one season on JV, while senior Randy Markush is a capable fill-in for departed University of Maryland freshman Marcus Whitfield at tight end.

Two spots on the offensive line are still up for grabs, though seniors Ali Tolson, Michael Lentz and Matt Andrews are anchors.

Tolson is the only unquestioned starter on the defensive line, but from the second level on, the Jaguars are deep and formidable. Markush will play the defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid, while classmate Chris Bisselle was the team's leading tackler last fall on the inside.

Lost was projected starting 'backer Diontae Joppy, who transferred to Seneca Valley, but with strong safety Nyass, Dixon and cornerback Troy Anderson, the cupboard is full on defense.

"I don't want to tell you we'll go 14-0 and win the state, because we could come out and fall flat on our faces," said Maradei. "But I believe we'll get to the position where we're fighting for it throughout the season."

Northwest

Head coach: Mark Maradei, 1st year (4th overall, 17-14)

League: Montgomery 4A West

Last year's record: 6-5

Last playoff appearance: 2008 (7th)

Last state title: 2004 (1st)

Players to watch: QB Jarrhett Butler, RB Hassan Dixon, WR Alieu Nyass, LB Chris Bisselle

2008 results

Sept. 5 — Whitman (W), 23-14

Sept. 12 — Seneca Valley (L), 6-0

Sept. 19 — Richard Montgomery (W), 42-7

Sept. 26 — Sherwood (L), 21-14

Oct. 3 — Wootton (W), 33-28

Oct. 10 — Churchill (L), 49-27

Oct. 17 — Gaithersburg (W), 30-22

Oct. 25 — Springbrook (W), 14-11

Oct. 31 — Quince Orchard (L), 28-14

Nov. 7 — Walter Johnson (W), 38-28

Nov. 14 — Sherwood (L), 38-3*

*playoff game

2009 schedule

Sept. 4 — at Whitman, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 11 — Springbrook, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 17 — B-CC, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 — at Quince Orchard, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 2 — at Churchill, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 9 — Seneca Valley, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 16 — at Walter Johnson, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 23 — at Wootton, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 — Gaithersburg, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 6 — Magruder, 6:30 p.m.