Football 2014: Galt believes North Forsyth ready for another step forward

COAL MOUNTAIN -- It didn't take Jason Galt and his staff long to turn things around at North Forsyth. <br /> <br /> The 2013 season saw the Raiders make the playoffs for the first time since 2010 and post their first winning season since 2009.<br /> <br /> Now, the second-year coach is ready to take things even further in 2014.<br /> <br /> "It took a year to get our system in and for everyone to learn things. Now, the kids understand what we're trying to do, and I feel we have the talent to make a run at the (Region 6-AAAAAA) title," Galt said.<br /> <br /> The Raiders lost 12 of 22 starters from last season but return the core of their offensive line, led by senior Andrew Johnson and junior Jackson Bardall, along with senior tight ends Jake Hubbard and Tony Hudson. Galt said they have the personnel to make their double-wing attack just as potent as last year, when they averaged 29 points per game in their seven wins.<br /> <br /> "The line should be our strength," Galt said. "We have seven guys that we can rotate and Hubbard and Hudson and several solid running backs."<br /> <br /> Senior Jesus Torres and junior Zac Slaton should get the bulk of the carries and junior Jacob Bailey takes over for Harris Roberts at quarterback.<br /> <br /> Offense was the key last year. When the Raiders scored 17 or more points, they were a perfect 7-0.<br /> <br /> The defense took the biggest hit to graduation, but Galt said they will have more athleticism and speed to make up for a lack of experience.<br /> <br /> "We're not a young team but we lost a lot of starters and the new guys are having to step up. But we'll be a much faster defense and as they get some game experience I expect they will be just fine," Galt said.<br /> <br /> North Forsyth opted for two fall scrimmages instead of spring practice and Galt said that could be the key to a fast start and an improved season.<br /> <br /> "We improved tremendously last year from our scrimmage to first game. I can only imagine how much better we'll be to open the season after two scrimmages. I'm excited to see how it works out," said Galt, who opted to nix spring ball for the opportunity at two fall scrimmages.<br /> <br /> The Raiders open their region schedule against Chattahoochee and Northview and finish with defending 6-AAAAAA champ Alpharetta on the road.<br /> <br /> "We want to start strong and our goal is to get to the Alpharetta game with the region title on the line. That's what we're playing for this year," Galt said.