SUWANEE — Bob Sphire admitted he may have his biggest challenge since arriving in Suwanee 10 years ago.
The Bulldogs return just eight players with starting experience, prompting Sphire to utter the dreaded R-word -- "rebuilding."
"(This is) by far the most inexperienced team I've had since I've been here," Sphire said. "This is the year we really start feeling the affects of the new school opening. But the numbers are still there. We just didn't have a lot of guys beyond our starters get a lot of playing time last year."
North Gwinnett will find out quickly where it stands when it takes on fellow powerhouse Colquitt County in the Georgia Dome in the Corky Kell Classic to open the season. A road game at North Cobb and then Hillgrove at home should help the Bulldogs prepare for their region 7-AAAAAA opener against Collins Hill on the road.
Sphire said his squad will need to grow up fast if they want to clinch 12th straight playoff berth.
"(The Collins Hill) game will tell us a lot," Sphire said.
They follow with Mill Creek, Norcross, and Peachtree Ridge in region play in consecutive weeks.
"The first two months are very tough. It will be a tall order for us to make the playoffs because of our inexperience," Sphire said. "But I expect us to be competitive. If we can get some breaks and find the right people, who knows."
NORTH GWINNETT: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Bulldogs
- TEAM COLORS: Black, Red and White
- CURRENT REGION: 7-AAAAAA
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Bob Sphire, 10th season, 99-18
- 2014 RECORD/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 8-3, reached first round of Class AAAAAA playoffs
- KEY LOSSES: PK/P Brad Harvey, OL Mitch Hyatt, WR Daniel Imatorbhebhe, QB John Urzua
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Spread -- The Bulldogs like to attack through the air to set up the run.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 3 returning starters -- Sr. OL Alex Mollette, Sr. RB Kam Pickett, Sr. WR Josh Imatorbhebhe, Sr. WR K.J. Hancock, Sr. ATH Jordan Frye, So. QB Cade Fortin
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 3-5 -- North Gwinnett opts for an attacking defense, using the front eight to focus on stopping the run.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 3 returning starters -- Sr. S Matthew Andryusky, Jr. DE Dixon Yellott, Jr. DE Drew Jordan, Sr. DB Delon Smith
- SPECIAL TEAMS: Wide open for both PK and P with three guys in the running for the spots. May not be decided until season opener.
- STRENGTH: Running backs -- Pickett and Frye give the Bulldogs two solid options in the backfield and Imatorbhebhe is always a threat in the passing game.
- QUESTION: Special teams/OL/LB/inexperince/depth -- with only eight players returning players with any varsity experience on the roster the Bulldogs have too many holes to fill to count. Finding a suitable replacement for Harvey will be a priority as well.
- KEY GAMES: A tough non-region schedule should help prepare them for the region. But, the Bulldogs will know by early October if they are in the playoff race with their first four region games against Collins Hill, Mill Creek, Norcross, and Peachtree Ridge. They have a very favorable finish but they need at least two wins in the opening four region games to have a shot at the playoffs.
- TRENDING: The Bulldogs have been one of the most consistent teams in the state over the past decade, reeling off eight seasons over the last nine with double-digit win totals. If ever they were to suffer through a rebuilding year, this is probably it. However, Sphire and his staff have always found the right combinations by season's end. Expect them to find a way into the playoff race, but they will need some help and speedy growth from their young players to keep their playoff streak alive.
2015 SCHEDULE
Aug. 22 vs. Colquitt County (Georgia Dome), 5:45 p.m.
Aug. 28 at North Cobb
Sept. 4 vs. Hillgrove
Sept. 18 at *Collins Hill
Sept. 25 vs. *Mill Creek
Oct. 2 at *Norcross
Oct. 9 vs. *Peachtree Ridge
Oct. 23 vs. *Duluth
Oct. 30 at *Meadowcreek
Nov. 6 at* Mountain View
*- indicates region game
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
