Football 2013: Tough schedule, changes create challenge for North Gwinnett

SUWANEE -- North Gwinnett coach Bob Sphire is not one to back away from a challenge -- and his Bulldogs will once again face just that in 2013.<br /> <br /> The Bulldogs, coming off an 11-2 season and a trip to the third round of the Class AAAAAA playoffs, lost their entire starting backfield and a majority of their offensive line to graduation. But Sphire said they are not looking back, only forward.<br /> <br /> And he is hoping that a brutal three-game gauntlett to open the season will help propel them to another solid season. They open against Camden County at the Georgia Dome in the Corky Kell Classic, travel to Grayson -- a team North Gwinnett defeated in the playoffs last year -- and then open Region 7-AAAAAA play on the road against defending state champion Norcross.<br /> <br /> "We may have the toughest schedule, not just in the state, but the nation," he said. "We play seven teams that had a winning record last year and five playoff teams. And, we only have four home games. The first three games will tell us a lot. But we're not banking the whole season on those."<br /> <br /> Offensively, the Bulldogs will have plenty of weapons at the skilled spots. The key will be retooling a young offensive line. Junior quarterback Hayden Sphire has the tough task of taking over for Michael Haynes, but he will have several talented receivers in seniors Nate Brown and Caleb Scott and junior Almonzo Brown, and junior tight end Daniel Immatorbhebhe to throw to. Senior C.J. Leggett, who is being recruited by FBS schools, is expected to get the bulk of the carries at running back.<br /> <br /> "The key will be the maturation of the offensive line," Sphire said. "If we find the right combination of guys I think we'll be a very good offense."<br /> <br /> Defensively, the Bulldogs return five starters, including four of their front seven. The secondary should be outstanding with senior safety Bobby Young, senior cornerback Bryan Williams and junior rover Avery Elford in the backfield.<br /> <br /> "We have a lot of speed and talent in the secondary, and I feel we'll be good defensively from the beginning," Sphire said. "The defense may carry us early and hopefully will give the offense a chance to find the right pieces. Overall, I expect us to get better with each game.<br /> <br /> "The goal is to make the playoffs and try to win a state title. We have a tough schedule but I feel we'll be there at the end of the season."