Northridge focused on sustaining another fast start

JOHNSTOWN - Northridge hit the ground running in 2015 under coach Shawn Hinkle as evidenced by a 3-0 start.

The Vikings eventually were 4-1 before losing their final five games, and they appear to have the talent to duplicate that early success this fall. They, however, will not be sneaking up on anyone this season.

Northridge hosts Washington Court House and Lakewood the first two weeks. The Vikings beat both to open 2015.

“We just have to stay humble going into the game and have the mind-set that we did it last year,” senior quarterback Daniel Hatfield said. “Everyone kind of favored the other team against us that first game, but we knew we had what we needed to be able to get the job done. We feel the same way this year.”

The experienced backfield of Hatfield and classmate Logan Garee plus the return of the majority of its offensive line — seniors Austin Chambers, Trevor Roach and Austin White lead the way — give the Vikings confidence they can continue to build on what they started under Hinkle.

Hinkle was not hired until June 2015, but he immediately improved the Vikings’ work in the weight room. That carried over through the offseason.

“Being in the weight room helped the line a lot because I am getting more time during practice,” Hatfield said. “The receivers are catching tough balls because they have more arm strength, and the running backs are running harder. It’s just helped us a ton.”

Where the year of experience with Hinkle should help is when the Vikings hit a bump in the road. Hinkle now has had a full year to develop a relationship with each player, knowing what makes the Vikings tick and building a trust.

With Hatfield banged up a season ago, the Vikings were shut out four consecutive weeks in October. Three of those losses came to eventual playoff teams.

“The biggest payoff is buy-in, and that’s multi-directional,” Hinkle said. “The kids bought in last season, but it still was a new situation for them. There was a honeymoon period. This season, there is no honeymoon period in that these kids trust this entire coaching staff, they know that they are doing the correct things, and on the flip side, we know those kids on a much deeper level. We know not only their athletic abilities, but we also know their mental capacities.”

While Hatfield and Garee should be a good one-two punch carrying the ball, senior Gunner Absten provides the Vikings a threat on the outside to keep defenses honest.

Many of the offensive linemen will also anchor the defensive line while keeping blockers away from four-year starter Gage Linkous at linebacker. Junior Chris Absten is an experienced cornerback.

“I can definitely see we hit the weight room this offseason,” Garee said. “We definitely came to practice with a lot of aggression. They hit a little bit harder.”

Hinkle came to Northridge with a track record of success both as a player and coach, and he brought a confidence that appeared to permeate throughout the program.

With 13 seniors and 11 juniors, many of whom have taken their fair share of lumps, the Vikings are ready to take aim at the program’s first winning season since 2005.

“Everybody is in understanding with one another, and we all know where we are headed,” Hinkle said. “Hopefully, that will speak to some longevity in our effort patterns.”

ksnyder@newarkadvocate.com

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At a Glance

NORTHRIDGE

•Coach: Shawn Hinkle

•State Classification: Division V, Region 18

•League: Licking County League-Cardinal

•In 2015: 4-6, 0-4

•Key Returners: Daniel Hatfield, Sr., QB/DB (145 carries, 687 yards, 6 TDs; 46-93, 512 yards, 3 TDs). Logan Garee, Sr., RB/DB (115 carries, 630 yards, 7 TDs). Gunner Absten, Sr., WR/DB. Gage Linkous, Sr., RB/LB.

•What to expect: Northridge got off to a fast start at 3-0 a season ago and has the ability to do so again. The challenge will be handling adversity if the injury bug bites or the losses begin to string together. Coach Shawn Hinkle has been preaching confidence in preparation since the end of the 2015 season.

•Hinkle says: “I am a big talker with these guys. I am open with the plan that we have. I let them know exactly why we do the things we do, and I let them know what benefits they will see on the field from the work that they put in in the weight room and in conditioning.”