I’ve had the opportunity to watch this year’s Northrop Bruins team in person three times this season during the regular season. Little did I know that this year’s team would be even better than I had anticipated. Coming into the season, what was known was that they had Ohio State commit Jerquaden Guilford and a returning top quarterback in the conference in David Callison. The Fort Wayne area would quickly get to known other stars on their offense that would contribute to this season being a record-breaking season for the Bruins offense.
As a team, Northrop had four players who were named to the 1st Team All-SAC team (Guilford, Callison, Cornelius Jackson, and Dee Hogue). On the 2nd Team All-SAC, they had both Ifeanyi Emedobi and Maddox Weil recognized. They also had nine players who were named to the Honorable Mention team: Lenny Underwood, Eligah Collins, Jaxson Robinson, Levi Portee, Kobe Reese, Caleb Lanza, Camden Day, Donlaray Reese Jr., and Daveon Surry.
Before we get to the offense, we have to quickly credit the defense that has vastly improved throughout the course of the season. After speaking with some of the coaching staff, it appears that Cornelius Jackson broke the tackles for a loss (24.5 TFL) in a season and in a game (7.5 TFL against Wayne) for the Bruins this season. It has been a phenomenal season for Jackson and plenty of others on defense as well. Dee Hogue has led the way in the secondary with 86 total tackles and four interceptions.
Earlier this season, after the victory over Bishop Dwenger, Guilford told us about the whole team and that it’s not just him. “We got playmakers. It’s a team thing. That’s what people need to realize around the city. We got dogs,” Guilford told us.
While the defense has surprised some folks, the offense has put together the best offensive season in program history. Senior quarterback David Callison is embarking (34 yards away) on the school’s all-time career passing yards record. He is currently at 4,493 career passing yards. He already holds the program record with 40 career passing touchdowns. In terms of this season, he has broken both single-season records of 23 passing touchdowns and 2,279 passing yards (12th in the state). I was able to catch up with Callison and ask about his record-breaking season.
“The records are just a reflection of the hard work my team and I have been putting in since last December. I give all credit to my o-line and my skill players. If they weren’t doing what they are doing, none of it would be possible,” Callison replied. Since the records reflect it, I also asked Callison if he believes their offense is the best in Northrop history. “Yes, we definitely feel that we are the best offense to come out of Northrop,” he replied.
Currently, Callison only has an offer from D3 Trine University in Angola, Indiana. After this season, he will likely add some more and has some college teams watching how this postseason run follows his success as a Bruin.
In addition to Callison’s record-breaking season, Guilford has put together a record-breaking year of his own. As of last week, he is now Northrop’s record holder for touchdown receptions in a season (11) and career as well (18). The future Buckeye has made the most out of a season where defenses gameplan for him and double-cover him in an attempt to take him out of the game. Even with all of the attention on him, he is still averaging 21 yards per catch and has a total of 15 touchdowns this season (11 rec., 4 rushing).
Because of all the attention from opposing defenses on Guilford, other stars have been created this season. Sophomore Maddox Weil has had a breakout season for the Bruins. He leads Northrop in receiving with 738 yards to go along with six touchdown receptions. He has gotten a lot attention from colleges as well with a ton of offers.
Junior Jaxson Robinson has also made some huge plays for the Bruins this season, with 433 yards and four touchdowns. What has made this offense so dynamic this season has been the balance of their passing game and rushing attack as well. Two junior running backs in Kobe Reese and Levi Portee have played a huge role in their offense. Reese has 360 rushing yards, while Portee adds 330 yards, with both players contributing seven touchdowns each.
It’s been a memorable season for Northrop that isn’t over yet, but already one to put in the record books. Head coach Quentin Bowen has been super proud of his team’s play this season. He spoke to us briefly about the success of this record-breaking season.
“Itβs a testament to their hard work and dedication towards themselves and the program. Theyβve been instrumental in laying the foundation of who we want to be as a program moving forward. As for the postseason, we want to put our heads down and grind. Taking it week by week,” Coach Bowen replied.
First up for the Bruins in Sectionals is the Snider Panthers, and with a victory, the possibility of a rematch against the Carroll Chargers. Their work isn’t done, and this is only the beginning.