Rebuilding a football program is a much easier task in the offseason than it is during 11 weeks in the fall.

Everything moved so quickly last season for the Northern Nash football team that, at times, coaches and players were overwhelmed.

Knights coach Chad Smith was a rookie, working with a group of new assistants. Instead of inheriting a large group of upperclassmen, Smith coached a roster dominated by freshmen and sophomores. Only a few games into the season, it was apparent to Smith and his coaching staff that their offensive scheme was not going to work. Oh, and all of this was going on while the Knights were attempting to erase a losing streak that stretched across two seasons in a competitive NEW 6 Conference.

"At times it was overwhelming," Smith said. "Our kids did everything we asked last year. It wasn't their fault. The blame comes squarely on me for last season."

Blame, shame and last season's games have been put aside. Some assistant coaches have returned, others have not. Smith said players have put in hard work to turn things around.

The effort of this still underclassmen-heavy squad, has been led by 11 seniors. Smith said the group met with him shortly after the Knights' last game and outlined five goals for the season.

Things will have to change on the field, though. The quarterback position was unsettled for most of last season, but Smith said Brandon Johnson, who played wide receiver and defensive back last season, is expected to earn the starting job as Northern Nash runs an offense Smith calls the "wingbone."

Quality depth is an issue. There will still be a number of freshmen and sophomores contributing. Winning a few games early, Smith said, will give the team confidence, and perhaps, slow things down just a bit and put the Knights in a comfort zone.

"The community wants this thing back," Smith said. "I want it back worse than about anything I've wanted in my life, and it's going to get there sooner than later."

Jessie H. Nunery can be reached at 407-9951 or

jhnunery@coxnc.com

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 1-10

COACH: Chad Smith (second season, 1-10)

LAST PLAYOFFS APPEARANCE: 2005, first round

KEY GAME: Nov. 7 vs. Nash Central. Coach Chad Smith said he wants this game to become a rivalry affair between the neighboring schools.

STRENGTHS: A strong defense anchored by a solid group of hard-nosed linebackers.

WEAKNESS: None of these Knights have winning experiences on the field. That will not change until a victory comes on the field.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 22: at Wilson Beddingfield

Aug. 29: GREENVILLE CONLEY

Sept. 5: TARBORO

Sept. 12: at Hertford County

Sept. 19: at Bertie

Sept. 26: SOUTHERN VANCE

Oct. 10: at Rocky Mount High

Oct. 17: SOUTHERN NASH

Oct. 24: at Wilson Fike

Oct. 31: at SouthWest Edgecombe

Nov. 7: NASH CENTRAL