The season is about to begin and Garth Vader is here to take us through each team's schedule and use his dark side of the force to prophesize how it will all turn out.  Of course, that is all a bunch of bull, but he is going to attempt to prognosticate each team's schedule.  Today, he focuses on Northwood.

My people!  It has been far too long!  This summer I went on a trip to Florida to see my grandparents and honestly did (CAPITAL NOT) want to come back.  What brings me back here?  High school football of course! No, I'm kidding.  My wife did.  Hi Hunny! Look! I'm on the internet!

Saltville

Few other places on earth have the history that Saltville does.  It was once a lush landscape that dinosaurs roamed through.  It has also been the site of prehistoric ancient civilizations as well as the site of a notable Civil War battle.  Saltville was also once the home to one of the largest chemical corporations for miles around.  What is Saltville known for now?  Easy, Saltville is known for once having all those things... I just told you.

What has been going on this summer in Saltville, you ask?  Maybe you didn't ask but I'm going to tell you anyway.  While many of you, as I witnessed via message board banter all summer, were wondering if Northwood would even have a football team, the Panthers were rinsing their hands of the single-wing for good.  

"Good bye, Single-Wing", said Coach Wyatt as he kicked an empty trashcan across the fieldhouse out of frustration. 

WELL, it's about time if you ask Garth Vader.  (Again, you didn't. Just hush and let me do this). 

The NuPanthers

The Panthers of 2010 will run a standard I-Formation.  This change may not result in direct wins but the change may be a good enough rallying point to get the community believing again.  With a standard offense that consists of a quarterback and some runningbacks instead of just runningbacks and lots of faith and imagination, the Panthers will be better off in the long run.  And what if the Panthers get down and need a quick answer?  Well they can revert back to a few single-wing plays out of a no-huddle offense to keep the defenses guessing.  Genius!

The Outlook, Breaking Down the Games....

While the change at Northwood was needed, it comes at a rough time.  The Panthers are low on playmakers.  The loss of the twin terrors, Jeremiah Thompson and Ty Frye, will mean disaster for the Panthers if some no-namers don't step up and make some names for themselves.  As of right now, using my dark force telepathy, the only two Northwood names I can think of without looking at last year's roster are Dustin Clear and Michael Lester.  Pretty good, right?  It's because I just read about them in their recent scrimmage writeup.  That's right, I had to cheat.  Clear and Lester will need to be superstars in order to guide Northwood in the right path....well...them and about 9 others who wear Navy and Silver and also play for Northwood.

at Galax - Last year Ty Frye stole the show and helped Northwood to their only win of the season.  This year a still really poor Galax team claims revenge. Galax by 20.

Marion - Chilhowie took Marion's best player.  Marion will still take it to the Panthers. Marion by 40 or so

at Fort Chiswell - Fort Chiswell lost quite a few athletes but beat Marion handedly in a scrimmage this past weekend.  Fort Chiswell by 45 or so

at Twin Springs - They laid it on Northwood last year in a game the Panthers probably could've won if they had any heart left.  If Northwood is going to get a win, this would be one to really try for.  Twin Springs by 18.

at Chilhowie - If there's one thing I know about the Warriors, they love them some Apple Festival.  This one is on Apple Festival weekend.. Chilhowie by 40 or so.

Bland - I would pay good money to see a Panther fight a Bear.  You couldn't pay me to watch this one.  But, if Northwood shows up it could be a contest.  Bland by 4

Holston - The Cavs were less than stellar this past weekend and the loss of a top rusher will put a damper on their season.  Damascus still has plenty of athletes to deliver in this one.  Holston by 28

Rural Retreat - RR is on the ups and NW is not.  Rural Retreat by 35

at Patrick Henry - Patrick Henry will be the one district game NW could win if most of PH's players were found ineligible before the season started.   Patrick Henry by 20

George Wythe - The Maroons haven't been upset in years, or ever.  George Wythe by 40 or so.

This writeup isn't intentionally to put Northwood down, there will be one for each Hogo school if Hogo.Com admin doesn't ban me beforehand.  And if truth be told, I'm pulling hard for the Panthers.  Who isn't!? I slowly raise my light-saber with threatening look on my face..in my helmet.  I would use my Jedi force to make the ball slippery for the other team but my Jedi license got revoked two months ago for flying a pod racer without an inspection sticker.  Northwood is going to have to do it on their own but maybe with this major switch of offensive philosophies, the program can rebuild from the ground-up.  Lets all hope so!!

Good luck Panthers and may the force be with you!