Schools
Blue Devils Look to Return to State Playoffs
NHS's football team set on offense, where nine starters are back, but will have to replace nine defensive players who graduated.
Norcross went 9-3 last year, finished third in Region 7-AAAAA and made it to the second round of the state playoffs before losing to eventual state champion Brookwood. The Blue Devils will have ample firepower on offense to repeat, or even improve on that record, but they will have to find replacements for a defense that has been decimated by graduation.
As Coach Keith Maloof starts his 13th season at Norcross, he will welcome back nine starters on offense but only two on defense.
One hole that will have to be filled on offense is at the all important quarterback position. But Maloof saw enough good things from junior quarterback Joseph Wilbur (6-1, 185) in spring practice to name him the starter heading into the season.
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Wilbur will line up behind a veteran offensive line that returns four starters, including three-year starter Domonique Mason (SR. 5-11, 230) at tight end, center, Hampton Floyd (SR. 6-2, 245), tackle Montoris Broughton (SR. 6-0, 240), and guard Danny Danh (SR. 6-0, 240).
The skill positions are well established with go-to guys like wide receiver Jason Croom (SR. 6-5, 220) a D-1 prospect who had 32 catches and five TD’s last season and J.T. Tolbert (SR. 5-11, 175).
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Two-way starter Tanner Maloof (SR.6-0, 190) returns at fullback. He and Alvin Kamara (JR. 5-11, 195) should give the Blue Devils a productive ground game.
No doubt, Norcross will be able to put plenty of points on the board this year. The question is can they keep their opponents from doing the same.
The only starters back are Maloof, at inside linebacker, and strong safety Martavious Edwards (Sr. 5-9, 178). But Coach Maloof beleives he has found a pair of servicable linemen in Isaiah Hinsley (Sr. 5-10, 215) and Kristopher Beauchamp (Sr. 6-2, 250) to anchor the front. Juniors Lavonte Cranford (5-9, 190) and Tommy Tate (6-2, 200) will fill in the voids at linebacker while Anthony Aurty (Sr. 6-2, 180), Bryson Jordan (So. 6-0, 175) and Shon Akin (So. 5-7 165) will round out a young but talented secondary.
Special teams will be a strength as Chris Bigham (Sr. 5-10, 170) returns to handle all three kicking duties. Senior Hampton Floyd will also return as the long snapper.
It's been four years since Norcross claimed a region title and the Blue Devils will be out to end that drought in 2011.