Grosse Pointe North

Helmet courtesy of MichiganHelmetProject.org

League: Macomb Area Conference White Division
Last season: 8-3
Opening game: 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at Utica Eisenhower

Offense

Key player: Tommie Watkins, senior, running back

Despite being injured for part of the 2008 season, Watkins rushed from more than 800 yards and was one of the key pieces in the Norsemen’s ground game, which gained more than 2,500 yards.

Senior quarterback A. J. Brooks threw just one pass last year before an injury ended his season, but his return — along with senior tackle Mike Tolliver, senior guard Pat Flynn and senior tight end Alex Doetsch — bodes well for the offense.

Watkins will be the main man coach Frank Sumbera calls on to replace the 1,282 yards and 13 touchdowns put up by Darin Willis last season.

Special teams

Key player: Fjorino Musaka, senior, punter

While Sumbera is still auditioning kickers, Musaka has a handle on the punting duties.

Coach’s outlook

In 2008, the Norsemen rode a stable of running backs and a physical offensive line to gaudy rushing stats, but inconsistency and injuries in the passing game limited the offense.

Sumbera hopes that adding an extra element to the offense with Brooks under center will help guide the Norsemen deep into the 2009 postseason.

“We’ve got an excellent runner in Watkins, and we’re going to pass better, too,” Sumbera said. “(Junior) A. J. (Brooks) could have been our quarterback last year, but he got hurt. We’re going to have a more balanced team this year.”

— Brad D. Bates