2019 Team Previews: Northern York Polar Bears (3)

Written by: David Mika on Monday, August 12th, 2019. Follow David Mika on Twitter.

Head Football Coach: Bill Miller 18^thyear as a head coach (4^that Northern) (14 at Dover) (29^thoverall)

Varsity Assistants: Brad Livingston, Scott Link, Brian Robison, Pat Hicks, Marty Green, Robbie Bleiler, Jason Stacknick, Dave Borrell, Greg Bowman

Jr. High Head Coach: Chuck Thomas

Jr. High Assistants: Kyle Goss

Record in 2018: 6-4

Twitter: @northernfootbll

Hudl Highlights:

Offense: Multiple

Defense: 4-4, 4-3

Key Losses to Graduation: Chris Barrett 12^th(QB/DB), Spencer Breski 12^th(OL/DL), Joe Samsel 12^th(OL/LB)

Key Returners: Kyle Swartz 12^th(RB/LB), Donovan Bair 12^th(OL/DL), Tim Geiser 12^th(TE/LB), Tyler Yohn 12^th(WR/DB), Ty Regan 12^th(WR/DB), Aidan Wenger 12^th(WR/DB), Luke Horvath 12^th(RB/LB), Jordan Heisey 11^th(QB/DB), Hunter Fitterling 11^th(OL/LB), Hunter Hertzog 11^th(OL/DL), Nick Fekete 11^th(OL/DL), Zach Mowchan 11^th(RB/LB, Bay Blaschak 11^th(OL/DL)

Strengths for 2019: Several returning skill players highlight a bright spot for a team that lost only 9 seniors from 2018. Returning starters Donovan Bair, Hunter Hertzog, Hunter Fitterling, Nick Fekete, and Tim Geiser will lead the offensive line. Kyle Swartz returns following another 1000 yard campaign as tailback. Also returning is dual threat QB Jordan Heisey who split reps with senior Chris Barrett a year ago. Bair, and Bay Blaschak return as defensive starters on the defensive line. Numerous second and third level defenders return and are another bright spot going into this season.

Weaknesses for 2019: Several questions need to be answered on the defensive line. Continued development of the offensive line which returns most of the starters that opened the way for Swartz to gain over 1200 yards in 2018 is another concern. First year, full time starter Jordan Heisey (QB) will be tested early and often and must develop as an on-field leader.

Coaches Outlook: There exist many question marks among the small, but motivated senior class. We are hoping that this class will develop the kind of leadership quality that they have enjoyed in their junior years. Returning to district play (but early exit) should be a source of motivation for this group to continue the winning tradition of the past and revisited the last 4 seasons.

We are trying to find ways to motivate players to put more dedication into the program. Continuing to develop a strong running game is always main concern. Through a change in our summer workouts and attending a team camp at Lebanon Valley, we hope to develop positive team unity. The emergence of several underclassmen is seen as a positive. We will continue to try to develop model citizens as well as good football players through the use of stricter team policies and practices. Overall, the coaches are excited about this group of returning players in addition to the younger players, and are looking forward to 2018.