By By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
YEATESVILLE — Most coaches spend their off season looking at game film and into new strategies, but Northside’s Keith Boyd spent his time staring into a mirror. After posting a 2-9 record in his first year at the helm of the Panthers, Boyd said his off season was one of reflection.
While looking at himself, Boyd found strategies he could implement on the football field.
Heading into this season, Boyd may not be the only one looking at a mirror. Opposing defenses will find themselves staring at a Panthers’ base formation that is very mirrored.
In its scrimmage against North Pitt and South Central Saturday night, Northside used the same formation for a majority of its snaps.
Boyd said the Panthers will line up with an offense that looks the same on the left and right side of the ball, making it harder for defenses to pick up any information. Boyd said the Panthers will line up with a flanker on each side of the field, along with a double-wing formation. Panthers’ quarterback Calvin Cox will be used out of the shotgun, while a halfback will be positioned to the left or right of Cox.
Boyd said he views his line as the strength of the offense, and has good balance at the skill positions.
Along with Cox, lining up in the backfield will be Colby Mason, D.J. Satherwaite and Anthony Martin.
The offense wasn’t the only thing Boyd has adjusted during the off season. The Panthers’ coach has also changed his defense from a 4-3 to a 3-5-3. Boyd said having strong down linemen influenced the defensive transition.
Boyd said Northside is returning over half of the team’s starters on defense from last year.
On defense Boyd said he will count on safety Will Rushton, linebackers Zach Manning and Mason and cornerback Anthony Martin.
The Panthers will put their new look to the test on Friday as they travel to First Flight for their first game of the season.