Veteran Raiders leading the way for rest of squad
Northbrook relying on experience to contend
The Northbrook football program has made steady progress in recent years, but head coach Dave Cope believes this could be the season where the Raiders make their push.
Northbrook welcomes back most of its starters off last year’s squad, which finished 2-8 overall and 0-6 in District 18-6A. Yet, the Raiders are still picked last in the league in most preseason polls.
Still, Cope thinks Northbrook can do much better.
“Our defense has really improved,” Cope said. “Offensively, we have a lot of skill players back, including our quarterback, and three of five offensive linemen. We’re are a more experienced team.”
Defensively, the Raiders are imposing up front. Konner Watkins, a 6-foot4, 320-pound senior, joins junior Bobby Martinez (61, 280) at the tackles, while seniors Alex Hernandez and Luis Maravilla (6-0, 245) are the ends.
“We’re pretty strong across the middle,” Cope said. “Hopefully, that will set the tone for our defense.”
Senior Ernesto Lopez returns at linebacker and is joined by senior Daniel Melendez, a move-in from New York.
Meanwhile, senior safety Wade Borrer, a returning all-district performer, anchors the secondary along with junior cornerback Rai’shon Wardsworth.
On offense, Northbrook relies on junior Dashaun Franklin, an electric playmaker at quarterback. Franklin, a 5-10, 180-pounder, can hurt defenses with his arm and feet.
“Dashaun has always been an exciting runner because of his speed, but he’s really worked on the passing game,” Cope said. “He’s become a more wellrounded quarterback.”
Senior Charles Travis (6-4, 180), a basketball standout for the Raiders, is a can’t-miss target for Franklin. Travis is part of a dangerous receiving corps featuring juniors Michael Perez and Irving Peguero and senior Jordi Cabrera.
Sophomore tailback Anthony Williams is a game-breaker, while Maravilla could see double duty at fullback.
The offensive line, typically a strength during Cope’s tenure, has decent size, with senior Ramon Vargas (6-0, 260) at center, juniors Nick Vasquez (6-2, 245) and Anthony Santos (6-0, 260) at the guards and senior Omar Perez (63, 220) and junior Johnathan Romero (6-2, 230) at the tackles.
“This is Ramon’s third year in the line-up and Nick and Omar are twoyear starters,” Cope said. “It helps to have guys who have been there before.”
While Northbrook isn’t projected to challenge foes like Aldine Eisenhower and Memorial for the District 18-6A crown, the Raiders have the potential to increase last year’s win total.
Northbrook opens the 2015 season against Spring Branch ISD rival Spring Woods at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Tully Stadium.
“Our defense has really improved. Offensively, we have a lot of skill players back, including our quarterback, and three of five offensive linemen. We’re are a more experienced team.”
Dave Cope, Northbrook coach