Story By: Cade Kennedy
Photos By: Jara Reeder
With the football season only one day away, the Rangers are ready to go for their first football game of the season against Southern Arkansas on September 2nd at 6 p.m. Fans are encouraged to wear black for the game.
In the Great American Conference preseason coaches’ poll, defending GAC champion Ouachita Baptist was selected as the favorite to win the conference again. Ouachita Baptist and Harding, picked second in the coaches’ poll, are both ranked in the preseason top 25 for Division 2 football. Northwestern was picked ninth in the coaches’ poll.
Quarterback: Tanner Clarkson
At quarterback, sophomore Tanner Clarkson will once again lead the offense for the Rangers. Clarkson brings some experience to the position, as he started in 5 games during the 2019 season.
At running back, the Rangers will have two main running backs that they will use.
Running Back: Damon Williams
Damon Williams and Calion Baker will be used together to keep defenses on their toes.
Receiver: Braidan Reichert
Braidan Reichert receiving the ball.
At wide receiver, several different players will be rotated in to help the offense. Gavin Garner, Torrence Stevens, Isaiah Wallace, Nate Briscoe, Romello Bently, Brian Gonzalez, Isaiah Haro, and Devond Blair Jr. will all play at some point this year.
At tight end, senior Matt Caputo will get the start after being the backup tight end during the 2019 season. “Caputo is a stretch tight end, he can do it all, whether it be blocking or catching,” said Matt Walter, the head coach of the Rangers.
Offensive Line
On the offensive line, senior Sunday Deng will start at right tackle. Deng was an honorable mention all GAC player in 2018 and 2019. Larry Raven, a starter from 2017 will be starting once again for the Rangers. Sam Gentry, a senior, will start at center. At left guard, senior Dmarius Warren will start. Warren transferred to Northwestern from Hutchinson Community College. Sophomore Josh Baker will also start on the offensive line.
Defensive Line
On the defensive line, Chima Ozz, Nehemiah Lewis, Alex Avakian, Brian Holiday, Juan Licea Jr., Jack Shepherd, and Anderson Ramirez will all be used to create havoc in the backfield. “I think our defensive line is a very veteran group and will lead the defense,” Walter said.
At middle linebacker, James Ellis will be one of the leaders of the defense. Bryce Mack and Wacey Williams will be starting at outside linebacker.
At defensive back, Dax Benway, Xavier Woodkins, and Alex Aaron will start once again. Sam Long, Antonio Ferguson, and Donte Brown will be some new faces that will start as well.
For special teams, kickers Nick Dill and Connor O’Neal will be used throughout the season. Deep snapper Ruben Alvarado, a freshman, will be starting as well for the Rangers.The Rangers will have several veterans on the team, especially along the offensive and defensive line. The senior heavy offensive line will be the cornerstone for the offense, and with the depth the Ranger have at wide receiver, the Rangers have the opportunity to put some points on the board.
