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North's potential worth following

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By Andrew Petersen | Wednesday, August 27, 2008 |

I think I’ve had too long to analyze the upcoming football season.

Since practice started two weeks ago — really, since Iowa schools opened camp three weeks ago — it’s been all I’ve focused on at the Times. That’s a good thing, especially once the season starts, but it’s a little maddening to constantly rethink and reassess conference and playoff races before they begin.

Right now, everyone, even coaches and players, have limited knowledge to go on. Still, new thoughts keep occurring to me.

My latest infatuation is Davenport North. I really like the Wildcats. Not 7-2 like, but maybe four or five win like.

Look at what they have.

Nine returning starters, many of which are skill guys.

Justin Brown doesn’t project to be a 2,000-yard passer, but that’s not what coach Jon Flynn does. And there’s a lot to be said for being a returning QB. Especially when the MAC only has one other (Jack Flaherty at Burlington) that has played a full season.

And the backfield potential has me eager to see the Wildcats in Week 2. It’s a Thursday game, so my options are limited, but North Scott at North is something I’d search out anyway.

Blake White and Airreo Greer will be something to see.

In my mind, it’s up to the line. Brown will do his part finding Alec Fetterer, keeping defenses honest. But the line will have to give the backs a couple maneuverable seconds each down.

I’m not saying North topples Bettendorf. But I am going as far as saying that North has a shot at not only the school’s first playoff berth (not that tough with the expanded former), but also a postseason win.

If the Wildcats can scratch out four wins, they could face a 6-3 team in the first round. A team that hasn’t seen them and only knows their past struggles.

Sure, the state officials are calling that first round a “substate” game, but any win after Week 9 can’t be understated.