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HomeTeam Huddle: Northeast high on junior varsity call-ups

 
Shaquan Johnson
Shaquan Johnson
Published April 28, 2016

ST. PETERSBURG — Normally, when a 2-8 team loses its starting quarterback and top receiver, optimism isn't very high. That's not the case at Northeast as it began spring practices this week.

Last year's quarterback, junior Josh Belton, is not playing football this season. That's also the case for sophomore receiver Jalynn Williams. Coach Jeremy Frioud said Williams is no longer on the team, although he is still a student at the school.

No worries.

Frioud believes a pair of rising sophomores will fill the void. Keon Gulley will replace Belton at quarterback. He helped lead the Vikings' junior varsity to an undefeated season in 2015.

"He's good, I'm telling you,'' Frioud said.

Bryce Green was Gulley's main target at wide receiver. The duo hooked up for 15 touchdown passes on JV. Green will also play in the secondary.

"He's an absolute monster," Frioud said.

Granted, Gulley and Green do not have varsity experience. But they have been working with each other for more than a year. Gulley said his focus in the spring is to learn all he can.

"I'm going to learn the coverages and learn the plays," Gulley said. "It's fun to finally be out here and working with these guys."

Green hopes to do even better in his first varsity season than he did as a freshman on the junior varsity.

"We're always working with each other in the off season," Green said of Gulley. "And we spend time after practice. My goal this year is to get 25 (touchdowns). But if I don't get 25 that's okay, as long as the team wins."

While Northeast's offense struggled last season, there was one bright spot — running back Shaquan Johnson. Johnson rushed for 1,250 yards and scored eight touchdowns as a junior. He is back and more determined than ever to end his final season on a high note.

"Personally, my goal is to get 2,000 yards," Johnson said. "I've been spending a lot of time in the weight room getting ready for my last season. It's fun to finally put on the pads. My main goal is to get into the playoffs."

One other change in 2016. Frioud will take over as defensive coordinator, which was his job at Largo before he left to take over at Northeast.