The Skinny
The Norcross Blue Devils look to extend their consecutive playoff appearance streak to 10 seasons in a row. Coach Keith Maloof has been at the helm for the Blue Devils since 1999. While the Blue Devils will have their work cut out for them on the field, when we asked Coach Maloof what the teams biggest challenge was, he replied,
“Social Media.”
And while we most certainly understand that in some places social media has its positives, it can no doubt be a distraction.
Offensively, the Blue Devils will be replacing most of their skill position starters from a year ago. Quinton Bradford and Abel Aguirre well anchor the offensive line, while Randy Smith and Jaylen Green appear to be poised to lead the receivers.
Kicker/Punter Kellen Grave de Peralta was the team’s leading scorer in total points last season. The Navy commit connected on 34 of 36 PATs and 10 of 11 field goals last season.
Tyren Long will anchor the defensive line. Last season he recorded a team high 5.5 sacks. Long is also the team’s leading returning tackler, with 47 total tackles in 2018. Safeties Josh Graham and Roland Jackson will lead the secondary. As a sophomore last season, Graham picked of 3 passes in the secondary.
We asked Coach Maloof if any games were circled on the calendar.
“North Gwinnett, Parkview (and) Brookwood.”
Expectations are high at Norcross year in and year out. So it was no surprise when we asked what a successful season would look like for the Blue Devils, Maloof replied:
“Region Title and then State Title.”
