By Gene Galin
Pittsboro, NC – As the Northwood High School football team gears up for the upcoming season, head coach Dalton Brown reflects on the growth and commitment he has fostered in his players during the off-season. With a focus on discipline, teamwork, and skill development, Brown aims to build on last year’s successes while navigating the challenges of a new conference and a roster that has seen significant changes due to graduation. During Saturday’s Chatham County High School Football media event Coach Brown went over his coaching philosophy, the team’s preparations, and the expectations for the upcoming season.
Building a Culture of Commitment
In January, Dalton Brown issued a challenge to his players: commit fully to the weight room, the classroom, and the game of football. This call to action has set the tone for the offseason, emphasizing the importance of dedication and improvement. “It’s not just about being interested in football; it’s about being committed to the process,” Brown stated
He challenged his athletes to fully engage in the weight room, excel in the classroom, and dedicate themselves to the game of football. “I asked the guys to commit, commit to the weight room, commit to the classroom, commit to just getting better,” Brown said. This mindset has become the cornerstone of the team’s approach as they strive to improve daily.
The results of this commitment are evident. Players who have consistently attended weightlifting sessions and practice have shown marked improvement in their performance on the field. “The guys that had missed a lift, you can tell. The guys that didn’t miss the speed session, it shows,” he explained.
Brown noted that the physical gains made in the weight room are translating into better performance during games, particularly in the offensive and defensive lines. “We got better on the offense and the defensive line. We got stronger up front,” he explained. The emphasis on daily improvement has become a core tenet of the team’s philosophy.
Learning from Last Year
As Brown enters his second year as head coach, he reflects on the lessons learned from his inaugural season. The team made the playoffs but faced challenges, including the loss of key players to graduation. “I learned a lot about staying disciplined and true to who I am,” Brown said. He acknowledged that he initially strayed from his coaching philosophy, trying to do too much offensively. This year, he is focused on executing what he believes works best for the team.
The returning players, including senior quarterback Grayson Cox and experienced linebacker Aiden Hohenwarter, are expected to take on leadership roles. Brown emphasized the importance of player-led leadership, stating, “Good teams have coaches and leaders, but great teams have player leaders.” This shift in focus aims to empower players to take ownership of their development and performance.
Key Players to Watch
The Northwood roster features a mix of returning veterans and emerging talent. Brown highlighted several players who are poised for significant contributions this season. Grayson Cox, now a senior, has shown remarkable commitment and improvement. “He’s more committed than ever, showing up consistently and putting in extra work outside of practice,” Brown noted. With enhanced arm strength and improved decision-making, Holden is expected to be a pivotal player this season.
The senior class, including players like Robert Tripp, who plays running back and outside linebacker, has also stepped up as leaders. “If they’re there, they’re getting everybody there,” Brown said. This kind of player-driven leadership is essential for fostering a strong team dynamic and encouraging younger players to rise to the occasion.
Several key players have emerged as pivotal figures for the Northwood football team. Among them are Raje Torres, a versatile athlete capable of playing multiple positions, has also made significant strides. Brown praised Torres for his speed and improved hands, attributing his growth to hard work. Additionally, players like Willie Bon and Nick Armstrong are expected to step up, bringing their commitment and skills to the field. Brown highlighted the importance of these players in setting the tone for the rest of the team. “It’s got to come from the players,” he emphasized, noting that while coaches can guide, true leadership must come from within the team.
Navigating New Challenges
Reflecting on the previous season, which included a playoff appearance but also significant losses to graduation, Brown identified key lessons learned. “I kind of got away from trying to do too much early on, offensively,” he admitted. This year, he plans to stick to what he believes in and execute effectively. “Go with what we’re good at and execute 100% with that,” he stated.
This season, Northwood faces the challenge of competing in a new conference, which promises to be competitive. Brown expressed excitement about the opportunity to face strong opponents, stating, “We want to play good teams.” The team has scheduled games against larger schools to prepare for the rigors of conference play. “Playing tough teams front-loaded in our schedule will help us not be scared of the moment when it arrives,” he explained.
The coaching staff is also focused on conditioning, particularly as many players will be taking on dual roles on both offense and defense. Brown has implemented daily conditioning sessions to ensure players are prepared for the demands of playing both ways. “No excuses—attack today,” has become a rallying cry for the team.
Defensive Strategies and Improvements
Defensively, the team is working to build on last year’s successes, despite losing key players. Brown noted the importance of experience on the defensive line, with returning players like Aiden Holden providing leadership and guidance. “Having experienced players helps us get lined up correctly and understand our gaps,” Brown explained.
The coaching staff is also focused on improving specific fundamentals, such as tackling and gap discipline. “We need to wrap up better and stay in our gaps,” Brown emphasized. As the team prepares for the upcoming jamboree, these fundamental improvements will be critical for success.
Looking Ahead: The Jamboree and Beyond
As the Northwood football team prepares for the Jack Shaner Jamboree, Brown is eager to see how his players execute their skills in a competitive environment. The jamboree, featuring a mix of teams across different classifications, will provide valuable opportunities for assessment and improvement. “We want to focus on execution and making improvements,” Brown stated.
The jamboree will serve as a preview of the season ahead, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate player performance and identify areas for growth. Brown emphasized the importance of addressing small mistakes that could have significant implications during games. “Fixing tiny little things can pay dividends in the long run,” he noted.
Watch on YouTube – Northwood football coach Dalton Brown – 8.9.25
00:13 Northwood football’s offseason focus on commitment improves performance.
- Coach Dalton Brown emphasizes the importance of commitment to weight training and skill development among players.
- The team has shown noticeable improvement through dedication to daily practices and conditioning sessions.
02:01 Coach Brown reflects on key learnings and improvements from last night’s game.
- The team showed strength in both offensive and defensive lines, translating weight room gains into on-field performance.
- Competitive play against bigger schools provided valuable insights and highlighted areas for further development, particularly with new receivers.
03:31 Focus on executing strengths and player development this season.
- Key players like Ro, Willie Bon, and Nick Armstrong are crucial to the team’s success.
- Ro’s commitment has improved, enhancing his performance and skills heading into his senior year.
05:21 Focus on reducing turnovers and strengthening player leadership.
- Last year’s turnovers need to be minimized, emphasizing the importance of ball security.
- Seniors are stepping up as leaders, fostering a player-driven team environment for better peer motivation.
06:47 Coach Dalton Brown highlights player improvements and new conference opportunities.
- Players like Raj improved in speed and hands, showing dedication beyond school expectations.
- The new conference presents exciting challenges, offering fresh opportunities for team development.
08:36 The team is focusing on competitive scheduling to prepare for the season.
- Playing strong teams enhances readiness for conference challenges and builds confidence for critical moments.
- The coaching staff intentionally selected tough opponents to ensure players gain valuable experience and familiarity with high-pressure situations.
10:21 The team focuses on improvement while recalling past playoff experiences.
- Emphasizing motivation, the coach highlights learning from previous playoff challenges to enhance preparation.
- With key defensive players returning, the team aims to maintain high performance and fill gaps from lost talent.
12:00 Emphasizing execution and improvements ahead of the Jack Shaner Football Jamboree.
- Focus on refining defensive skills, including better tackling and staying in assigned gaps.
- Improving decision-making at quarterback and receiver performance to enhance overall team effectiveness.