Montgomery County Football Review: An interview with Northwood's Dennis Harris and Jimmy Hessler

September 10, 8:00 AMMontgomery County High School Sports ExaminerMarc Bastow

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Coach Dennis Harris  Photo by Marc Bastow

Even though his team was behind Watkins Mill by seven points heading deep in the second quarter, Northwood High coach Dennis Harris was not overly concerned. “We were moving the ball up and down the field,” said Harris, “but we put the ball on the ground way too much.” Harris’ confidence was finally rewarded when senior quarterback Jimmy Hessler connected on a 22-yard touchdown pass to Jabari Francis just before the half to cut into the lead and give Northwood momentum going into the second half. Indeed, Northwood controlled the second half and cruised to the win. With that one under their belts, Northwood now looks to a meeting with Clarksburg on Friday.
So what did Coach Harris learn about his team last week? “They are a tough bunch of kids. We were down early, not making plays, but the kids kept fighting.” Equally important is what Coach Harris feels his players learned about themselves: “They can win.” For a program trying to gain momentum and confidence, winning is the antidote. Harris has been working on the attitude with his team all summer and into the fall. “I emphasize every time that we can play with anybody; it’s a mental game.” At the end of the game, Harris reminded his team that for the first time in the school’s four-year old program, a Northwood football team was 1-0. He also reminded his team that for this week’s home opener against Clarksburg, “they are very human: we can play with them.”

Coach Dennis Harris  Photo by Marc Bastow

Of course, Clarksburg will present a different challenge than Watkins Mill. “We can’t drop the ball or put it on the ground against Clarksburg. There is less room for error (than against Watkins Mill),” Harris acknowledged. Harris believes he has the players, particularly at the skill positions, to compete and win on Friday. As expected, Northwood spread the ball around last weekend in the air, as eight different players had receptions, including eight by Gary Vaughn. Northwood ran the ball 26 times against 35 pass attempts, a good balance Harris is looking for during the season. Clarksburg comes off an emotional last-second win against perennial powerhouse Seneca Valley, and Harris believes his team will respond in kind in front of what should be a packed house in Silver Spring Friday night.

Leading Northwood into the game will be senior Jimmy Hessler.
Hessler is a holdover from the very first day of Northwood football. He’s started every game since his sophomore year, and is one of the county’s top quarterbacks. Last week’s 21-35 342 yard performance was just one measure of his value to the team. Hessler’s learned a lot about his role over the years. “I never knew how much of a leader the quarterback was, particularly as a sophomore. The quarterback is the on and off-field leader of the team. I try to lead by example.” As he plays out his senior year, Hessler wants more from the program in the future.” I want people to be drawn to the team. We have good athletes in the school who do not come out for the team. I would like to see them come out to play and want to be part of a winning program.”
As for his future, Hessler has a goal firmly in mind: career pilot. With an Honors Student background, he has some solid choices in mind and possibly available to him, including the Ivy League, Air Force or Naval Academy, or Embry-Riddle University, an aeronautical school. No matter what he chooses, Hessler will go in with a solid understanding of what it means and takes to be a leader.