2018 Lights Football: Northern looks to light up the board

The Montana State University-Northern Lights were only able to win one game last season. But that didn't mean the Lights weren't competitive, and it didn't mean that, offensively, the Lights didn't have their fair share of exciting moments, great performances and, most importantly, explosive plays.

Now, as the 2018 season dawns, the Lights are certainly excited, not just about the start of new year, but also about the potential the team has returning on the offensive side of the ball. And they're certainly excited about their new head coach, and the man who will be calling the plays for the Northern offense - Andrew Rolin.

And while Rolin has revamped Northern's offense for his first season at the helm, he also inherits a ton of returning talent from an offense that had its moments last season, a season in which the Lights made over 30 ppg through the first six games, as well as 390 yards of offense.

"The goal for this offense is, we want to be hard to prepare and game plan for," Rolin said. "We have a lot of talent on this offense, so we know we can be multi-faceted. We certainly are capable of being an explosive offense, and I think, with the guys we have out on that field, we will be."

Of course, the biggest question mark coming into fall camp was, who will be Northern's starter at quarterback. Ultimately, the competition boiled down to senior Tommy Wilson (6-1, 205) and sophomore Bryce Missey (6-0, 205). Wilson started nine games for the Lights a season ago, amassing 2,000 yards through the air, while Missey started two games, and threw for over 500 yards. Northern also added true freshman Brendan Medina (6-2, 208) to the competition this fall, but ultimately, Wilson won the job, with Rolin naming him the starter last week.

"Tommy is going to be our starter," Rolin said, "But I made it clear to the team, I believe we can win with both of those guys. Both Tommy and Bryce are playing at a really high level right now. They both did such a great job of grasping this offense, they did it much quicker than I thought they might have. They are both very good quarterbacks, and we have a ton of confidence in both of them. I'll also say, Brendan Medina, he's going to be a good one for us. He needs to learn and grow, but his upside is huge. So we feel really good about our quarterback situation. We're really excited about what we have there, and I know Tommy is going to play at a really high level as our starter, and Bryce will do a great job of backing him up, and if his number gets called, I don't think we'll miss a beat because they're both playing so well right now."

And Rolin isn't just confident in his signal callers. He also has a bevy of wide receivers and tight ends to make big plays, led by returning starters Fotios Jordanoglou (5-9, 180), Marvin Williams (5-8, 155) and Sam Mix (6-1, 190). Senior Seth Roemmele (6-1, 185) is another experienced playmaker, while sophomore Bryce Bumgardner (6-2, 185) will see plenty of time as well. True freshman Keagan Stroop (5-10, 150) has also made a slash in fall camp, and the Lights would be even deeper if sophomore standout Jake Horner hadn't gotten hurt early in the preseason.

Northern also has some good tight end prospects, including freshman Jared Eisenbarth (6-1, 205) and junior college transfer Bennett Feinstein-Smith (6-5, 236). Jordan Pugh (6-5, 225) is also slotted to be an impact player for the Lights but is currently injured while true freshman David Evans (6-2, 210), a three-sport star from Hardin, has been making waves in fall camp as well.

"We have a lot of depth and talent at receiver," Rolin said. "And I really like our tight ends. Tight ends are going to be a big part of our offense, and we have some guys there who can play that position. We have some big, physical guys, and they are the prototype tight end."

And while Northern looks to be sharp in the passing game, Rolin isn't shy about what's going to be the focal point of his offense. Yes, the Lights are going to run the football this fall.

"We're going to run the ball," Rolin said. "I've always believed in the running game. And I think, in the Frontier Conference, you've got to be able to run the football. There's a lot of black and blue defenses in this league, and I think you've got to counter that by being physical, and being able to run the ball. We want to be explosive, and we want to make big plays, but we also want to be able to get those tough yards when you have to have them. So we're going to be a little old-school in that way."

To run the football, you need to have a nasty, mean, and big offensive line, and Northern's offensive line might just be one of the best in the Frontier this season, with four returning starters back. The Lights will be anchored by left tackle Clint Willis (6-7, 300) as well as center Ryan Handley (6-4, 275). But guards Dylan Schmidt (6-4, 270) and Dale Cummings (6-2, 318) are also back, while Darius Alexander-Jones (6-3, 280) has also made a big impact in his first year with the program. Add in veteran right tackle Trenton Woodward (6-5, 265) and plenty of size and depth from young backups, and Northern's offensive line has all the makings of a great one.

"We have a lot of confidence in our offensive line," Rolin said. "Those guys are just big and tough, but they're quick and athletic. They can move people, and then get out into the next level. I believe you have to set the tone offensively up front, and I'm confident we have the guys to do it. They're smart, they experienced, and they're tough."

Behind that offensive line, Northern is also optimistic because Jett Robertson is back at running back. Robertson (5-11, 195) was the heir apparent to the greatest rusher in MSU-N history, Zach McKinley, but he missed last season with an injury. So to have him back in the fold for the Lights is huge. Northern also returns one of the top fullbacks in the Frontier in the powerful Wyatt McKinlay (6-0, 210), while youngsters Sam Brayboy (6-1, 208) and Connor Crawford (6-1, 205) should also get carries this season.

"I'm so excited about Jett Robertson," Rolin said. "He's playing at such a high level right now. But more than that, he's been our team leader, and I can't say enough about how hard that guy has worked. No one outworks Jett. And I believe he's going to have a huge season."

And if players like Robertson, Wilson, Jordangolou, Williams, McKinlay and many others do what they're capable of this season, no Frontier defense will be safe. Of course, Northern will strive to get better, and especially, the Lights want to improve on the costly turnovers that plagued them for much of last season. But all that aside, Rolin couldn't be more excited about what his offense brings to the table this season.

"Offensively, we have the capabilities to be very good," Rolin said. "If everybody just does their job, does their assignment, and executes, we're going to be very successful offensively. Turnovers will be big for us. We preach taking care of the ball every single say. We work on it. So if we do that, if we just do our jobs on every snap, we're going to be successful, and we're going to get better and better as the season goes along. I know we can do it, too, because I have seen it. We have a lot of talent in our two-deep. I think the guys we have on offense are capable of doing great things."

The Lights are also hoping to see points come from the special teams, too. The kicking duties will fall to transfer Diego Morales (5-8, 175) who replaced the talented Tommy Langley. Sam Tapia (6-0, 185) is also back to handle the punting duties after a strong showing last season, while return jobs will fall to the likes of explosive speedsters like Jordangolou, Williams, Caymus Thomas, Robertson and Damien Nelson among others.

"Special teams is huge," Rolin said. "I also say, every offensive series needs to end in a kick, whether its a PAT or a field goal. But we're working hard on our special teams. We expect those units to do their jobs and make plays for us. It's going to be a big part of what we do."

Editor's Note: The Lights open the 2018 season Saturday at Blue Pony Stadium against Mayville State. For a complete look at Northern's upcoming season, see Thursday's Havre Daily News.