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NORTH JACKSON CHIEFSRegion 7-4AR.D. Hicks Stadium, 45549 AL-277, Stevenson, AL 35772Driver’s seat: Mark Rose (92-19 in 10 years here; 146-56 overall)Road tested: 7 offensive, 9 defensive starters return
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Pump the brakes: Despite experience throughout the rest of the lineup, the Chiefs don’t have a proven quarterback and must find a steady running back to take over for Octavius Matthews, who set school rushing records last year and potentially could produce a big play on any snap.
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Route ’15: The Chiefs regained their confidence with last year’s seven-game winning streak and return to the playoffs, and they also now know what Coach Rose demands. There is better depth and plenty of speed and the defense is expected to take a big step forward, all of which could mean a deep postseason run similar to the glory years.
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Taking the wheel: QB Tre Harris won’t be the passer Logan Walters was last year, but he brings a different set of skills to the position as a shifty runner.
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Cruise control: The Chiefs will try to replace all-state runner Matthews with a committee of backs, including Omar “Tank” Brown, Devin Ballard and Dylan Davis. It could mean the Chiefs get better production from a group that no longer can wait for Matthews to take over — and opposing defenses can’t zero in on stopping just one player.