Lexington County’s only SCISA school is gearing up for a new football season.

Northside Christian is coming off a program-best 10-win campaign and is looking to continue its upward trajectory under the guidance of returning head coach Dean Howell.

Improving their results from last season will not be easy. The Crusaders lost a lot of experience from last year’s squad and will rely on younger talent in 2025.

“ Last year we played 16 seniors, so there’s a lot of rebuilding going on here,” Howell said. “Even if you’re at a public 3A, 2A, 1A school, I mean, losing 16 kids in one graduating class is going to be hard to overcome. Doing it at a SCISA school, that’s even harder.”

For Howell, one of the toughest parts about coaching younger players is finding the right balance of wanting to win and wanting to improve.

Younger players can get caught up in individual wins and losses, which can negatively affect the team’s development. While Howell has seen some positive improvements over the summer, Northside still has a ways to go.

“ For us to go from a team that really struggled early here three or four years ago, to what we were last year, it didn’t happen overnight,” Howell said. “It took time, and it took a lot of energy, effort and a lot of practices.”

To get the kids up to task, Howell and his coaching staff have been teaching the basics. Many of the players got a refresher on proper route running, blocking technique, defensive assignments and more this summer.

Despite their age and inexperience, Howell believes that if the team just sticks to their core values, it can continue building positive momentum.

“They’re committed to what we’re trying to accomplish here,” Howell said.  ”All we got’s all we need. The Lord’s provided for us to this point with what we’ve got and what we’re going to continue to hopefully work towards getting back to where we were. Hopefully, it’ll be quicker than the last process.”

Offense

There are many players on the roster, new and returning, that Howell is excited about this season.

It all starts with quarterback BJ Suits. The rising junior got some reps at the position last year and will fully take over the starting job this season.

Howell described Suits as a dynamic playmaker. He will have the ball in his hands a lot, contributing in both the pass and run games.

“He’s where it all starts for sure,” Howell said.

Will Brodie and Cason Veasey are veterans who will play on the offensive and defensive lines.

The Crusaders lost all their production from last season at the skill positions, but they do have new players they are excited to plug in place. 

Hunter Peeler will play tight end and defensive end. He has the size to be successful, and Howell has been focused on teaching him how to use his physical feats to his advantage.

Gracen Wilson is a rising sophomore and has potential as a receiver and running back. He will join Kai Finkbeiner as the team’s go-to skill players.

Defense

Many of the team’s offensive players will also play heavy roles on defense.

Brodie, Veasey and Peeler will play on the defensive line. Finkbeiner also plays on defense as a linebacker.

John Rogers is one of the few seniors on the team. He has been a mainstay on defense as a linebacker and will also get some reps on offense.

“ It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch these kids grow and get better,” Howell said. “I’ve been telling them, ‘You’ve been sitting back and watching and trying to find your way on the field, and now, you’ve got your opportunity.”

2025 Northside Christian Schedule 

Week 0 - at Greenwood Christian Academy - Aug. 15

Week 1 - vs. Calhoun Academy - Aug. 15

Week 2 - vs. Wilson Hall* - Aug. 29

Week 3 - BYE

Week 4 - at Andrew Jackson Academy - Sept. 12

Week 5 - vs.Spartanburg Christian Academy* - Sept. 19

Week 6 - at Trinity Collegiate - Sept. 26 

Week 7 - vs. South Carolina Spartans - Oct. 3

Week 8 - vs. Orangeburg Prep - Oct.10

Week 9 - BYE

Week 10 - vs. Florence Christian* - Oct. 24

Week 11 - at Camden Military* - Oct. 31

Note: (*) indicates a game against a region opponent