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It's possible third-year Northwood football coach Dennis Harris and his charges are the only ones who think they have a legitimate shot at making the program's first playoff appearance since Northwood reopened in 2006 (Northwood did make the playoffs three times in its first incarnation, the last in 1982).

But that adversity has given the Gladiators an extra boost early in 2008.

They like being doubted; it pushes them to do even better. And that's something they'll try and use to their advantage during this fall's campaign.

"For us, it's all about believing we can do it," Harris said. "We're a smaller team than a lot of the teams we play. The chips are stacked against us every night. But I think that's good for us. It's motivating that other people doubt us. And why would they think we have a fighting chance? We lost 28 of 38 players. That's what we post everywhere."

Those 28 players accounted for a lot of Northwood's scoring power last year. Alex Bazzie ran for 1,134 yards and eight touchdowns and Richard Cadet tallied 18 receptions for 419 yards and 3 touchdowns.

The good thing for the Gladiators is that the 10 returning players man some key positions.

Senior quarterback Jimmy Hessler is back to lead the offense. He was the county's eighth-leading passer last fall. Hessler completed 71 of 131 attempts for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns, against only three interceptions.

Senior running back Lydell Baker, who rushed for 700 yards and six touchdowns in 2007, also returns to the backfield. And returning senior wide receivers Timbuk Heakora (eight receptions for 60 yards, one touchdown) and Keith Hudson, as well as junior Anatoly Moschkin, give Northwood some options.

"The key for us is that we get the ball in our playmakers' hands and just let them make the plays," Harris said. "For us it's not necessarily about doing a lot. It's about doing what we do well, and executing and breaking down some coverages."

One advantage the Gladiators might have this season is their balanced attack. Baker should pick up some yardage on the ground, but Northwood is also going to look to throw the ball a bunch, too, in an effort throw its opponents off.

Defense will be an integral part Northwood's success this fall, as well. It might take some time for its offense to click completely, so it'll be crucial to keep opponents from running up the score.

"I think our passing game will help us," Harris said. "Not a lot of teams pass the football very much so they can't really simulate it in practice against it."

Harris will admit his team's goals are lofty. But as long as his players believe they're realistic, that's all that matters.

"We feel we have a shot at playoffs, although no one else does," Harris said. "It used to be you see Northwood on your schedule and you'd just put a check in the win column. This year you're going to have to come ready to play."

Head coach: Dennis Harris, 3rd year (6-14)

League: Montgomery 2A/1A

Last year's record: 5-5

Last playoff appearance: 1982 (3rd)

Last state title: None

Players to watch: RB/LB Lydell Baker, QB Jimmy Hessler, WR Timbuk Heakora

2007 schedule

Sept. 7 — Rockville (L), 21-0

Sept. 14 — Blair (W), 18-13

Sept. 20 — Clarksburg (L), 32-14

Sept. 28 — Poolesville (W), 42-0

Oct. 5 — Wicomico (L), 63-35

Oct. 13 — Einstein (W), 16-0

Oct. 19 — Martinsburg (W.Va.) (L), 38-0

Oct. 26 — Wheaton (W), 12-6

Nov. 2 — Walter Johnson (W), 30-0

Nov. 9 — Kennedy (L), 40-14

2008 schedule

Sept. 5 — at Rockville, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 12 — at Blair, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 — Clarksburg, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 — at Poolesville, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 — Wicomico, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 10 — at Einstein, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 17 — St. George's Tech (Del.), 6:30 pm.

Oct. 25 — Wheaton, 2 p.m.

Oct. 31 — vs. Walter Johnson (at Whitman), 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 7 — Kennedy, 6:30 p.m.