Plymouth must find way to slow Georgia-commit Nitro Tuggle, NorthWood passing attack

Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 2:00 PM

Plymouth's defense has been prepped each of the past two weeks to battle physical option run-based offenses. A change of pace is in store Friday with a road trip to face NorthWood's aerial attack in Week 6 high school football.

For the Rockies (2-3, 1-2 NLC), head coach Adam Handley says preparing for an opponent's talents is one thing. But if Plymouth doesn't enter the game prepared for battle then the rest might not matter.

Unfortunately, the Rockies will have to go the rest of the season without Blake Mackey. Coach Handley says the it will take more than one player to step up and replace Mackey after his ACL injury.

NorthWood (3-2, 1-2 NLC) features a talented passing attack sparked by a future SEC wide receiver. Senior Nitro Tuggle is 6'3" and weighs 190 pounds. He has committed to the University of Georgia. Tuggle leads the Panthers with 36 receptions, 521 yards and six touchdowns.

The Panthers quarterback was an all-NLC selection last season. Senior Owen Roeder passed for over 1800 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2022. He's on schedule to eclipse both of those marks this season with 1480 yards passing and 14 touchdowns through the first five weeks while completing 71 percent of his pass attempts.