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Cool-hand Luke (Godfrey) has Knights psyched MERLIN -- As players pile into their cars after the second of two practices during the first week of North Valley summer drills, Luke Godfrey stays behind taking snaps in the 90-plus degree weather. The slender 6-foot-2 senior quarterback is determined not to go through another 2-7 season for the Knights. And Godfrey will be a pivotal figure if the perennial playoff school can get back into the postseason. "I've done more this summer with football than in the past," says Godfrey. "Our goal is to be at the top of the Skyline Conference." But with only five seniors on the roster out of 85 players, North Valley will need some Herculean efforts from a promising group of underclassmen to achieve that lofty plateau. The Knights also need to adjust to a change that abandons their one-year experiment with co-head coaches. John George takes over the top job after sharing responsibilities with Gene Willis, who will end an eight-year association with the program, including the last three as head coach. "I think its a great opportunity for me," says the 33-year-old George, who was head coach at Rogue River in 1996 and 1997. "My coaches and athletes have responded well." One addition to the staff is former North Valley head coach and long-time assistant Jeff Richard, who resigned last year so he could watch his son, Brian, play football for Grants Pass. Richard is returning on a part-time basis. When George talks success for the Knights, he begins with Godfrey. The talented Godfrey was a conference honorable mention pick at quarterback and second team defensive back last year. It was his first year playing quarterback after being a receiver his freshman and sophomore seasons. "Luke has not only improved his skills as a passer, but he's improved his foot speed, too," says George. "Luke is going to have make things happen whether it be throwing the ball or running the option." Godfrey seems ready to assume the offensive lead. "I like running the option, which is a big part of our offense," says Godfrey. "It took a lot last year getting used to the position. I know the basics. I just have to work on the little things." Senior Chuck Milburn will be the main tailback in the Knights' multi-formation offense. Milburn gained 540 yards as a junior. Speedsters John Harper and Rogue River transfer Paul Sutherland -- third in the Skyline district track meet at 100 meters -- will be used in the backfield and as receivers. "Our team speed is something we definitely need to take advantage of, not only in the backfield but up front," says George. The only experience North Valley returns on the offensive line is tackle Bill Benavente and guard Brian Fauley. Brian Neumann, a 6-3, 230-pounder, leads a group of promising sophomores that include Brett Kennedy, Brenden McLean and Kawika Udink. The Knights' traditional 5-2 defense faces a similar scenario. "Outside of Benavente at inside linebacker and (Tim) Weaver at one defensive tackle, we're untested up front," says George. "We're going to have to get the kids in position to be successful." Godfrey and Milburn will bolster the defensive secondary. George isn't making any predictions about returning North Valley to the postseason. "We're not even thinking playoffs," says George. "We're thinking execution and fundamentals. Some people are going to have to improve in a hurry for us to be successful, and we're going to have to get some breaks. Until we line up and go at somebody, we won't know for sure." Knights at a glance COACH : John George (second year, 2-7). ASSISTANTS : Bryon Robertson (offensive coordinator), Ken Silver (offensive line/defensive line), Jeff Richard (offensive line), Ryan Hawkins (receivers/defensive backs), Grant Kudlac (linebackers), Dave Forbuss (linebackers/receivers), Blair Bluford (running backs/defensive backs), Mike Rankin (offensive line), Larry Beard (freshmen). 1998 LEAGUE RECORD : 2-5 (tie for fifth, Skyline). 1998 OVERALL RECORD : 2-7. PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR : Fourth. 1998 REGULAR SEASON SCORES North Valley Opponents 13 Marshfield JV 43 0 Myrtle Point 46 17 Lakeview 0 6 Henley 31 0 Hidden Valley 12 23 Rogue River 22 12 Phoenix 14 14 Illinois Valley 27 16 Mazama 50 RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (5) : Quarterback Luke Godfrey (6-2, 170, sr.), running back Chuck Milburn (5-8, 170, sr.), tackle Bill Benavente (5-9, 215, sr.), wide receiver John Harper (5-9, 155, jr.), guard Brian Fauley (5-9, 200, jr.). DEFENSE (4) : Free safety Luke Godfrey, strong safety Chuck Milburn, linebacker Bill Benavente, lineman Tim Weaver (6-0, 190, sr.). OTHER NOTABLES Running back/strong safety Colin Beard (5-10, 180, so.), wide receiver/cornerback Paul Sutherland (5-9, 160, jr.), offensive lineman/defensive lineman Brian Neumann (6-3, 230, so.), offensive lineman/defensive lineman Brett Kennedy (6-2, 205, so.), offensive lineman/ linebacker Brenden McLean (6-0, 185, so.), tight end/linebacker Clint Ironside (6-1, 200, sr.), offensive line/defensive line Justin LaFlamme (5-8, 165, jr.), offensive line/linebacker Kawika Udink (5-8, 195, so.), wide receiver/safety Brian Hensley (6-0, 155, jr.), running back/linebacker Jesse Stumbo (5-8, 150, jr.). 1999 Schedule Sept. 10 SOUTH UMPQUA, 7 p.m. Sept. 17 at Douglas, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at Lakeview, 7 p.m. Oct. 1 HENLEY, 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at Hidden Valley, 7 p.m. Oct. 15 ROGUE RIVER, 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at Phoenix, 7 p.m. Oct. 29 ILLINOIS VALLEY, 7 p.m. Nov. 5 MAZAMA, 7 p.m. FOOTBALL 99 Index Today's Sports Index Mail Tribune Copyright� The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, OR U.S.A.