KODAK, Tenn. (WATE) — Mason Phillips enters his second year as the starting quarterback at Northview Academy. The senior rushed for 12 touchdowns and threw for 10 during his junior campaign.
“Just getting used to the game,” said Phillips. “My first two years playing high school football I was ineligible. Last year going into my first season, it was pretty quick for me. Going into this year, I’ve calmed down a bit. The game slowed down for me. Everything has been pretty comfortable for me.”
Phillips is not the only person to notice his development. Cougars’ head coach Justin Anderson has seen the quarterback take large strides during the offseason.
“Decision making is a whole lot better. He can run. He’s an athlete,” Anderson said. “Duel threat quarterback. He does a great job. His decision-making and leadership on the practice field. Seeing how he’s developed and how his presence does really well on the field. Just seeing him grow as a young man has been very exciting.”
Last year, Cougars made the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The squad fell in the first round in overtime to Gibbs 28-27. Northview is hoping to use that loss as motivation to win their first playoff game in program history.
“Our kids have been there,” said Anderson. They made a step last year in making the playoffs. They lost a heartbreaker in the playoffs. Hopefully, we learn from that. It’s kind of been a motivation in the offseason. Hopefully, we grow from it and improve and have better than seven wins.”
Northview will look to pick up its first win of the season on Friday when they travel to Unicoi County.
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