Scott Schwarzer

Northview’s new head football coach: big plans and new ideas

The Northview community welcomes the arrival of a brand new head football coach who has big plans.

Photo by Kush Santosh, Staff Writer.

Nikki Skyer, Sports Editor

In the 23 years before his arrival at Northview, Scott Schwarzer led and helped expand multiple football programs across North Carolina and Georgia. He now lives in Johns Creek and is well-acquainted with the football programs at local high schools. Schwarzer often entertained the idea of accepting a coaching opportunity at Northview; he was reminded of it every morning when he drove by on his way to work at Chamblee High School. For Schwarzer, it was just a matter of waiting for an open position and the right time. 

“I wanted a place that felt like home, where everybody shares a vision,” Schwarzer said. “Northview is a great place to be, with great kids and a great work ethic.” 

Following a short transition period into his position, Schwarzer is now focused on bringing new energy to Northview football––namely, the idea of a student-athlete, which works to bring athletics and academics together in order for the players to succeed on and off the field. Schwarzer emphasizes to his players that their behavior in the school environment is just as important. By building a strong relationship and foundation of trust with them, he hopes to make them understand his message. 

“The players will tell you that I’m brutally honest and completely transparent,” Schwarzer said. “I think that my coaching style is all about our young men and students knowing that I care about them and that long-term I want them to grow as quality individuals.”

Prior to Schwarzer’s arrival, the future of Northview’s football program was uncertain due to low interest. Schwarzer is determined to reach the goals he has set for the team and has already built a team of over 60, a number that continues to grow. 

Athletes who have been in the football program for several years, like senior Jackson Stiltner, spent the past few weeks observing their new coach and noting how he differs from previous ones. Though he is cognizant of the struggles his team has had thus far in the season, Stiltner is optimistic about Schwarzer’s potential to help the team reach new heights. He is already feeling a new sense of inclusivity and equality, improvements he attributes to Schwarzer’s warm personality and positive attitude.

“He’s a big people person. It didn’t take long to adjust to Coach Schwarzer because of how [well] he immersed himself in the program and Northview as a whole,” Stiltner said.

Photos by Kush Santosh, Staff Writer, Gavin Chen, Staff Writer, & Brandon Tung, Staff Writer.

Schwarzer’s arrival ushers in a new era of Northview football, players say, as the team shifts its focus to something bigger than game results. 

Players are bonding in new ways now that they are able to gather outside of a school setting. Schwarzer encourages the boys to build strong relationships, which he feels are the basis for a successful program. Since COVID-19 and the drastic changes that came with it, players have been valuing any time they find to become closer. The boys often go out to eat together or meet at one player’s house just to get to know each other better. In doing so, they have found a new sense of community.

“I didn’t know the freshman or sophomore classes much at all, but we’ve finally been able to hang out and get back to the brotherhood we had,” Patrick Hester, a senior on the team, said.

Schwarzer also brings new opportunities for underclassmen who did not experience the typical introduction to high school football. Freshman Brendan Hester is excited to participate in the same program that his brother, Patrick Hester, cherishes. Brendan Hester explains that having a coach with a growth mindset enabled him and his teammates to feel a sense of motivation.

“Coach Schwarzer wanted to bring a new culture to Northview football,” Brendan said. “He gets along with all of the players and is going to be good for the program.”

Schwarzer is spending his time off the field working in the counseling office as the graduation advisor. There, he plays a different role, assisting not only athletes, but any students who require help with college applications. He predicts that his counseling responsibilities will grow as college application deadlines and graduation season draw nearer.

“I really want to be supportive to the guidance department, doing things like helping students who may be at risk of failing classes, assisting with applications or scholarships, and really just being an advocate for kids,” Schwarzer said. 

The road that lies ahead, for both Schwarzer and the football program, is promising. 

If his coaching career ever comes to an end, Schwarzer sees himself pursuing a position at the district level in curriculum support or student support. For now, though, he is enjoying his experience at Northview and is proud of players’ efforts within the football program. Schwarzer looks to the future of Northview’s student-athlete culture with optimism and determination.

“The long-term goals here are about building a winning culture, and that starts with mindsets,” Schwarzer said. “It starts in the weight room, in the classroom, building a youth feeder program and making the student body proud of what we do. I really want to be here until my career is over. I want to stay here as long as they’ll have me.”