“I would love a repeat performance,” Gilliam said. “But that comes with the guys preparing themselves and understanding what’s coming ahead and understanding the personnel. I’m hoping he has a great game, along with the rest of the guys. I’m expecting something good out of the defense as a group.”

Northington, who also is a defensive backs coach for the Butler Traditional High School football team in Louisville, describes himself as a “simple guy.”

“He comes to work every day and does what’s asked of him,” Gilliam said. ”He’s a great team guy, and he takes coaching really well.”

His motivation is working hard to reach his career goal— to someday compete in the NFL or the Canadian Football League.

“With indoor, specifically with defensive backs, it’s a lot of man-to-man,” Northington said. “When you are reading routes, it’s a bunch of tight windows, so your break has to be precise. I’m glad I came I got to come here to work on my cornerback skills. I think I really improved since college.”

The Blackjacks suffered a 54-35 loss to the Albany Empire (5-0) last weekend. Albany, which has the top-ranked offense in the AFL, scored on every possession except its final drive.