By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
Northview High is celebrating its first win of the season after the Chiefs whitewashed Lighthouse Christian Academy 37-0 in their season opener last Friday, August 23, in Bratt, Fla.
“We ran the ball really well,” NHS Head Coach Derek Marshman said. “The win was an entire team effort. Everyone saw action, and every single player contributed to the win in some way.”
The Chiefs started off strong against the Pensacola school. Damerion Findley gained the first score of the night on a 1-yard run that was followed by a PAT kick for a 7-0 Northview lead and all the points the Chiefs would need.
Findley’s run ignited the NHS offense, and the second quarter started on a strong note. Jaheem Durant, who alternates at running back and lineman, opened the second-quarter scoring with a 32-yard run, followed by an extra-point kick that made it 14-0.
Trent Peebles tacked on two runs for touchdowns during the second period, one for 25-yards, and the Chiefs were up 27-0.
During the third quarter, NHS opened up on LCA again. A 25-yard touchdown run from Jayden Jackson and a 2-point conversion, brought the score to 35-0.
Durant made a tackle for a safety to account for the final two points.
Peebles ended the night with six carries for 71 yards and a touchdown. Jackson registered five carries for 66 yards, a 56-yard punt return for a touchdown and two pass receptions, while Damerion Findley tallied 16 yards rushing, 36 yards receiving, and also passed for 39 yards. Durant added three carries for 51 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Cameron Findley led the way for the Chiefs, registering seven tackles, while Cody Edwards and Jakob Gibson each had five tackles, and Keyshawn Breedlove intercepted a pass.
Marshman explained that the state of Florida does not play region games. Instead, each team is judged by its won-lost record.
“Every win or loss is important,” said Marshman. “Every game result counts toward the playoffs, and it is important for us to bring our best game every single Friday.”
The Chiefs will next face defending Alabama Class 3A state champion Flomaton High this Friday, August 30, in Flomaton.
“This is a big test,” said Marshman. “We take each game at a time. The important aspect for our team is maturity. After a big win, celebrate it for a few hours and then move on to the next task at hand. Winning one big game will not accomplish anything. This game will be huge for our fans and will have a great atmosphere, but we have to take one game at a time.”