By LIBBY PUGH
News Sports Writer
Playoff round one was successful and resulted in a Northview High School Chiefs victory. The Chiefs took on the Chipley Tigers in Bratt on Friday night. The game started off slow, but the momentum progressed throughout the game. The ultimate outcome was a victory for the Chiefs with a score of 32 to 12.
The first quarter presented a rocky start with a battle between the defenses. To kick off the game, the Chiefs received the ball first. Looking to score early, the Chiefs worked to drive down field but came up short and were forced to punt. The Tigers were unable to score due to the strong stand the Chiefs defense presented forcing Chipley to punt. On the Chiefs next drive, they were stopped by the Tigers defense and forced to punt. A long punt by sophomore Jamarkus Jefferson forced the Tigers to start their drive on their 1-yard line. The Tigers were not able to make the most of their drive because the Chiefs defense forced them to punt on fourth down. The first quarter ended with a tied score of 0 to 0.
As the second quarter began, the Chiefs gained momentum to lead through the game. The first touchdown for the Chiefs was a long pass by sophomore Kaden Odom to Jefferson who ran in to complete the play. The extra point attempt by Jefferson was good. The Tigers responded with their own touchdown, but their extra point attempt was no good. Senior Jayden Jackson committed to a long run that resulted in a Chiefs touchdown. The extra point attempt was no good. On the Tigers next drive, they were stopped by an interception from senior Clayton Kittrell. The Chiefs took advantage and Jackson scored for the Chiefs, but the extra point was no good. The second quarter ended with the Chiefs on top and a score of 19 to 6.
During halftime, the school spirit remained high throughout the crowd. The Chiefs defense came out to defend the Tigers with all of their might. The Tigers were forced to punt, but due to a bad snap that was recovered by Aron Chavira the Chiefs were able to take the ball with less yards to drive down field. Jackson scored for the Chiefs on the next play, and the extra point attempt by freshman Brandon Ferguson was good. The end of the third quarter resulted in a score of 26 to 6, Chiefs.
To wrap up the game, Jefferson scored for the Chiefs, but the extra point attempt was no good. The Tigers were unable to score on their next drive due to the Chiefs mighty defense that stopped them on fourth down. The Tigers defense also forced the Chiefs offense to turnover on downs. On the final plays of the game, the Tigers scored. The final score of the game was 32 to 12, Chiefs.
The players of the game were overall player Keyshawn Breedlove, offensive player Jackson, defensive player Kittrell, and special teams player Dakota Despain.
After the game, Kittrell commented, “We killed ourselves with penalties which forced us to get a slow start on offense. I really think our defense worked together to come up with big stops that carried our team to turn the game around. Playing on a team that works well together is rewarding and allows us to celebrate the good and the bad together.”
The Chiefs will compete in the second round of the playoffs against the Vernon Yellowjackets at the Chiefs stadium Friday, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. Everyone come out to pack the stadium to support the Chiefs! See you there!