By MCKENNA SIMMONS
News Sports Writer
The Northview High School Chiefs hosted the Baker Gators this past Friday night, August 18, for the annual jamboree. Ernest Ward Middle School played the first two quarters, followed by Northview’s junior varsity in the third quarter, and varsity played in the final quarter of the ball game.
Starting off the game, Baker got a carry almost immediately. Throughout the first two quarters, Ernest Ward struggled to keep Baker out of the end zone, and Baker ended up topping the Eagles 12-0.
In the third quarter, Northview’s defense ended up playing all 12 minutes, but they did not allow any points. Jackson Simmons got a tackle for loss early on in the quarter. At the end of the quarter, Baker was 4th and 2, but the Chiefs’ defense made sure they did not make it into the end zone, with the final score of that quarter being 0-0.
NHS Head Coach Wes Summerford said “I thought our young guys played excellent defense in the third quarter. We just have to figure out how to get off the field on third down.”
In the fourth and final quarter of the ball game, Northview’s varsity took the field ready to battle and start off the season strong. The new quarterback for the Chiefs, Matthew McDonald, completed a pass to Moses Delarosa. Shortly after, McDonald handed the ball off to Devin Kelly, also known as DK, for a first down for the Chiefs. Although Northview did not end up scoring on that first drive, DeeJay Lyons recovered Baker’s fumble, turning the ball back over to Northview. McDonald passed the ball downfield to Wyatt Scruggs for a Northview Chief’s touchdown. Brandon Ferguson made the field goal for the extra point, leading the final score of the quarter to 7-0.
It’s safe to say that the Chiefs are confident and ready for another great season. Even though Northview lost several seniors this past year, young and returning players, along with new ones, are stepping up to the challenge.
“I thought offensively with the varsity guys we ended up playing well, we just have to clean up a few things,” Summerford said. “Defensively, we will have to be tougher up front to win the battle in the trenches.”
This Friday night, the Chiefs will travel across the state line to play against the Flomaton Hurricanes. Players and fans alike have been looking forward to this game for months; you don’t want to miss it. It starts at 7. Here’s to another great season of football!
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