As the Northview Chiefs celebrated their win over the Freeport Bulldogs Friday night, it was obvious something was in the atmosphere.

The Chiefs destroyed the Bulldogs 43-13 on the scoreboard, but it was in a physical match up that had moments of being a nailbiter.

With the win, the Chiefs earned their third consecutive win over Freeport, and it was their most important yet.

Last season, they did the same thing and advanced to the semifinals where they played a talented Trinity team from Jacksonville, Fla.

That was a Chiefs team that had never been that far or been to the playoffs for that matter. It was a team that saw varsity players go 2-8 when they were freshman.

This team is much differen though. They have seen the bottom of the barrel, but also seen what it takes to reach greatness.

Coach Sid Wheatley said his team has been battle tested with the physical games they have played this season.

They have played tough teams from higher classifications in Gulf Breeze and West Florida Tech and they played a tough team from Chipley.

That tough team from Chipley will be making the trip to Bratt, Fla. next Friday after defeating Holmes County.

The first time around, Northview came up short to Chipley losing 34-27, but this is a much different Northview team in how far they have come this season.

They have played through tough and won big games and have proven they have what it takes to fight for a championship.

Northview is putting together a season that everyone will remember. Setting a school-record against Wewa and dominating their district rival Freeport will be remembered, but getting a win in the semifinals and advancing to the school’s first ever state championship would be remembered long after these players left.

This could be Northview’s year for something special, and it could be the year looked back on as one of the greatest seasons in school history.

One game is all that stand in their way. One game.

 

Chandler Myers is sports editor of the Atmore Advance. He can be reached at 368-2123 or by e-mail at sports@atmoreadvance.com