In a season marked by tough opponents, the defending Class 1A champion Northview Chiefs again came up short against an opponent from a larger school, falling 26-12 to Class 4A Walton.

“The score wasn’t indicative of the game,” said Northview coach Sid Wheatley. “We moved the ball between the 20s all night.”

The Chiefs scored on a 1-yard touchdown run by Ladarius Thomas and a 19-yard reception by Neino Robinson from quarterback Daulton Tullis.

Wheatley said the five turnovers by the Chiefs, including an interception thrown in their own end zone, helped contribute to the loss. He said the teams were evenly matched, but the mistakes — which included three interceptions and two lost fumbles — hurt the Chiefs.

“We shot ourselves in the foot,” Wheatley said.

Wheatley praised the defense, which he said, “competed really hard.”

He said the offense did well, racking up 175 passing yards and 160 yards rushing.

The Chiefs host Baker this week for the district championship at 7 p.m.