By By DONALD WRIGHT
Sports Writer
The coaching staff at Northview High School wondered how the team would react to a close game. That question was answered last weekend when the Chiefs survived a 21-6 scare against the Crusaders from Catholic High School. The close win improved the Chiefs' overall record to 6-0, but, more importantly, it also improved their district record to 5-0.
The Chiefs survived two late drives from that Crusaders while the game was still up in the air. The Crusaders had a crucial drive going and had advanced the ball to the Chiefs' 12-yard line. The defense stiffened there, though, and forced the Crusaders into a fourth down situation. The Crusaders opted to go for it, and the Chiefs' defense broke up the intended pass to get the ball back on downs.
The Crusaders got the ball back one more time late in the game. The were backed up deep in their own territory at their own 5-yard line. The Chiefs' coaching staff and fans got behind the defense once more. Four straight pass attempts were broken up by the valiant defense and gave the ball back to the offense to run the clock out.
When it was gut check time, the Chiefs showed what they were made of. The coaching staff was pleased with the effort of the entire team. "We were proud of the effort that the team showed in the second half, " stated Coach Bo Lambeth. " They bowed up at the end and showed a lot of courage. They responded well to the adversity and executed the game plan extremely well. Their hard play forced Catholic to make some mistakes that cost them the game. "
The Chiefs are looking to carry the momentum they have gained into the final part of the season. The offense has been explosive all season long, and the defense has risen to the occasion many times. They play of the special teams has also been important in many of the Chiefs' wins this season. The players and coaches dedicated the season in memory of Coach Williams. They have been playing with a lot of emotion and have played well at all key positions.
Friday night, the Chiefs will face their final district game of the season against Chipley High School. With a win over Chipley, the Chiefs will win the district championship outright and will gain home-filed advantage in the first round of the play-offs. Friday night's game will be at Northview Stadium and will begin at 7:30 p.m.