By By Matthew Nascone
The Northview Chiefs are still reeling from their second road loss of the season in as many games, but head coach Cody Keene said the team needs to refocus on what they need to do to win because a tough opponent is coming to town.
"Marianna will be a big challenge for our guys," Keene said. "They are a 2A team and they are real big up front. They run the wing-T and they run it well. We will have to play a good game to win."
The night also marks Senior Night for Northview and 17 Chiefs will be honored before the game.
Keene said he hopes the festivities will add to the desire to win the game.
"This will be the last home game for our seniors and we need a good effort from them if we are going to succeed," he said. "And we hope the rest of the team steps in and plays great as well."
To win the game, Keene said the Chiefs (4-3, 2-1 FHSAA Class 2B, District 1) will have to fill the gaps and do what they are supposed to do on defense to stop the Bulldogs' workhorse, running back Brantley Battle.
This game is a game that can catapult the Chiefs into the playoffs.
"We need to bounce back from that tough loss on the road last week," Keene said. "We fought hard and gave ourselves a chance to beat Marianna last year and we won in the final seconds of the game. I hope we do the same thing this year and grab another win."
Last year on Homecoming the Chiefs took down Marianna.
Senior fullback Travion Lockett ran 67 yards for the eventual game-winning touchdown and the Chiefs' lockdown defense did its job to seal the 33-26 win in the team's Homecoming game last year.
Kickoff for this year's battle with the Bulldogs is set for 7 p.m. in Bratt.