Northview head football coach Derek Marshman said Monday that the Chiefs’ homecoming game against Jay, Fla. this week is the biggest game of the year to this point.

“We’ve played a lot of great teams in this stretch,” Marshman said. “When it comes down to this point, we’re going to have to come in focused and ready.”

While it may be homecoming for NHS, Friday’s contest is also a Class 1A, Region 1 (District 1) contest. JHS lost to Baker in a contest this season.

“They’re going to come full force and bring their best effort,” Marshman said about Jay. “Our kids have looked forward to this game for a while.”

Marshman said Jay is a young team, but plays hard.

Down by 42 points in an earlier game this season, the Royals never quit, Marshman said.

“There’s no quit in them,” he said. “They fight and fight. It’s going to be a challenge for us.

“For Jay, this is their last hope,” he said. “They have nothing to lose and it’s dog fight.”

Marshman said a big key for NHS this week is to start fast.

“You want to send a message early on,” he said. “It’s a football game that has to be won.”

Last week, the Chiefs topped Liberty County, 34-15, in a road contest.

Marshman was suspended from coaching duties, but said he thought the coaches and players did well.

“I was real proud of the coaches and staff, and players,” he said. “They fell behind 15 points in first quarter, and then went on to score 34 straight for the victory.

“They’ll continue the momentum going into district this week,” he said. “Now, we’re over .500.”

Neikel Robinson had eight receptions for 193 yards and a touchdown to lead the Chiefs. Jeremiah Woods rushed for 97 yards on 12 carries and scored two touchdowns.

Defensively, Hunter Cofield had 10 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and a sack; and Jared Aliff had eight tackles, one tackle for a loss, one sack and two fumble recoveries.