Northview played its best competition of the season tonight, but came out on the losing end of a 42-25 contest with Baker, Fla. at home.

The Chiefs trailed 7-0 early, but countered with a field goal at the end of their first drive. BHS then went ahead 13-3, but NHS nipped at the Gators’ heels to cut the game to 13-10 after a turnover, head football coach Derek Marshman said.

Late in the first half, the Chiefs took the lead at 17-13 after their defense forced a turnover.

Marshman said BHS then went on to score twice in the final few minutes of the first half to lead 28-17 at the break.

NHS got the ball to start the second half, but fumbled on its first play.

Marshman said adjustments were made.

“Our kids never quit,” he said. “It was a good ball game. I don’t think Baker expected us to play like we did tonight.”

Marshman said the players were really focused tonight.

“They were locked in,” he said. “They believed. We were planning on the upset.”

He added that the coaches reminded the players of many upsets, including Buster Douglas upsetting Mike Tyson, Appalachian State’s upset over Michigan in 2007 and others.

“They came out and believed,” he said. “They bought into the hype.”

Marshman said he’s aiming to make sure the seniors go out on a high note next week as the Chiefs host Snook Christian to end the 2017 campaign.