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“It’s a big game for our kids, and a big game for our program.”

That’s what Northview head football coach Derek Marshman said to describe the Chiefs’ home game against No. 2 Baker, Fla. this Friday in Bratt.

NHS is coming off a bye week, while the Gators enter the contest after a 42-7 victory over South Walton.

Marshman said Baker has had much success in Florida’s Class 1A ball, and this game will be a measuring stick for the program.
“It’s going to be a mental and physical challenge,” he said.

During last week’s win over South Walton, the Gators racked up 510 yards on the ground. Joe Brunson, Seth Baksa, Jack Adams and Nate Fleming led BHS in the effort.

Leading the backfield to its success last week was Baker’s offensive line, which Marshman said is going to be the best the Chiefs’ defense will see this season.

Marshman said the keys up front are to get off blocks and making sure they have gap integrity.

“We’ve got to lay our role, and we’ve got to be good tacklers,” he said. “We’ve got to be able to get there, and rally and not let them have the football.”

Entering this weeks game, Baker is riding a 31-game win streak.

Marshman said streaks typically end sooner rather than later.

“It would be great if we were able to do it,” he said about breaking the streak. “It’s going to take a great effort on both sides of the football and for four guarters. It would be a big deal.”

Kick off in Bratt is at 7 p.m.