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CORRECTION: We have corrected an error in this article. We misidentified a player who ran a kickoff return for a touchdown. We are sorry for the error, and are happy to set the record straight.

After a slow start, Northview’s wheels started turning in the right direction as the Chiefs defeated Escambia County 57-14 on senior night in Bratt, Fla.

NHS head football coach Wes Summerford said he was proud of the team, but against good teams, a slow start isn’t going to work.

“We’ve got to fix that,” Summerford said.

Summerford said they made a couple of adjustments on defense to allow for the cornerbacks to get some help.

“At the end of the day, the offense just didn’t miss a beat,” he said.

At present, the Chiefs are 9-0 on the season, and will host Bay, Fla. next week to cap the regular season. NHS will likely get a bye in the first round of the state playoffs, and will start the postseason Nov. 18.

On the Bay game, Summerford said BVHS had some impressive wins early in the season.

“It’s not going to be much different than Atmore,” he said.

When asked how important it is to finish strong next week, Summerford said that’s something that’s been consistent about this team all year, especially in the second half.

“I’m proud of these guys,” he said. “I don’t know what it is we’re doing differently, but both sides of the ball are playing lights out.”

The Blue Devils ended their 2022 season 4-6 overall.

ECHS head football coach Vincent Harris said the important thing now is that the team must keep building.

“That was a very good senior-loaded (NHS) team,” Harris said. “He’s going to have a chance to play for the state championship. In the first quarter, it was pretty tight. We just ran out of gas.

“Tackling No. 6 (Jamarkus Jefferson); he was just a stud,” he said. “Tackling him would’ve been the difference in the game.”

Harris gave credit to Summerford and the Chiefs, adding that they played with class.

“They didn’t cut up on my players at all,” he said. “I thought my kids fought to the end. They fought to the bitter end. I didn’t see much giving up.”
Harris said he learned a lot about this team this season. He said it has resiliency and can adjust to adversity when needed.

Harris gave a big thank you to the whole city of Atmore.

“It’s important that what they have showed these kids has been amazing,” he said. “I’m so proud of the city of Atmore for taking care of the youth, taking care of my staff and me.”

 

Scoring plays per quarter follows:

First quarter

• Escambia County’s DaKota DeSpain connected with Lorenzo Arnold on a 40-yard pass with 9:54 left. The 2-point conversion was successful.
• Northview’s Kaden Odom passed to Wyatt Scruggs on a 48-yard strike with 7:58 left. Odom converted the 2-point conversion.
• Jefferson scored on a 11-yard touchdown rush with 6:43 left.
• Arnold then returned the ensuing kick off 72 yards for a touchdown with 6:28 left. The 2-point try was no good.
• Jefferson rushed in 1 yard for a score with 4:06 left. The point after was good.

Second quarter

• Jefferson scored on a 35-yard run with 8:47 left in the quarter. The PAT was good for a 29-14 lead.
• Odom found Jefferson on a 34-yard strike with 5:28 left. The PAT was good for a 36-14 advantage. Odom caught an interception for a turnover on downs on the previous defensive possession.
• Jefferson scored from 2 yards out with 30.8 seconds left in the first half. The PAT was good.

 

Third quarter

• Odom found Scruggs on a 29-yard strike with 11 minutes left. The PAT was good and a running clock was used.

 

Fourth quarter

• Odom rushed in from 6 yards with 6:37 left in the game. The PAT was good.