For Northview’s Homecoming game, the team did more of the same: win while holding their opponents scoreless as they defeated Vernon 40-0. The team has now gone 10 quarters without allowing a touchdown.

The Chiefs have battled injuries and suspensions all season long and they were dealt another blow when linebacker Roderick Woods was ruled ineligible by the Florida High School Athletic Association.

“He’s really been the heart and soul of our defense,” Northview head coach Sid Wheatley said. “He’s definitely gonna’ have a chance to play at the next level.”

A plethora of community colleges have shown interest in having Woods play for them on a football scholarship, but he also has interest from some division I-A schools as well. Wheatley said Woods has maintained a determined attitude in staying with the team and trying to help coach his teammates in any way he can.

Despite all the setbacks, the team continues to find ways to win, and in convincing fashion.

The standout players on the night were the usual suspects: Neiko Robinson, Neino Robinson, and Kevin Vaughan.

It was actually running back LaMikal Kyles who got the Chiefs on the scoreboard with a 36-yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt hit the cross bar to put the Chiefs in the lead 6-0.

Not long after that, it appeared that Neiko Robinson had a huge touchdown, although the play was called back due to an illegal block.
Regardless, Neiko’s brother Neino managed to come up with a score three plays later. From 35 yards out, quarterback Kevin Vaughan fired a high, spiral pass right to Neino Robinson and a short scamper into the end zone put the Chiefs up 13-0.

Chad Smith came up with an interception on the next defensive possession and the Chiefs did not let the turnover go to waste, converting it into a 13-yard rushing touchdown for LaDarius Thomas to put the Chiefs lead at 20-0.

Vernon crossed midfield for the first time in the game on their next offensive possession, but it was Neiko Robinson who came up with a big interception, and once again the Chiefs converted the turnover into points. This time, it was Kevin Vaughan who scored by running for a 42-yard touchdown.

Brannon Freeman added yet another Northview interception, but the team coughed up a fumble not long after that while on offense. In the end, it didn’t matter because the defense held strong and Neino Robinson returned a punt more than 50 yards for a touchdown to make it 33-0 just before halftime.

With the game more or less in check, the second half was relatively uneventful. Vaughan found the other Robinson brother, Neiko, through the air for a 32-yard touchdown to make it 40-0 early in the third quarter.

Neiko was also a key to maintaining the shutout. In the fourth quarter, he came up with his second interception of the game and the fourth overall for the Chiefs.

“Neiko, in our scheme, covers half the field,” Wheatley said, following the game. “You don’t see that a lot from players in high school. On special teams, Neiko and Neino are a threat to take it back for touchdown any time they get the ball.”

Northview now has a 6-2 overall record and will face a critical road game next week when they travel to Baker to play the Baker Gators on Friday, Nov. 2 with kickoff at 7 p.m. for what will ultimately be the district championship game.