Northridge Knocks Out Bryant in Region Matchup
The Northridge Jaguars (3-0, 1-0) defeated the Bryant Stampede (0-3, 0-1) 28-7 at home to open up Class 6A Region 3 play for both schools. The Jaguars were able to utilize a strong ground game and defense to control the game throughout most of the contest.
"(Bryant) battled, made some mistakes in the first half, both teams did. We were able to capitalize on a couple and kind of got lucky there. Coach Hill did a phenomenal job with those guys. We knew they were going to come out ready to play and play physical football. I'm happy to get a regional win," said Northridge head coach Mike Vickery.
The Jaguars were able to break the scoreless stalemate mid-way through the second quarter thanks to 2-yard Toryion Spears touchdown plunge. Northridge capitalized off a stopped fake-punt, a facemask penalty and a 27-yard Spears run to get on the scoreboard for the first score.
Spears finished the night for the Jaguars with 67 yards rushing and two scores.
Northridge seized control for good in the final 3 minutes of the first half. The Jaguars took over offensively from their own 25-yard line, nine plays and a roughing the kicker penalty later, senior LiEric Street got into the endzone on a short touchdown plunge.
Street finished the game with 65 rushing yards and the one score.
The Jaguars ensuing kickoff was muffed and fumbled, resulting in Northridge taking over possession in the redzone with 25 seconds left in the half. Quarterback Whitt Winfield tossed his only touchdown of the night to junior Patten Curington on a 19-yard pass.
Winfield finished the game 7-for-12 passing for 103 yards and the one touchdown.
The Bryant offense struggled to maintain its discipline all game against the Northridge defensive front. The Stampede accumulated eight first-half penalties to stymie any momentum that Bryant mustered.
"Northridge did a great job, they were physical, they ran the ball well. We made too many mistakes in the first half. Tried to come out in the second half and put a better product on the field and we didn't do it. I didn't coach well enough," said Bryant head coach Eldrick Hill.
Senior Tobais Burrell was the star for the Stampede playing mostly at quarterback but also spending time in the slot. Burrell rushed for 112 yards and completed 11-of-15 passes for 55 yards and one touchdown. Junior tailback Jordan Evans was on the receiving end of the Burrell TD.
"We're not quitting, we're playing for four quarters. We're just having too many missed missed assignments and mental errors. Just too much of that stuff, some kind of way we've got to find a way to get our guys to focus and be more prepared," concluded Hill.
Both schools continue region play next week. Northridge hits the road to play Bessemer City and Bryant will host McAdory.
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