By Thomas Grant Jr.
Northside Christian Academy got back on the winning track last week at home.
The 34-2 win over Anderson School to snap a 3-game losing streak saw running back Sam Burks rush for 150 yards and three touchdowns and both Clayton Myers and John Lizewski return turnovers for touchdowns.
Myers returned a 52-yard interception for a touchdown and John Lizewski had a 52-yard fumble recovery touchdown.
“It felt good to get a win,” Northside Christian head coach Dean Howell said.” We had only played one game in the last 3 weeks, so it was nice to play and also to get a win on Homecoming. Our focus has been to try to avoid any more injuries and continue to try to get better at the little things. We lost a two-way, all-region starter last week on Wednesday, but we had some guys ready to go and our coaches did a great job getting them ready to play.
“Moving forward, we must continue to focus on the little things this time of year when bodies are breaking down and it becomes easier and easier to lose focus. We have to stay locked in and battle it out to find our way into the playoffs as we try to make a run at the blue bloods of SCISA Class 2A football.
Northside Christian (3-3, 1-2) returns home Friday for another challenge against undefeated Bethesda Academy (8-0. The Savannah, Ga. school is led by quarterback Triston Randall (1,182 passing yards, eight touchdowns), running back Noah Jenkins (1,064 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns), wide receiver Thomas Peters (21 receptions, 461 receiving yards, four touchdowns) and a defense which has allowed only 33 points this season.
“They are big and physical as well as fast,” Howell said. “We will have a plan to fit what they do. Last year, we went down there and should have won the game (a 32-15 loss) if it wasn’t for a couple of late turnovers. Our kids are good players, too, so I look forward to the challenge of playing a team that is from another state and is outscoring some good teams 309-33. They are really good so we need to be really good too and I believe our kids will rise to the challenge.”
Despite the injuries, one of the Crusaders’ most consistent performers is senior tight end/linebacker Gavin Ford. Howell has praised his on-field leadership and work ethic as a strong example to his teammates.
“We haven’t had many older kids since I’ve been here, let alone older kids who know how to lead,” Howell said. “He is vocal, produces on the field, and, most importantly, he leads by how hard he works and how he comes to work every day. We have other great kids who are seniors this year, but Gavin has stood out as the guy who everyone looks to when we need a play or when we simply need a calming voice.”
Photo by Northside Christian Academy athletics – Northside Christian Academy’s John Rogers and J.R. Kinard
