High school football week six - 1A North Johnston outguns 3A Southern Nash in OT
September 22nd, 2007 Posted in High School Football
By Greg Baker:
(game photos to be posted on North Johnston web site linked below)
Tonight’s gridiron battle at North Johnston turned out to be a homecoming game that will not soon be forgotten. The Southern Nash Firebirds entered the evening a favorite due to their size as well as speed. The night began with a raucous crowd filling every seat on the home side of the field, and hundreds more milling about in the area between the bleachers and the concession stand. Homecoming was in full effect and it would appear the football team got a lift out of the large turn out.
The game tonight was a back and forth battle with Southern riding the backs of a pair of talented runners, and North Johnston hitching its wagon to old #25 EJ Knight. As usual, Knight was more than up for the task, rushing for over 160 yards. A few surprises were in store as well. #15 of NJ, Daniel Radford pulled down his first touchdown reception of the year and #20, Garrett Grady, would put his toe into a game winning overtime field goal, as North Johnston prevailed 24-21. All in all a fantastic way to finish out the non-conference schedule. Seesaw battles like this build character in a team and adversity was present in several instances during the night.
Following the game, NJ Coach Tom Nelson, addressed his team and told them how proud he was of their never say die attitude tonight. There were more than a couple of opportunities for the home team to pack it in and roll over. Yet, they took advantage of mistakes and sent the homecoming crowd home happy. It was a terribly hard fought game by both squads and something to build on going into conference play two weeks from now.
North Johnston has next weekend off in preparation for North Duplin. In no uncertain terms, that should be one heck of a football game.
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