By By Matthew Nascone
The Northview Chiefs football team struggled in the first half Friday, but they rushed through Sneads in the second half, winning 36-14 in their second consecutive road game.
Sneads jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead after scoring on the opening drive of the game, but Northview (2-0) tied the score at 6-6 as the teams headed to halftime. NHS head coach Cody Keene said the team that came out in the second half was a different team.
"We told them at halftime that we need to go out there and win the second half," Keene said. "And they really responded to that as we scored on the second play of the half. I was proud of them."
Keene said that one adjustment was one of the keys to a successful second half.
"Coach (Sid) Wheatley and coach (Mark) Heaton got the kids on the offensive line together and adjusted the way they were blocking and from then on we ran the ball well," he said. "I would like to say that the entire coaching staff did an excellent job in preparing these boys for this week's game."
So well in fact Nakita Myles was able to compile 171 rushing yards on 14 carries and he scored three touchdowns. Travion Lockett added 74 yards on eight carries and one touchdown run. Darius Austin also rumbled across the goal line for a score.
"Nakita had a big quarter in the third quarter and a good day," Keene said. "He is just a great football player, but it takes 11 to win the game."
Another key to the second half revitalization of the Chiefs was the play of the whole defensive unit, Keene said.
"Defensively we stepped up in the second half," he said. "We still made some mistakes, but they made plays when they needed to. They really got focused in the third quarter."
After two grueling road trips in back-to-back weeks the Chiefs host Freeman Sept. 8 in the friendly confines of their home stadium and Keene said he can't wait for that.
"We are looking forward to playing at home in front of a packed stadium," he said.
But before NHS squares off with Freeman, Keene said some work would be needed in practice.
"I still don't think we are being as physical as we can be," Keene said. "We have had spotty physical performances in the first two games, but to be a great defense, you have to be physical on every play."
Kickoff for the home opener is at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 8 in Bratt.