1A State Championship Trenton Tigers vs Northview Cheifs
The Trenton Tigers come in 13-0 and beat defending 1A champs Jefferson County as well as Lafeyette and Newberry which is a very grueling track in the 1A division. Northview had a bit of an easier track to get to the title game beating Cottondale, Freeport and Liberty County. One might say that is an easier road traveled. The lesson here is DO NOT judge a book by its cover. Northview ended up having the big stick tonight breaking off big run after big run from the likes of LaMikal Kyle and Brannon Freemon. Also defensively they were able to force numerous turnovers and Penn St Commit Neiko Robinson was a big part of that recording 2 interceptions and more than a dozen tackles. Trenton did fight back after being down big but the end result was a 42-21 state title victory for the Northview Chiefs a team that is probably the farthest Northwest High school in the state.
The 1st quarter was a defensive slugfest including turnovers and near misses while both teams got within 10 yards of scoring but were turned away. Neither team had a sufficient kicking game as noted by numerous kickoffs ending up out of bounce and the lack of attempted field goals.
The rest of the game was a polar opposite to the scoreless 1st quarter though. Northview got on the scoreboard early and often in the 2nd quarter. Northviews LaMikal Kyles opened the scoring on an impressive 58 yard run. After a 3 and out Northview ‘s Chad Smith blocked the punt which he also picked up and returned 20 yards for a touchdown. Northview continued with its strong defensive stand forcing consecutive 3 and outs until they got a Robinson interception which turned into a LaDarius Thomas 2 yard touchdown 4 plays later. Northview would take the 21-0 lead into the half.
Trenton came out in the 2nd half and fought back scoring on their 1st possession after a Northview turnover. Cedric Stokes carried the ball 8 times for 33 yards and the 3 yard score. Unfortunately for the Tigers that was too little too late as Northview caught its 2nd wind scoring twice more in the 3rd quarter, one being a 28 yard run by Brannon Freeman and 49 yard kickoff return for a touchdown in rapid succession.
Even being down 35-7 Trenton went out swinging scoring twice more in the 4th as the Chiefs added a touchdown of their own to end the game 42-21. Stokes played tough in a losing effort rushing for 199 yards and 2 touchdowns. LaMikal Kyles also played big for his team rushing for 127 yards and a TD for Northview. The player of the game would have to be Neiko Robinson as he delivered big hit after big hit as well as 2 interceptions and 11 tackles to help his team prevail as 1A 2012 State Champs.