By Ashley Froust
sports@natchitochestimes.com

The Natchitoches Central Chiefs traveled to North DeSoto for their first season game of the new year but were unsuccessful in finding a victory. Nerves were a possible factor in the 7-28 loss.

“I felt at times we were playing almost timid,” said NCHS head coach Tommy Moore. “We just didn’t play Natchitoches Central football. We gave up crucial turnovers at crucial times that put our defense in bad situations. We can play better than we did tonight. We did have some bright moments though.  (Josh) Fortenberry and (Trey) Solitaire ran good with the ball, until he got injured.” Just before halftime, Solitaire went down with an injury, likely a bruised muscle but they coaches didn’t want to chance it. With Solitaire out for the second half, the team had to some shifting around.

Natchitoches Central collected 167 rushing yards on 40 plays and completed nine of 16 passes for 99 passing yards while North DeSoto collected 255 rushing yards on 34 plays and completed only four of 14 attempts for 58 passing yards. Josh Fortenberry and Trey Solitaire collected the most yardage for the Chiefs.  Fortenberry had 12 carries for 59 yards while Solitaire had nine for 58 yards.  Aubrey Scott dominated the field for North DeSoto collecting 197 yards off 25 carries in the game. Natchitoches Central’s Richard Lindsey was the key quarterback, completing 8 of 13 attempted passes for 59 yards. Jaden Procell was North DeSoto’s quarterback, completing four of 14 attempted passes for 58 yards in the game. NCHS’s receivers gained 77 yards with 46 coming from Tony Preylo, 17 from Fortenberry and 14 from Nick Ficklin.

Josh Fortenberry scored the single touchdown for NCHS in the second quarter.  North DeSoto collected two touchdowns in the first half and two more in the second.

The Chiefs will host Green Oaks Friday, Sept. 8 at Turpin Stadium aiming to show more aggression in their offensive and defensive attacks. A game preview of what to expect under the Friday night lights can be read in the Thursday, Sept. 7 edition of The Natchitoches Times.