By Ashley Froust
sports@natchitochestimes.com
Natchitoches Central clamped down a 25-20 victory over Green Oaks Friday, Sept. 8, working hard for the “W” in the second half.
The first half was tough for both sides who struggled to make plays on offense and put their defenses in difficult spots.
“I asked them at the half to play for 24 minutes and we played for the entire 24 minutes,” said NCHS Head Coach Tommy Moore. “Our defense was on the field the entire second half, but at the end of the day, when we needed a stop, they got us a stop. Each player on defense at their own time made plays and that’s getting us closer to what we need to have- everyone making plays at the same time.”
In the second half they came out with a newfound energy. Senior Josh Fortenberry was influential in keeping the team pumped up and cheering for each other, resulting in big plays being made.
Tony Preylo and Richard Lindsey both led the offense as quarterbacks for the Chiefs. The Chiefs collected a total of 255 rushing yards in the game. Fortenberry led with 117 rushing yards on 21 carries. He was followed by Trey Solitaire who rushed 90 yards on 15 carries. Others who collected yards for the Chiefs include Tony Preylo (10 yards on two carries), Richard Lindsey (12 yards on seven carries), Demarcus Smith (24 yards on seven carries) and Derrick Williams with two yards on one carry.
Green Oaks was a passing team who collected over 420 yards just from passes in the game. The Giants completed 26 of 60 passing attempts.
The Chief’s four rushing touchdowns were scored by Fortenberry and Trey Solitaire. Green Oaks scored their three touchdowns off passes.
One aspect of this game were the fumbles. Both sides were guilty of many situations, NCHS fumbled six and lost four, but the Giants lost all three of their fumbles.
It was a game filled with defensive plays but one of the most standout would be in the final minutes of the game, score 25-20 in favor of the Chiefs. The final minute of the game saw the Chiefs regain possession, but after a fumble that they recovered and a second they didn’t, Green Oaks took over again at the Chiefs’ 38. In the next couple plays Green Oaks sent in a throw to the end-zone with 14 seconds on the clock. Zamauri Miller of NCHS caught the ball but due to pass interference, the ball was given back to Green Oaks at the 14-yard-line. Then the Chiefs blocked another pass attempt with five seconds on the clock giving them their second down before Devin Pier blocked an end-zone pass. With six seconds left on the clock the Giants decided to go for it. Their quarterback sent a quick pass to his wide receiver, but he was taken down at the three-yard-line by Chief senior Shawn Robinson.
The Chiefs were able to prevent Green Oaks from possibly winning the game in the last second, giving them their first win of the season, improving them to 1-1.
Friday, Sept. 15 the Chiefs will travel to Southwood High School in Shreveport for a 7 p.m. kickoff against the 5A opponent. See Thursday, Sept. 14 edition for a preview of the matchup.
