The Natchitoches Central Chiefs dropped a district game to reigning district 1-5A champion Airline Friday night by a score of 41-21.
The Chiefs (2-3, 1-1 district 1-5A) tied the game at 7-7 after linebacker Landon Brossett intercepted a pass from Airline’s Ben Taylor. Moments later, Cam Davis caught a 19yard touchdown pass from Smith.
The Chiefs battled in the first half to stay in the game as they trailed 14-7 and had the Vikings in trouble facing 4th and goal from the NCHS 17.
However, Airline struck back as Taylor was under pressure and threw a perfect strike into the endzone for the touchdown making it 21-7.
Airline (4-0, 1-0 district 1-5A) tacked on another score late in the first half to take a commanding halftime lead of 27-7. The Vikings continued to run away with the game as they scored two more times to lead 41-7 with 5:32 left in the game.
However, NCHS didn’t throw in the towel. Quarterback Owen Smith connected with Dillon Braxton for a 41yard touchdown pass. After the Chiefs recovered an onside kick, Smith connected with Davis for 35 yards with under four minutes to go to make it 41-21. The Vikings recovered the next onside kick and ran the clock out to pick up the win.
Fans can tune into Friday’s game by listening live at 107.1 KWLV locally. A live video broadcast will be available as well at the Inside Natchitoches Sports Facebook page.