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Published Saturday, September 19, 2009 in Sports
Vikings dealt stinging loss to Hornets
The Newnan Times-Herald
HIRAM --The Hiram Hornets scored on five of their first seven possessions Friday night and stayed unbeaten after a 38-7 homecoming victory over the Northgate Vikings.
The Vikings fell to 1-3 with the loss and will be idle next Friday prior to beginning Region 5-AAAA (A) play at home against Starr's Mill on October 2.
Both teams went three-and-out on their initial possessions of the first quarter, but the Hornets had a lot more success on their second drive, which started at their 16-yard line.
The Charlie Sashington show began as he carried the ball three times on what became a five-play drive as he scored on a 46-run with 7:38 left in the quarter.
The Vikings had another three-and-out that forced punter Brad Swinney to come onto the field to kick again and the Hornets took over at their 31 after a penalty for an illegal block with 6:37 remaining.
Behind the running of Sashington and Troy Wesley, Hiram was able to go on a nine-play 69-yard drive that culminated in the first of touchdown keepers by quarterback Jared McClain who scored from two yards out with 3:24 remaining.
On the ensuing Northgate series, a delayed pitch from quarterback Toby Slagle to wingback Isaiah Riddle was high and the Hornets would recover the fumble at the Vikings 33 yard line with less than two minutes remaining.
The Hornets were able to take advantage of the turnover as a five play drive led to another keeper by McClain with 40.3 seconds left in the quarter and the lead was 21-0.
The Vikings managed to get on one of their long drives as they moved from their own 33 to the Hornets 33 with a 14-yard pass from Slagle to Malcolm Poindexter included but the Vikings would fail to convert a fourth-and-three at the Hornets' 33 and the latter took over with 9:21 remaining.
On the ensuing possession, the Hornets went on a 12-play drive that took them to the Vikings' nine-yard line but the drive would stall and Diego Mondragon converted a 26-yard attempt with 4:58 left in the half.
The Hornets added one more touchdown before the half ended as Wesley took a reverse and scored on a one-yard run with 3.1 seconds remaining to take a 31-0 lead at halftime.
At the start of the third quarter, it was announced that the remainder of the game would be played under a running clock under a 30-point mercy rule and after the Vikings punted on their initial series, the Hornets wasted little time getting on the scoreboard again as they began at their 10.
The Hornets not only got out of their territory, they only needed one play to score as Javon Simon raced 90 yards past the Vikings defense for a touchdown and a 38-0 lead with 7:33 remaining.
The Vikings went three-and-out on the ensuing possession and for the first time since the middle of the second quarter the Hornets failed to score as they had a three-and-out before punting.
Northgate managed to avert a shutout as they went on a 13-play, 80-yard drive behind the running of Jonathan Rice with four carries for 31 yards and Kyle Kovacs who carried the ball five times for 27 yards including a one-yard run with 5:04 remaining for the touchdown.
Casey Vaughan converted the extra point for the game's final margin.
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Northgate is one of the better high schools. We rank high in academics and we have good teachers that care about their students. Some of those teachers are also coaches who put in many long hours. The compensation they receive for their efforts is minimal and recognition or appreciation of such efforts is almost non-existent. These conditions are not exclusive to Northgate and every coach understands that they are self induced. Having said that, I am certain none of our coaches subject themselves and their families to the cynicism and hatred posted here in order to placate any parent or TD club member. I believe they do it because of their competitive nature, desire to succeed and love for the game. Do they sometimes make mistakes? Sure, as we all do. But it should be noted that we have played some pretty good teams so far this year and during the last two games at least, numerous players were affected by illness. Beyond that, we simply do not have the size, speed and depth that some schools have. That is not a knock on any of our atheletes, its just a fact. It is also not an excuse for any of them to not work their hardest and reach their full potential, on and off the field. I absolutely hate to lose, but when it happens I see it as an opportunity to build character, not bash the program. If playing time and winning games is paramount to you as a parent, maybe you should consider another football program. Good luck finding elsewhere what we have at Northgate; teachers, coaches and student atheletes with a common goal of preparing young men for life after high school and football. GO VIKINGS! Never give up!
Posted by Gordon Duncan at 3:48 AM
No one has a problem with differing opinions. Many vents, however, have proven detrimental to our kids and I will not "do nothing" while the newspaper editor allows this abuse.I have already begun contacting advertisers of this unethical behavior and I will continue. I hope there are those out there who will join me
Posted by A Real NG Mom at 3:07 AM
I have been in real Football towns. Valdosta, LaGRange, Carrollton and have never seen the venom expressed towards kids I have seen in this vent.
Posted by Northgate Teacher at 11:39 PM
All these pitiful people here are critics. It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. Theodore Roosevelt 1910
Posted by Northgate Teacher at 11:30 PM
Do any of you care about the players who read this mess or hear about it from their friends? Do you care about the Seniors who have paid their dues sitting on the bench and now finally having the opportunity to play after years of hard work and dedication and now have to read the comments/finger pointing from parents whose kids are probably sitting on the bench? My son saw his name in these comments and was horrified. He has supported the program for four years, worked hard and now told that he and his buddies are playing because of Packer Football. Yes, many of them are from Packer Football but if you were around back then, that was the only league available in this area. I am not a member of the Dugout club and my son is treated like any of the members sons. I see no favortism to their kids above mine. Time to clean out the comments not the program/touchdown club. Please keep the players names out of our comments and respect their feelings. They deserve better than that!
Posted by Senior Mom at 11:26 PM
Past time to clean out Nortgates football program. Trust me players won't be sad to see the touchdown club gone. Coach Luckie should have taken control a long time ago. Concerned Mom did not need long to figure things out. Well said.
Posted by Football Kicker at 10:12 PM
Protect high school kids from Who? Parents and leaders who are self serving.Get a grip. Go to a true football town. It gets real ugly fast. This is baby stuff compared to schools that have serious football programs. Protect the babies, please. Concerned Mom is sharp.
Posted by Northgate Mom at 4:15 PM
I don't agree with you Northgate Mom, they need to be CLOSED to protect the kids. This is getting out of hand. The PARENTS are acting liked spoiled children that are not getting there way. GROW UP PARENTS, LET THE KIDS PLAY BALL IN PEACE.
Posted by Concerned Fan at 2:06 PM
Cracks me up to hear so many self righteous comments. For those of you who want this section closed......NOBODY is forcing you read it....get a life !!! I know that Newnan is known for it's old fashioned ways but there is a thing called freedom of speech.
Posted by NG Mom at 12:37 PM
Boycott the Times Herald. Concerned Mom hit some nerves, and told the truth. Superstar. Thanks Times Herald. Your readership will go up even more now.
Posted by Big C at 12:35 PM
Its not the kids, its the leaders that are the problem. This is not a new revelation. This is a ongoing thing for years now. Parents are not happy even if you are. Thank God for the Times Herald for letting the people vent and see that they are not alone. You want it closed to cover the stench.
Posted by Northgate Mom at 10:31 AM
They won't close it. They get too many hits. There was a time when the TH editors cared about the welfare of the community. Those days are in the past. The only way to stop it is to call each of their advertisers and let them know you will not shop at their establishments until it stops. TH, yeah i know you won't post this because what I say is the truth. I will be calling though.
Posted by jimmy at 2:16 AM
Please close the Comments section on Northgate football. We have great kids at Northgate and I am tired of folks running them down. I suggest all of you go read what President Roosevelt said about critics.
Posted by Northgate Teacher at 10:12 PM
The kids with talent need to sit for the kids that have less talent, but work hard and have character. Sounds good in a fairy tale. Nice way of saying let the Viking not so good players play first. Run and twist. Winning games is secondary as long certain players play.
Posted by Debra Thomas at 10:15 PM
I agree with concerned. Our offensive coordinator isn't getting the job done. Maybe he should talk to other offensive coaches in the area for help? He clearly has no grasp of what needs to be done.
Posted by Michael at 6:49 PM
Dont give up guys. They counted us out last year and it will always be the case. Stay true to who you are and find a way. "Concerned", since you know so much about it, why dont you give the offensive coordinator some of your much needed expertice. Just remember this isnt fantasy football. Its easy to have all the anwsers sitting on the other end of a computer. And "Northgate Observer" I am sure (joking of course because you obviously dont get it) the coach's concern is playing packer football players and not putting the best product on the field. That really makes me laugh. Good one! Their playing the best they have who are committed to the program, players, and coaches.
Posted by GADIMH at 5:30 PM
What in the world are you talking about?
Posted by Drago at 4:41 PM
Concerned you really think opening up the offense will make Northgate win games? You obviously have not experienced enough football. Opening up the offense puts too much pressure on an already undermanned defense. Play hard boys and believe in yourselves and your coaches and cut the naysayers off.
Posted by Offensive Mind at 1:36 PM
C'mon all true viking fans and let's kick them when they're down! Bad players, bad coaches, bad calls, bad refs, bad concession stand workers! The kids should do everyone a favor and just quit!
Posted by Viking Fan at 1:12 PM
I am pretty sure Northgate emptied the bench last night. Not sure I saw any better talent sitting on the bench. I know for a fact that at least two of the PTC Packer kids are sitting the bench. Remember something guys it aint all about talent hard work and character determine playing time as much as talent. Hard work will be talent when talent wont work.
Posted by Top row observer at 1:02 PM
I have also been observing this program for years. I see something different. Young players come in with talent and athletic ability. JV and 9th grade win (both beat Starr's Mill this week), but they don't seem to improve much over time. The Peachtree City program has provided good skill players (weight limit football limits linemen)- those teams won against Tucker (who has no middle school football and great talent). Think about it. What's the real problem here?
Posted by A Different Observer at 12:51 PM
Stuart were you listening to that horrible announcer last night for your information on the scoring drive? It was a culmination of Kyle Kovacs, Brett Misutka, David Higgins and Robbie Carter. Misutka scored the 1 yd TD. A lot of Higgins up the middle, and Misutka off the corner. Kovacs had one decent run around the left side, and a catch and run. Robbie Carter had a nice run near the goal line and his dive to the corner was just short. Stuart watch the game and don’t listen to the PA announcer who couldn’t get a Viking player right all night. I mean #46 Walker got credit for a play and was home sick. As for the coaching…. Lets throw the ball with 35 sec. left in the half on our own 15 yd line, instead of taking a knee. Another debacle! We will have our BEST GAME OF THE YEAR NEXT FRIDAY!!!!
Posted by Fan at 12:49 PM
Northgate has been down this road before. Chasing young good talent away for pets of the in crowd. Creekside, East Coweta, Newnan and Arlington Christian have benefitted from their knuckle head moves. This Peachtree City football influx is not working. As Diversity said last week don't want to talk about those players that can help you win. "Different" can be a good thing. Keep chasing your tale Northgate. Keep losing.
Posted by Northgate Observer for Years at 11:28 AM
two choices for our offensive coordinator. he has to either open things up or give up the play calling. two cards on the table. pick one. we can't ask the defense to be on the field all night.
Posted by concerned at 10:03 AM
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NG Mom
9/22/2009
Link To This Comment
You really should think about who you vent to in the community. We don't want things to get "Brewing" more than they need to. So we have opinions on fb. What about baseball and girls soccer?
Posted by NG Dad at 12:51 PM