The Northside football team ended the 2011 season on a nine-game losing streak but the Panthers refused to let their losing ways carry over into the new season as they rolled past Creswell 30-6 in Friday’s season opener.
“We tried so hard to erase the 0-9 season from a year ago. We really wanted to put it behind us,” Northside coach Keith Boyd said. “The kids played hard, the defense was really sound and we were able to overcome some questionable flags and showed some poise.”
Northside got key contributions from several players as Austin Gambrel, Kentrell Washington, Antonio Woods and Noel Howson each scored touchdowns for the Panthers.
“We were able to get the ball into a lot of people’s hands tonight,” Boyd said. “We tried to keep things as balanced as we could and I think it worked out for us tonight.”
Gambrel broke off a 50-yard TD run for Northside, while Washington scored from 30 yards out, Woods rumbled for a 15-yard TD and Howson danced into the end zone from 30 yards out.
The Panthers will be back in action next Friday when they play at Pamlico.