By Basil Spyridakos, Times Correspondent
Saturday, May 21, 2011
At Northside Christian
Score
Northside Christian 26, Central Florida Christian 22
Spring game-breakers: Northside Christian's Patrick Tomlin is a highly regarded offensive tackle, but because of a small roster consisting of 18 spring players, the rising senior has had to play a massive role on the defensive side of the ball, too. With time winding down in the first half, the Eagles lined up for a field goal, but Tomlin's quick penetration and big hand blocked the kick, which as returned 74 yards for a touchdown by Jason Piquette. Tomlin also helped bulldoze the way for a productive running game (136 total rushing yards, two touchdowns). Speedy tailback Evan Howard had a 72-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter and finished with three carries for 46 yards rushing and a reception for 21 yards.
Did you know? Northside Christian coach Andre Dobson is friends with Central Florida Christian coach Monty Vann. Vann was Dobson's defensive coordinator while the two coached in California.
Audible 1: "We're lacking numbers, and what we got out of this group is a group that's going to work hard and they're going to hang tough and they're going to play tough." — Dobson
Audible 2: "Tomlin's a huge force in more ways than one. He's going to be a senior leader making big plays for us." — Dobson
Basil Spyridakos, Times correspondent