Jets’ D comes up huge in second half for win

Defensive turnover, plus big rushing score put Northeastern in control.

Northeastern's Levi Wilson (left) ties up Northwestern's Jeff Bost. Contributed photo by Randy Hilt

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By Michael Cooper, Staff Writer Updated 1:48 AM Saturday, September 3, 2011

SPRINGFIELD — With the score tied 13-13 at halftime, Northeastern High School football coach Scott Rolf told his defense they’d have to step up in the second half against Northwestern on Friday.

“We weren’t happy with some things at halftime,” Rolf said. “We felt like we gave them opportunity after opportunity when we felt we should’ve had four scores. We challenged our kids to eliminate mistakes and play harder defense.”

The Jets used a strong defense and big plays in the final 24 minutes to lift them to a 28-21 victory over the Warriors at Taylor Field in the first matchup between the former Central Buckeye Conference rivals since 2000. Northeastern improved to 1-1 on the season.

The Warriors drove the ball down the field to start the second half, but the Jets’ Cody Parker intercepted Hunter Houseman’s pass to end the drive. Two plays later, senior Brentyn Stoops scored on an 81-yard TD run to make it 20-13. Stoops finished the game with 137 yards rushing.

On the Warriors’ ensuing possession, the Jets sacked Houseman on the 5-yard line, forcing a punt from the end zone which landed on Northwestern’s 27. Two plays later, Tyler Ford scored on a 26-yard run to make it 28-13.

After allowing 187 yards in the first half, the Jets allowed just 109 the rest of the way — and most of that came on one play. They also added a key goal-line stand with 10:29 remaining after a botched punt snap gave the Warriors the ball deep in Jets territory.

“Our defensive players and coaches at halftime adjusted, they listened and worked together to be able to do that,” Rolf said. “That made me proud.”

The Warriors didn’t go away without a fight. Northwestern’s Zach Uselton ran for an 82-yard TD with 1:28 remaining, and Houseman scrambled for the two-point conversation to pull within seven points at 28-21.

The Warriors nearly recovered the ensuing onside kick, but the Jets grabbed the ball and ran the clock out.

“We knew these kids would fight,” said Warriors coach Brian Stevens. “We’ve got really good kids. I think we got better tonight, but we still made too many big mistakes.”

Northeastern’s Jed Taylor opened the game with a 97-yard kickoff return to make it 7-0. The Jets then forced a fumble on Northwestern’s first possession, which led to a Brad Orahood 1-yard TD run to make it 13-0.

Then Northwestern took over the game. The Warriors drove the ball 75 yards on the next possession, capping it off with a 12-yard TD pass from Houseman to Tanner Maxel.

With 16.5 seconds remaining, Uselton hit Austin Marshall on a 43-yard halfback pass, tying the score at 13 at the half.

But it was big plays and defense that helped Northeastern earn the victory.

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