North Baltimore High School Football Tigers held the lead for a large portion of the game at NB’s War Memorial Field, but in the end, came up short, 18 – 12.
NB held the lead at the half 12 – 7, holding the lead until there were 3 minutes to go in the game, when the Knights picked up the go ahead TD on a 37 yard run by J. D. McNett (20 attempts for 105 yards and 2 TD’s).
Otsego scored first, just over a minute into the game, on McNett’s first score, a 3 yard run (extra point was good), for a 7 – 0 lead. NB would stiffen up on ‘D’, but penalties and blocked kicks would hold NB back much of the first half.
Finally, NB got on the board early in the 2nd quarter, with a 100 yard interception return by Chase Naugle (extra point blocked). The Tigers scored offensively (4:14 to go in the half) with a 62 yard pass play from Brady Rader to Taylor Bishop (2 point attempt failed). But NB held the lead at the half 12 – 7.
NB and Otsego slugged it out in the 3rd quarter, with the Knights getting a field goal with 4 minutes to go in the 3rd, to pull within two points, 12 – 10. Through much of the 4th, both defenses would come up with plays that stopped the other, until that final TD by McNett.
The Tigers got the ball back with 3 minutes to go, needing to put together a drive to try to tie the game, but were unable to come up with any plays, that would gain any yards, turning it over on downs, to end their chances for the upset of the bigger program.
Stats:
NB would attempt 21 running plays, gaining only 15 yards (Bishop 9 rushes/13 yards); NB’s passing saw Rader hit 13 passes in 25 attempts for 240 yards, 1 TD. Bishop was the leading receiver, 3 catches for 75 yards and 1 TD.
NB opens Blanchard Valley Conference play next Friday, here in NB, against Riverdale, 7:00 kick-off.
The Tiger Marching Band and the Marching Knights put on excellent halftime shows and joined together for a couple of numbers that wowed the crowd!
