Northside scored seven touchdowns in Friday’s 47-0 season-opening win over Creswell. The Panthers displayed the explosiveness of their ground-based offense, but the defense had an exceptional outing in the shutout win.

Just like the offense started strong with James Barrow scoring twice in the first five minutes, the defense took no time at all to impact the game. The Panthers stalled Creswell at midfield after Barrow’s first touchdown, setting the table for him to score again once the offense got the ball back.

Specifically, it was Northside’s secondary that consistently robbed the hosting Tigers of momentum time and time again. The Panthers’ defensive backs forced plenty of turnovers and scored twice.

 

MATTHEW MARSLENDER

Junior strong safety Matthew Marslender is undoubtedly one of Northside’s leaders on the backend. He saw plenty of action at quarterback, but made his most significant impact on the defensive side of the ball.

Marslender recovered a fumble in the first quarter on Friday and notched an interception just before halftime. Moreover, he did well directing Northside’s defensive backs. He was a nightmare for whichever receiver he covered, making it increasingly difficult for Creswell to move the ball through the air.

It was largely thanks to his efforts that the Panthers’ defenders spent minimal time on the field.

JACKSON MIDGETTE

Quarterback Jackson Midgette has proven time and again that he’s a threat with the ball in his hands. He showed that early in the game with a 35-yard touchdown run in the first quarter that pushed Northside’s early lead to 20-0.

In the second quarter, Midgette proved he can make plays on defense, too. He slotted in at cornerback and, as if he could read the opposing quarterback’s mind, nabbed his first interception of the season and took it to the house for a touchdown.

JOHNATHAN CLARK

Marslender and Midgette are known threats when they’re on the field. Sophomore cornerback Johnathan Clark now falls into that category after a dominating performance in the Panthers’ first game.

The talented youngster forced the aforementioned fumble that Marslender recovered in the first quarter. Later in the period, Clark notched Northside’s first interception of 2016 and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown — also the Panthers’ first defensive score of the year.

Clark proved that he’s a force to be reckoned with not only on defense, but also on offense and as a return specialist. With the number of experienced players around him, his development will be interesting to follow this year.

DEVONTE SLADE

Senior cornerback Devonte Slade rounded out an exceptional showing from Northside’s defensive backs. He was quietly consistent throughout the evening before notching an interception late in the fourth quarter.