PINETOWN — Northside knew that Cameron Cahoon would be a key component to its defense this season. He led the team in tackles as a junior. Now, in his senior season, his next tackle will be his 100th on the season.

Cahoon has been integral to Northside’s defensive turnaround since its bye week. The Panthers regrouped after letting one slip away, 41-38, at Riverside a month ago. Since then, that unit has been directly responsible for the close wins that eluded the team earlier in the season.

In their return from their off week, Cahoon tied Parker Boyd with a game-best 13 takedowns in a win over South Creek. Cahoon brought pressure with 1.5 tackles for loss. Those seniors, along with defensive end and linebacker Tyreck Brown, have led the defensive front. The group has been stingy since the newer players along the defensive line are finding their groove.

Northside turned around, a week after running into 1-A powerhouse Tarboro, and edged rival Southside, 16-12. It brought the Anchor Bowl back to Pinetown for the first time since Cahoon and his fellow seniors were wrapping up their middle-school careers.

Cahoon has embodied a hard-nosed style that has helped produce Northside’s success. The Panthers don’t bring much team speed relative to some conference opponents. What they do bring is a physical style that’s hard to line up against for four quarters.

“He’s just like the other 25 on the team. They all are like that. He gets the chance to go out and shine a little bit because he gets to tote it,” head coach Keith Boyd said. “The guys up front are doing a darn good job, too. When you play the kind of football we play, you’re getting nine or 10 (defenders) in the box. Cam, hats off to him, he’s a tough runner. But, those guys up front and those wings, it doesn’t happen without those guys.”

Cahoon added, “It’s the intensity of our team. It’s not just me. It’s my teammates, too. Our whole team gets pumped up for clutch plays. … I can tell we’re building. We’re becoming better as a team every practice and every play.”

The senior linebacker has stepped into greater offensive responsibilities because of injuries. Cahoon had his number called more once fullback Raydarius Freeman got hurt in the South Creek game. He ended up leading all rushers with 70 yards and a touchdown.

“We bounce Cam around and we’re trying to keep him fresh. As the season goes on, we’re going to share the load. Ray’s still banged up a bit,” Boyd said. “Cam jumps right in there and goes at it. We feel fortunate that we’ve got two fullbacks that we can throw in there and really not lose a whole lot.”

It’s more important than it looks from the outside in. Having not just a capable fullback, but also one with intricate knowledge of the offense is integral to the way the Panthers move the ball. The depth Cahoon adds at the position has prevented their offense from being derailed.

“With the read stuff, you have to have a great mesh and trust in the fullback and quarterback,” Boyd said. “There’s got to be an ebb and flow. Coach (Walt) Davis has done a great job with the quarterbacks and fullbacks.”

The result? Cahoon and the Panthers have control of their fate. A win at Jones Senior this week sets them up for a second-place matchup against Pamlico County on senior night a week from Friday.