North Central cleared for takeoff as they upset the Knights
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SPALDING -- The lights were bright enough that a jet could take off and that is exactly what happened as the North Central Jets defeated the Norway Knights 29-14 here Friday.
It was sophomore Pryar LaBonte who stripped the ball from Norway late in the third quarter to preserve a three score lead in a play that would be up there in play of the year honors as it derailed any hope of a comeback by the Knights.
"It made me feel great to make the play for my team," LaBonte said. "The whole defense was on it tonight and we knew we had to come up big and we got it done."
The Jets jumped out to a lead early in the first quarter as Kaden Malone got outside and took it 34 yards to the house and with the extra-point put the Jets up 7-0.
"Our defense came to play tonight," Malone said. "From Pryar getting the forced fumble to the pressure put on by Myles Nehring who is a very talented player, whatever college gets him will be very happy."
With 11:57 to go in the first half Malone ran in from three yards out for his second of three rushing TDs on the night to extend the Jets lead to 13-0.
The Jets added to the lead as Malone connected with senior Riley Cretens on a 65-yard passing TD to put the Jets up 21-0 after converting on the two-point conversion.
"I have never really had the bubble opportunity this season," Cretens said. " I caught it, saw where my blockers were and just took off."
The Knights got on the board with :27 to go in the first half as senior Kaleb LaPine ran it in from four yards out to cut the deficit to 21-6.
Malone scored his third TD on the ground with 1:41 to go in the third quarter to extend the Jets lead to 29-6.
With 8:39 to play in the fourth quarter, LaPine connected with sophomore Tobi Anderson on a 9-yard TD pass and with the two-point conversion cut the deficit to 29-14.
The Jets return to action Friday as they travel to North Dickinson.