With a score of 28-23, the Northern High School Patriots won the 3A state football championship for the first time in school history. This game marks both the first appearance in a championship game and the first state championship title for Northern.

Coach Richard Holzer made a big splash during his inaugural season with the Patriots, taking them to the school’s first appearance and victory at the 3A state championship. “We knew that they were experienced and that we were going to have to play well,” said Holzer. To prepare for the game, the team practiced on turf fields, like the Naval Academy field where the championship game was held. “Everyone had their energy up for all the practices,” said Gavin Whittington, RB/LB. Northern took an early 21-0 lead in the first quarter of the championship game thanks to touchdowns scored by Tyler Baskett and Cody Howard.

Video courtesy Kelly Maddox

Linganore responded with a touchdown in the second quarter, cutting the lead to 21-7. Baskett caught another touchdown pass late in the second quarter giving the Patriots a 21-point lead. Linganore then passed for a ten-yard score making it 28-14 towards the end of the first half. “I was nervous… we had to come out and answer quick,” said Zach Crounse, QB. Linganore converted on a 31-yard bomb bringing the score to 28-21. Linganore managed a safety in the third quarter, bringing the score to 28-23, which would prove to be the final tally. “I felt our kids played hard to get back in the game. They left it out there on the field like you are supposed to,” said Linganore coach, Rick Conner.

The Patriots elected to try for a fourth and one to seal the game, instead of attempting a field goal which would have given them an eight point lead. Gavin Whittington took a direct snap and rushed for three yards and a first down, sealing the victory for Northern. Northern’s enthusiastic fans were a factor the entire game. Players not in the game were raising their arms pumping up the crowd. The cheerleaders also kept the fans energized throughout the game. “The energy of the crowd impacts the player performance and as a cheerleader that’s our job,” said Cate Hall, a Northern cheerleader. Freshman Dylan Kuhstoss watched from the stands with his peers as the Patriots took the final knee, running out the clock and ending the game. “The war was over that the team fought,” said Kuhstoss.

Now the work begins to prepare for the next season and another championship run. “I think the team can make a long run next year,” said Crounse. “Next year, we will have a different group of kids,” said Holzer, “Overall, the offense doesn’t change much year-to-year. That’s all going to be determined by who shows up in the weight room in January.”

Cover photo courtesy Kelly Maddox.