North Side dominates Crockett
Calling it a “signature win” by his team, North Side coach Tab Vowell's pleasure with the North Side Indians' 39-0 region win over the Crockett County Cavaliers was only tempered by a severe groin injury suffered by starting quarterback Tyalen “Red” Shaw as the first half ended.
“In all three phases of the game we probably played the best we have all year,” Vowell said.
Shaw had two touchdown passes, going 9-for-11 for 130 yards unofficially before going out as the first half ended.
“Well, Coach Vowell told us we had to get a win and so I had to do what I had to do to help us a get a W tonight,” Shaw said. “It's a team thing. I had to stay in the pocket and be more patient throwing the ball.“
Regarding Shaw's injury, Vowell said, “We are going to have to baby him, doctor him and see what we can do to get him back into shape. When Red went out, Dexter [Pirtle] stepped in and everybody stepped up.”
A 32-yard pass from Shaw to Kylan Woods set up North Side's first score. Running back Darius Brown scampered down the left sideline 20 yards for the touchdown at 4:23 in the first quarter
As the first quarter ended, Shaw connected with Randall Boyington on a 48-yard touchdown pass play that made it 14-0 after Angelo Herera's kick.
A fumble recovery by Vasser Brooks at the Cavalier 27 set up the Indians' next score at 4:44 in the second quarter when Shaw found Pirtle for six yards in the front corner of the end zone.
Starting at their own 27 line with just 1:13 left until half, the Indians' good clock management and a 38-yard run by Brown set up a 20-yard field goal by Herera with four seconds left and it was 24-0 at halftime.
After taking over at quarterback in the second half, Pirtle raced 53 yards down the right sideline for a touchdown with 6:22 left in the game and Maurice Wilburn scored from four yards out as the game wound down.
“We needed a good win tonight. We know what kind of program Crockett County always has and it was big for us tonight,” Vowell said.
Region 7-4A play continues for both teams Friday when North Side (5-2, 4-1) travels to third-ranked in the state and undefeated Hardin County (6-0, 4-0) while Crockett County (3-3, 1-3) hosts 10th-ranked Chester County (5-1, 4-0).