Football: Two men down, twelve men strong

Although varsity football is now without its starting quarterback and star running back due to injuries, the team is still headed towards postseason play following a very strong 7-2 season.

Northgate has faced many challenges this season, from making the transition to the newly developed Diablo Athletic League (DAL) to facing side-lining injuries to many of their star players. The team’s transition has gone smoothly, with the team racing out to a 3-1 league record.

The team has proven competitive in every game this season, showing that the realignment to the DAL was definitely beneficial for them. Prior to the season, there was some skepticism surrounding the new league formation, but following the outstanding regular season, it seems that Northgate will fare well in the new super-league.

Season highlights include a win over Las Lomas in the Battle of the Creek, with Northgate routing the Knights 41-21. The win was followed by Northgate’s rowdy 12th Man storming the Las Lomas field once the clock ran down.

The end of the regular season was also filled with drama, including two wins in the last seconds. On Oct. 21 when Berean took the lead to 14-13 at eight minutes into the third quarter and held it until the final play. With four seconds left, Northgate went for a field goal that Berean blocked. As Berean players ran off the field in celebration and 12th Man sat silently, Gavin West picked up the ball on the still-live play and carried it into the endzone for a 19-14 win. On Oct. 28 at Alhambra, senior Chris Moser scored in the last minute on a screen pass from senior Mark Shaffer for a 20-19 win.

However, the season also came with some disappointments. Sophomore quarterback Jack Fulp suffered a concussion Oct. 14 in the 55-13 victory over Ygnacio Valley High School and, upon his return for their Alhambra game, recieved a broken collar bone. Shaffer led the team in the Berean win, and is expected to finish the season. Perhaps the biggest blow to the Broncos was the season-ending ACL tear for running back Jackson Smith.

“Injuries happen. It’s a part of the game. Our backups have been prepared and now other players are able to step up and fill those roles,” head coach Ben Ballard said. “Obviously it’s difficult losing a starting quarterback and all-league running back near the end of the season, but it’s a team game for a reason and the rest of the team will step up to the challenge.”

Smith, who undergoes knee surgery this week, remains proud of the team. “We have team unity, dedication and the desire to win,” said the senior captain. We’re well coached with dedicated players.”

The final regular season game was Nov. 4 against Mt. Diablo, with first round NCS set for Nov. 11.

“Our goal from the beginning of the year has been to win NCS and we’re still hoping we can continue to play well and reach that goal,” Ballard said.

Graduating seniors will leave less than half of the current team. Those leaving include three of the four captains-Smith, Nate Greene, and Sean Garrigan-leaving Fulp as the only returning captain from this year.