A dominating performance by the defense and explosive play by the offense propelled Minneapolis North to a 44-6 City Conference football victory over Southwest last Friday afternoon.
Here is a breakdown of the game.
First quarter
Wide receiver MALIK MATTHEWS dominated the opening period. The junior nearly scored on the opening kickoff and then caught touchdown passes of 14 and 11 yards from do-it-all quarterback TYLER JOHNSON. Johnson, also a junior, was also involved in a pair of two-point conversion — a pass to senior MARTICE CLARK and a run himself — giving the Polars a 16-0 lead.
Second quarter
A 13-yard scoring run by senior running back JOSH CUNNINGHAM followed by Johnson’s two-point conversion made it a 24-0 ballgame.
Southwest gained some momentum after sophomore quarterback BRENNAN HAWKINS connected with senior DESHAUNTIE LAWSON from 14 yards out to make it 24-6.
North responded with Johnson connecting with senior receiver KEYON THOMAS on a 50-yard bomb and a successful two-point conversion run by Cunningham for a 32-6 lead as the half ended.
Third quarter
Matthews scored on a 32-yard touchdown for a 38-6 advantage.
Fourth quarter
Thomas caught North’s final touchdown on a 38-yard pass from Johnson.
Five interesting facts
Former Minnesota Vikings receiver LEO LEWIS is the athletic director at North.
Thomas also had two key catches during one of North’s scoring drives.
North basketball coach LARRY MCKENZIE was in attendance.
Some of the hits by North’s defense were so hard they could be heard clear across the field.
Lawson’s tightrope catch in the corner of the end zone for Southwest was definitely a highlight.
Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mmcdonald@spokesman-recorder.com.
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