Tigers Ride Momentum In Homecoming Shutout
/By Andrew Wroblewski
awroblewski@longislandergroup.com
Momentum is tricky. Sports fans love to believe that making a big stop on defense or breaking off a big run on offense can carry their team to victory – but in actuality, momentum can’t physically be measured; it can’t be felt.
But on Saturday the Northport Varsity football team clearly had it.
Following the district’s induction of its inaugural athletic hall of fame class, the boys took to the field to take on Walt Whitman (1-1) in the school’s annual homecoming game. The Tigers (2-0) dominated 24-0.
On offense, slamming home 2 rushing touchdowns in the first half, junior John Tabert was the workhorse for Northport. Later on, in the fourth quarter, Rob Dosch, Northport’s junior fullback, sealed the deal with an 8-yard touchdown carry and just 6:00 left to play in the game.
On defense, the Tigers were stout and rarely left the Wildcats in a position to threaten. When they did, though, Northport forced Walt Whitman into turnovers or punts before its drives could amount to any points.
“We made too many mistakes; [Defensively] I thought Northport… executed better than us,” Wildcats’ Head Coach Robin Rosa said after the game. “As far as I’m concerned, they’re well coached, they’re well drilled [and] they had the better day than us.”
Saturday’s victory followed a nail biter for the Tigers when they edged Patchogue-Medford (0-2) in overtime 21-20, thanks to a game-winning touchdown by senior James Gerdvil. On the other side of the ball, Gerdvil also added 12 tackles for Northport.
This Saturday at 2 p.m., Northport will be on the road for the first time this season as it travels to undefeated Longwood (2-0). The Lions have outscored opponents 91-7 so far this season.
