When the Northeastern football team traveled to Hagerstown for the final game of the regular season on Friday, Oct. 18, the outright Tri-Eastern Conference title was on the line. A win would clinch the title for the Knights. A loss would have given Centerville a share of the title and end the Knights’ dream of an undefeated season.
The Knights took a 6-0 lead late in the first quarter on a 4-yard touchdown run by Zane Schneider, but the 2-point conversion attempt failed. The Tigers tied the game less than two minutes into the second quarter on a 14-yard touchdown pass from Kaagen Kendall to Roy Thornbury. The PAT kick from Aiden Grover that would have given the Tigers the lead hit the side of the goalpost and fell back on the field. With 7:56 remaining in the first half, Dylan Ross broke free for a 47-yard touchdown run. Marshall Phillips kicked the point after to give the Knights a 13-6 halftime lead.
The third quarter was all Northeastern. The Knights put up 14 unanswered points to expand their lead to 27-6 entering the final period. Ross scored on a 28-yard run, Blake Waters scored on a five-yard run and Phillips added both PAT kicks.
The Tigers tried to get back in the game in the fourth quarter, out-scoring the Knights 16-6, but time ran out before they could move closer and the Knights completed an unbeaten regular season with a 33-22 win.
Waters completed 8-17 passes for 94 yards and rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries. Ross carried the ball 12 times for 104 yards and two touchdowns. Schneider had a rushing touchdown, and Marshall added 3 extra points.
Schneider was also the leading tackler for the Knights with 13. Charlie Shaffer had 12 tackles, and Colton Creech, Kale Hansen and Dakota May each had 10 tackles.
Kendall completed 17-31 passes for the Tigers including a touchdown pass and 2-point conversion to Roy Thornbury. Graham Vinson completed two of three pass attempts including a touchdown pass and 2-point conversion pass to Jaxon Hale. Hale and Isaac Schmitz both scored rushing touchdowns.
The Tigers were held to 100 yards rushing, Hale led with 38 yards. Hale was also the leading receiver, catching five passes for 65 yards.
Cale Schmitz led Hagerstown in tackles with nine, Leyton Burger had seven and Combs a PAT attempt.
Hagerstown head coach Scott Snodgrass said he was happy with his team’s effort.
“Tonight was senior night,” Snodgrass said. “It was all about them. The entire team stepped up and competed well with an undefeated team tonight, and I am proud of them. We wish the Knights the best of luck in their postseason. Starting next week everyone knows that every night will be senior night.”
Knight head coach Wes Oler complimented his players and their opponent. “Hagerstown is well coached and they always play us tough,” Oler said. “They have had a lot of injuries. They are not a three-win team. I am so proud of my kids. They reached their goals of an undefeated regular season and the conference title. Now we want to make school history by winning our first-ever sectional.”
The Knights will open sectional play on Friday, Oct. 25, when they host Lapel. Hagerstown will host the Lincoln Golden Eagles the same night to open play in their sectional.
Northeastern (9-0, 8-0 TEC) 6 7 14 6 33
Hagerstown (3-6, 3-5 TEC) 0 6 0 16 22
A version of this article will appear in the October 23 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.