Northlake Christian to host Crescent City

The Northlake Christian School Wolverines finally get the 2008 regular season under way at 7 tonight, hosting the Crescent City Christian School Pioneers at William Pitcher Junior High.

Last week’s scheduled contest against White Castle was canceled due to Hurricane Gustav.

NCS, which finished 8-4 last season, split its two jamboree games in the St. Martin’s Jamboree.

The Wolverines topped the Lusher Lions, 3-0, on senior Kevin Pence’s 27-yard field goal as time expired. Freshman quarterback Tim Broussard hit on 4-of-6 pass attempts. Senior Alex Reed (6-5, 210) spearheaded the Wolverines’ defense with three solo tackles and two fumble recoveries. The Wolverines played the host St. Martin’s Saints to a scoreless tie. Broussard connected on 4-of-8 passes for 46 yards, including two 16-yard receptions to Taylor Bazzell and Tyler Clark.

Wolverines’ second-year coach Rowland Skinner said Broussard took charge in the jamboree.

“Tim is becoming the leader we need him to be. He turned in consistent performances in the jamboree. He continues to work hard with his reads and his footwork. He is becoming more comfortable and confident running the offense,” Skinner said.

Skinner said sophomore running back/safety Derek Williams did a good job on both sides of the ball in the jamboree.

Clark, a two-way performer, at fullback/linebacker continues to provide consistency and valuable leadership for the Wolverines.

Skinner highlighted the play of Reed, another one of his two-way performers.

“Alex played solid defensive football. He was able to disrupt our opponents’ offense with consistent penetration into the back field,” he said.

Skinner praised the play of his offensive line, led by junior guard Ryan Pfefferle along with sophomore center Cole Shorter and junior right tackle Grant McGovern, who continue to solidify play along the offensive front.

Skinner said his school finally had power restored last Thursday morning.

“Initially, we had about 25 of our 42 players back for practice,” Skinner said. “Our players started out a little slow, trying to get back into the swing of things. Our players have stepped it up, and the last couple of practices have been good,” Skinner added.

Skinner said Crescent City Christian has some good athletes.

“They center their offense around running back Keith Villafranco. He is a very talented runner who has good speed and exceptional lateral movement. He has good vision along with an excellent cutback ability,” Skinner said.

Crescent City Christian athletic director Johnny Reynolds said the Pioneers, which finished 6-5 last season, defeated Thomas Jefferson, 33-13, in the St. Martin’s jamboree.

The Pioneers run primarily out of a power I-formation, featuring Villafranco (5-9, 160), a senior all-district and all-metro selection. Villafranco starts at tailback and cornerback for the Pioneers.

Sophomore Lance Lewis (5-10, 150) is the Pioneers’ starting quarterback with senior wide out David Lahare (5-9, 150) as the top receiver. Senior offensive tackle Philip Ferry (6-0, 245) helps bolster the Crescent City line.

The Pioneers run a 5-2 defense led by senior defensive end Kerney Craft (5-11, 170) and junior Ben Watts (6-0, 170). Senior linebacker/fullback Zachary Campos (5-9, 185) is another two-way player, who will be counted on to deliver.