The Northlake Christian School Wolverines went into their second district game with high hopes Friday night at William Pitcher Field as they faced the struggling Southern Lab Kittens from Baton Rouge.

Unfortunately, the Wolverines were disappointed as they saw a fourth quarter lead slip away and sustained a tough 12-7 loss that dropped their district record to 0-2.

The Wolverines (1-5) held a lead well into the fourth quarter, only to see that lead vanish with less than three minutes left. During the first quarter, Northlake’s defense remained tenacious and held the Kittens to zero yards rushing, and only 28 yards in total offense for the quarter. However, on offense, Northlake squandered a golden opportunity for an early score on a fumble by Wolverine quarterback Tim Broussard at the Southern Lab 20 yard line. The Wolverines had driven over 60 yards on seven plays, including a 31-yard pass completion from Broussard to wide receiver Kyle Mitchell.

NCS'€™ Kyle Mitchell (14) intercepts a pass in Friday night'€™s District 7-1A game against Southern Lab. Chris Craighead (38) provides the double coverage for the Wolverines. (Photo by Mike McCall)

That drive was the only threat by either team during the first period, which was scoreless.

The second period started well for the Wolverines as linebacker Chris Craighead recovered a fumble on a wayward Southern Lab punt snap, giving the Wolverines excellent field position at the Kitten 25. However, on the third play of the drive, Broussard was intercepted in the end zone by Southern Lab cornerback Taurean Nixon, allowing the Kittens to regain possession at their own 20.

Southern Lab then put together its best drive as they plowed through the Northlake defense for 80 yards in 11 plays, ending with a 15 yard touchdown pass from Kitten quarterback Brandon Patin to wide receiver Michael Roach.

After the extra point was blocked by Mitchell, neither team was able to threaten again before the half ended with the Kittens up 6-0.

Both team’s defenses proved staunch in the third period as neither offense was able to mount an effective drive. With just 21 seconds left in the period though, Broussard, who plays both offense and defense, intercepted a Patin pass and returned it for 50 yards. Southern Lab was penalized 15 yards for a late hit on the play. NCS took over at the Southern Lab 35 yard line.

As the fourth period began, Broussard hit fullback Shawn Burst, who scampered 24 yards for the Wolverines’ only score of the night. After Northlake kicker Kevin Pence booted the extra point, Northlake held a 7-6 lead with 9:25 remaining.

The teams then exchanged punts, and the Kittens took over possession with 7:38 left at their own 26. Southern Lab then pounded the Wolverine defense with a 12-play, 74 yard scoring drive that culminated with Patin carrying the ball in himself for the winning touchdown with 2:41 left. After receiving the ensuing kickoff, Northlake did drive down to the Southern Lab 44 yard line before Broussard was sacked twice and finally gave up his second interception of the night, sealing the Southern Lab win.

After the game, Burst explained his touchdown reception was the result of a good read by Broussard. “Tim noticed that the left side cornerback followed the wide receiver (Mitchell), allowing me a clear opening for the reception and touchdown run,” Burst said. “We put out a good effort on defense, but we just were not able to put the game away,” Burst added.

Broussard finished as the leading Wolverine rusher with 45 yards on 15 carries with one fumble. Broussard hit on 8-of-15 passes for 108 yards with the one score, but had two interceptions. Mitchell caught five passes for 74 yards. He also contributed with a pass interception on defense.

NCS continues District 7-1A Friday traveling to Kentwood to battle the Kangaroos.