North vs. South (Part 2 of catching up on Polars' Football)

Honoring the Polars' seniors and those close to them.

Ballard was running like a man possessed.

David Hall (#11) is about to teach South some manners

The Tigers' QB, Soly Senaphanh, had moves of his own.

Ballard's intensity increased as the game wore on.

The Polars were swiping at the ball all game long, causing fumble after fumble.

Post and photos by the Hawthorne Hawkman

The Minneapolis South Tigers opened the game with a call rarely seen to start things off - a successful onsides kick.  Several plays after a long run by South's nimble quarterback, the Polars forced a fumble and recovered - the first of five times they would do so in the contest.

Running back Morocco Ballard was a man on a mission, twice running for gains of over ten yards on North's opening possession.  He finished off the drive with a dazzling 20-yard sprint into the end zone, putting the Polars on the scoreboard first, 6-0.

Following that drive...

Trick Play Spoils Ballard's Return, Polars' Homecoming

The Polars kept the pressure on Millers' QB Hughes all day long.

But Hughes was often quick enough to get rid of the ball in time.

Post and photos by the Hawthorne Hawkman

Although Morocco Ballard dressed last week after being injured early in the season, this was his first game back where he had significant playing time.  Through most of the game Friday, the North High Polars and the Minneapolis Washburn Millers were evenly matched.  Their defenses were evenly matched, and kept either offense from finding any sort of rhythm.  The Polars struck first, but their lead was negated by an efficient offense and a fluke play on special teams in the third quarter.

North High's first score of the game was made harder than it needed to be when...

Six Turnovers Propel Polars to Victory

Ballard's teammates carry him for the post-game handshakes.

Fumble!

And the Polars recover.

Post and photos by the Hawthorne Hawkman

Last week against the Patrick Henry Patriots, the Polars' defense played with heart, desire, and grit. This time, they played with confidence, and it showed. North high forced six turnovers and stopped Minneapolis Edison on fourth down four times, including twice sacking the punter.

North's offense showed improvement over last week as well, but still needs to be more disciplined. At least ten times they were called for delay of game, false start, or illegal procedure (improper motion or formation before the ball is snapped) penalties. And although they put together quite a few impressive drives, they scored only when they did not commit such penalties. If that doesn't change, they'll eventually come across an opponent that can take advantage.

For instance, on their first drive...

Staunch Defense Carries Polars to 7-6 Win

The Patriots were stuffed in the backfield on their 2-point conversion attempt that ended the game.

Shelby Deloney (#3) celebrates his game-winning tackle.

Post and photos by the Hawthorne Hawkman

Editorial note #1: One website and another source listed the start time for the game as 7:00 instead of 3:30. Those errors led me to arrive late and miss the first quarter.

Editorial note #2: This was my first attempt at covering a football game AND taking pictures. I found it rather difficult to keep track of which specific players made tackles, interceptions, etc. I could use some help with photography, and NXNS is now accepting applications for a sports field correspondent. This is not a paid position, but I will cover admission into the games.


Several key seniors from last year's deep playoff run had graduated, and the coaching staff went through its own turnover. Still, the North High Polars played with grit, and guts, and pure desire. That combination led to a stingy defense and an offense and special teams that still need work. But the defense covered other shortfalls and gave North High the opportunities they needed to win.

The first indication that this is a football team still working out some kinks was...