Football: Northside Christian at Naples First Baptist preview

2A region final

Northside Christian (7-2) at Naples First Baptist (9-1), 7:30

The Mustangs are in the playoffs for the fifth time in the past seven seasons and are in the region finals for the second straight year. Northside Christian already knows how to battle back from large deficits in the postseason. In last year’s region semifinals, they stormed back from a double-digit deficit to beat Carrollwood Day. Last week, the Mustangs fell behind 21-7 at the half before rallying to beat Community School of Naples 32-27. That extended Northside Christian’s win streak to five. The Mustangs have balance on offense. Quarterback Will Griffin, an eighth-grader, took over as the starter this season and has thrown for more than 300 yards four times and at least four touchdowns five times this season. Running back Zuri Watson, a sophomore, has turned it on late in the season, rushing for than 100 yards in each of his last two games. The Lions, ranked fourth in the class by MaxPreps, have been dominant this season. Eight of their nine wins have been by 20 or more points, including a 43-0 rout over two-time defending state semifinalist Seffner Christian in last week’s region semifinals. 

Stat leaders

CategoryNorthside ChristianNaples First Baptist
Passing yardsWill Griffin, 2,232 (27 TDs, 12 INTs)Ty Keller, 2,197 (33 TDs, 5 INTs)
Rushing yardsZuri Watson, 647 (8 TDs)Richemard Mellien, 374 (5 TDs)
Receiving yardsOne Williams, 746 (8 TDs)Olsen Henry, 915 (15 TDs)
TacklesBrayden Scarbro, 39Michael Votta, 70
SacksTwo players tied with 4 ½Andrew Fabela, 7
InterceptionsJoe Key, 4Five players tied with one.