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Football: Northside Christian 43, Canterbury 8

 
Published Oct. 25, 2014

ST. PETERSBURG — Northside Christian ran its winning streak to four with a dominating performance over Canterbury on Friday night.

The 43-8 victory kept the Mustangs' playoff hopes alive as they prepare for next week's home game against Carrollwood Day.

Northside Christian (6-2 overall) turned a somewhat close Class 2A, District 5 game into a rout in the third quarter with three touchdowns, including a 60-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by DJ Jackson.

Fiante Bell was a big part of the Mustangs' offense. He carried 12 times for 83 yards and a score, which came on a second-half drive in which he had all eight rushes.

The Crusaders offense moved well early in the game, but their first two possessions ended with an interception and a turnover on downs in Mustangs territory. In the second quarter, they took advantage of a short field to reduce the Mustangs' lead to 14-8 as Josh Belton connected with Alex Nestor for a 9-yard score.

Canterbury's defense then held Northside Christian to a three and out, but failed to make a first down on the next possession. Canterbury then attempted a fake punt that ended with an interception that gave the Mustangs the ball at midfield.

Two plays later, quarterback Griffin Alstott connected with Derrick Wright for the first of their two touchdowns.

After a fumble recovery for a touchdown put the Mustangs up by 27 points, the Crusaders went into passing mode, but with very little success. Northside Christian held Belton to eight completions on 31 attempts.

Alstott finished 6 of 8 passing for 121 yards and three touchdowns.

"I've never been around a team that works this hard," Northside Christian coach Mike Alstott said. "Overall, the formula is one the kids are believing."