Norview Pulls Off Stunning Win
D.J Mack connected with Kavon Lawson for a 20-yard touchdown pass with seven seconds remaining on the clock as Norview pulled out a stunning 37-31 win over the Hampton Crabbers. The Pilots revenged last years playoff loss to Hampton and they moved to within one game of a state championship game appearance.
It was an instant classic between two great teams with neither wanting to end their season before December.
Both teams scored touchdowns in the final minute. University of Maryland recruit Dazz Newsome appeared to have led a furious second half comeback when he made an acrobatic leap to haul in a 40-yard touchdown pass with 47 seconds to go. The reception gave the Crabbers a 31-30 lead with the extra point and sent the Hampton crowd into a frenzy.
The smart fans however did not cash in their playoff Region playoffs tickets just yet knowing the Pilots had 47 seconds left to score and the dangerous D.J Mack who is committed to D1 Central Florida. Mack connected with Lawson for a 13-yard gain then scrambled for 15 yards to give the Pilots a 1st down at the 20-yard line. On the next play, Mack found Lawson with a perfectly timed pass in the end zone for a touchdown.
The Pilots took a 14-0 lead in the 1st quarter after opening the game with a 72-yard drive that ended with Jamal Deaton recovering a Marks fumble in the endzone for a touchdown. Mack bolted up the middle on a 53-yard run to set up the next score. Marks capped the 69-yard scoring drive with a 20-yard touchdown run with 4:15 to go in the 1st quarter.
Norview controlled the momentum for most of the game and they led Hampton 27-10 with 8.25 left in the 3rd quarter after a 13-yard touchdown run from running back Kevin Marks who ended the game with two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown. Marks carried the football 16 times for 148 rushing yards.
Hampton used the long bomb to get on the scoreboard just before the end of the 1st quarter. Quarterback Cam Stevenson connected with Burnell Pulley down the Crabber sideline for a 57-yard touchdown to cut the lead to 14-7.
Players of the Game
Offensive Player of the Game
D.J. Mack completed 8 of 17 passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 131 yards on 13 carries and a score. Mack was at his best in the final minute leading the Pilots on their game winning touchdown drive.
Defensive Player of the Game
Datavious Bessant had at-least eight tackles including a big goal line tackle that forced a Hampton field goal.
