Video - Norview Handles Salem-VB 41-13
The Norview Pilots amassed over 417 yards rushing as they beat the Salem Sun Devils 41-13 on Friday night in Virginia Beach to advance to the 5A-South Region Semifinals. There they will take on top-seeded Hampton, a 29-28 victor over Indian River, at Darling Stadium the day after Thanksgiving.
Norview is now 10-2 overall on the season with its two losses coming to defending 5A State Champ Highland Springs and last year's 4A runner-up Lake Taylor. Salem saw its season end at 8-4 overall.
The Sun Devils actually got on the scoreboard first. After a scoreless opening quarter, Scotty Watson found Davonte Williams for a 51-yard touchdown pass. Williams, who ran for over 1000 yards on the season, also had a 51-yard touchdown run and handled the punting duties, booming kicks of 54 and 46 yards late in the contest.
Overcoming three turnovers in the game's first 17 minutes, Norview quickly turned a 6-0 deficit into a 7-6 advantage when quarterback D.J. Mack immediately responded with a 67-yard touchdown run. He'd add another score as the Pilots took a 14-6 lead to half-time.
Tailback Kevin Marks, who is committed to play his College Football at Buffalo, went over 2000 yards rushing for the season. The Buffalo commit found the end zone on a 2-yard run that was set up by Mack converting a 3rd & 29 on a 36-yard run play. Norview continued to break off long runs, while their defense applied heavy pressure to help increase the lead.
Mack, a Central Florida commit, would end up with a season-high four touchdown rushes on the night, including a 51-yard scoring scamper in the fourth period. Jalen Joe led the defensive charge with seven tackles, three stops for a loss and a fumble recovery. Kavon Lawson also had a takeaway via an interception.
Next up for Norview will be a re-match with Hampton, who ousted them in the second round of last year's playoffs. The Crabbers moved to 11-1 overall after rallying to beat Indian River 29-28 on a late two-point conversion.
Video Interview with Norview Coach Dealton Cotton Here
Video Interview with Norview QB D.J. Mack & RB Kevin Marks Here