The Hive Sports

by James Tate

In the first round of the 2024 UHSAA 5A state football championships, the Northridge Knights’ potent offense and ball-hawking defense were too much for the visiting Hunter Wolverines in a 35-21 victory. The Knights finished the regular season losing four of their last five games but found their rhythm early against the Wolverines. Quarterback Tre Nye was on point throughout the game and accounted for four touchdowns, two rushing, and two passing.

Cooper Tubbs, Makai So’o, Diesel Daffer, and Tayven Norvang led the Knight’s defense with big plays and their relentless pursuit to the ball.

Isaac Fonua and Siaosi Koloamatangi led the Wolverines’ offense. Isaac Fonua scored two touchdowns, and Koloamatangi was the leading rusher for the Wolverines.

First half

The Knights’ early score came on Nye’s 5-yard touchdown run in the first quarter with 9:19 on the clock to make the score 7-0. The Knights recovered an attempted onside kick by the Wolverines to start the game at their 36-yard line. Converting on three third-down plays keyed the touchdown drive, including running back Andrew Ortiz and receiver Chase Harris making vital plays.

The Wolverine’s first offensive possession ended with a turnover on downs at the Knights’ 35-yard line. Taking advantage of the momentum, the Knights drove down the field and took a 14-0 lead, with Nye finding Harris on a 5-yard touchdown pass with :57 left in the first quarter. The Knight’s offensive line of Andruw Hadley, Jace Hansen, Ryan Fullmer, Kooper Salvador, and Jonathan Sanchez dominated the line of scrimmage by opening up running lanes and giving Nye time to find his receivers.

“The game plan was simply to go in there and do what we’ve been taught to do,” Sanchez said. “Our alignment and assignment with relentless attitude and effort.”

The Wolverine’s next possession went into the second quarter, and a snap over quarterback Isi Moungaafi’s head resulted in a fumble recovered by Knights linebacker Austin Quinn Bideaux. On the Knights’ next play, Nye would find receiver Dontae Dyson behind the Wolverine’s defense for a 38-yard touchdown pass. With 11:49 in the second quarter, the Knights held a commanding 21-0 lead over the visiting Wolverines.

After both teams exchanged punts, the next score would come at the 3:30 mark of the second quarter on Nye’s 26-yard sprint through the middle of the Wolverine’s defense into the end zone. Nye’s second rushing touchdown of the game made the score 28-0 in favor of the Knights. The game was in the Knights’ control until the final play of the second quarter when Moungaafi found receiver Ammaron Fonua on a deep pass that resulted in the Wolverine’s first touchdown of the game and cut the Knights’ lead to 28-7.

Siaosi Koloamatangi

Second half

With the Wolverine’s touchdown on the second quarter’s final play and receiving the second-half kickoff, they were in a prime position to get back into the game. Despite an early penalty on the drive, the Wolverines would drive down the field, and Isaac Fonua would score on a 1-yard touchdown run. The Wolverine’s drive would cover 85 yards, and the key play was a long pass completion from Moungaafi to receiver Connor Anderson, that moved the ball inside the Knight’s territory.

The Wolverines touchdown drive came with 3:49 in the third quarter, and the score stood at 28-14 in favor of the Knights. The Knights would take back control of the game on their next possession by driving down the field and scoring a touchdown on Dyson’s two-yard run. The score came with 10:01 in the fourth quarter, making the score 35-14. A vital play on the touchdown drive was a 22-yard pass completion from Nye to So’o on a fourth down and seven play.

The game’s final score came with .14 left in regulation, Isaac Fonua scored his second touchdown on a 1-yard touchdown run. The Wolverine’s season ends with a 4-7 record, but the future is bright for a team that will return talented players Isaac Fonua, Ammaron Fonua, Moungaafi, Traeden Siaosi and Anderson next season.

Makai So’o and Tayven Norvang pressure Isi Moungaafi

Outstanding performers

Nye finished the game, completing 17 of 21 pass attempts for 188 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 33 yards and two scores. Ortiz balanced the Knight’s offensive output with 101 rushing yards.

Harris led all receivers with seven catches for 78 yards and a touchdown.

“This game means a lot to everyone,” Sanchez said. “As the players, we have sought a shot at a state title, and this game puts us one game closer to making that a reality. We’ve been striving to make huge cultural changes for Northridge football and setting new standards. Playing another game with the guys I have played with throughout my high school career means everything. Making greatness happen with them is the best thing in the world. I know they feel the same.”

Defensively, Tubbs racked up 16 tackles, followed by Norvang’s 14 and 12 from So’o.

“Our main defense priority was just trying to apply pressure and make sure we all got to our correct spots,” Norvang said. “Getting to play another week with them is a blessing. I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else but these guys.”

The Knights move on to play at the seventh-seed Maple Mountain Golden Eagles on November 1, 2024.

photos courtesy of James Tate