Well, you couldn’t expect a team to win every game. After a 4-0 start, the Tigers’ football team finally dropped one, falling to the Lindenhurst Bulldogs by a score of 20-14. 

The moral of the story for Northport was a struggle that they just persevered through. That was reflected by their very first offensive drive, as a very long run ended up being fumbled into the back of the endzone for a touchback and a Lindenhurst ball. A slow and methodical first first quarter ended in no score, with the Northport defense showing off its talents. 

The second quarter is where the Northport offense carried its weight, as quarterback Owen Johansen hit a clutch fourth down conversion to senior receiver Aidan Campbell. As the Tigers marched their way to the goal line, Lindenhurst sent a big blitz on a passing play that looked like it would challenge Johansen. But as he was falling, he found running back Christian Raio in the back of the endzone, flipped up a high pass, and a wide-open Raio gave the Tigers the lead. 

Overall, the Tigers defense was strong. However, they just could not find a way to neutralize opposing receiver Chris Carson. A baseball commit to Stony Brook University, Carson would have a 22 yard reception to set up his own touchdown later on the drive. Carson also was a problem on defense, with an interception, forced fumble, and a sack. 

Lindenhurst also had a strong start to the second half, as an 80-yard connection gave them the lead. The Tigers soon bounced back with a long touchdown of their own, following Aidan Campbell’s interception. Evading a diving Carson, Johansen rolled out to his right, and fired a dart to tight end Andrew Miller midfield. Miller ran all the way to the left sideline, and used his speed to tie the game with a 78-yarder of his own. 

Unfortunately for the Tigers, they could not get on the board again. Lindenhurst had a long and methodical drive that ended with a goal line score with 25.5 seconds remaining in the game. The Tigers were determined, as a hail mary ball in the final seconds was caught, but three yards too short as the Bulldogs were the ones celebrating the big play. 

The overall game was a struggle, but the Tigers still had some standouts. Linebackers Tim Cleary and Ryan McEnroe had ten and nine tackles each, respectively. Jackson Campbell ran for 70 yards, while Jason Ahlstrand had 68 yards through the air. Next up, for what looks like a strong Tigers squad, is West Babylon, as Northport goes back on the road.