It’s been a long time since Northwestern Lehigh was able to walk off of its home field with a win over Southern Lehigh.

That dryspell ended Friday night when the Tigers opened the scoring quickly and didn’t let up on their way to a 34-19 victory.

“I didn’t say anything before the game but this is the first time that we’ve beaten Southern at home during my 10 years here. I hadn’t even realized it but one of the assistants told me,” said Snyder. “Not that it’s a huge deal but it’s nice and it’s a big win for us as far as the season is concerned.”

The Spartans won the toss and deferred, opting to get the ball to start the second half, which proved to be just fine with the Tigers. In just over a minute, Northwestern’s offense covered 69 yards with Justin Holmes hitting Taylor Wikert for the opening score on a 31-yard catch and run. Luke Benvin added the extra point and the Tigers went up 7-0.

Northwestern’s defense didn’t want to be outdone, so it stopped a Southern Lehigh drive when Ben Walters recovered a fumble by quarterback James Wisecarver. The offense again went to work, driving 65 yards in 10 plays with Holmes rushing up the middle into the end zone from three yards out.

Southern Lehigh was able to take advantage of a snap that went over Tiger punter Jacob Peters’ head to narrow the gap. The Spartans took over at the Northwestern seven-yard line. All it took was a handoff to Christian Trevis, who covered all seven yards, to get Southern Lehigh on the board. The extra point attempt was blocked and Northwestern still enjoyed a 14-6 lead.

The two teams then exchanged turnovers. Nick Ventresca intercepted a pass from Holmes, but two plays later a Southern Lehigh fumble was recovered by Blaine Snyder to give the Tigers the ball back at their own 34. Holmes hit big passes to Cody Hallock for 21 yards and then to Cade Christopher for 26 yards, before he ate up the final nine yards with another TD run. Northwestern went for two, but was stopped, leaving the score at 20-6.

Christopher finished the night with 55 yards receiving and 46 yards rushing for Northwestern. His role has changed slightly from simply being a pass catcher to getting some work out of the backfield and he has adapted well.

“I’m a little surprised at how many opportunities I’m getting, but I’m enjoying it. I didn’t expect to be running the ball like this, but I’m glad I’m getting the carries,” said Christopher, who is in his junior season. “I’m just trying to help my team out and I’m doing what I have to do. My teammates have the same approach and together we just all work really well.”

In the second half, Holmes controlled the scoring again for Northwestern with a 27-yard TD pass to Dalton Clymer and another rushing touchdown - this time going for 13 yards. Holmes finished with 300 total yards, collecting 178 yards through the air and 122 on the ground for the Tigers. He also rushed for three touchdowns and threw for two.

“We were able to hit on some big plays throwing the ball. We definitely threw more than we did last week and Justin did a good job again for us,” said Snyder. “Our playmakers made all the plays and that was a difference in the game for us.”

MILITARY APPRECIATION … Northwestern Lehigh wore special camouflage jerseys to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The two teams also observed a moment of silence prior to the game to reflect on the anniversary and the lives that were lost.

TOUGH GAME … Southern Lehigh running back Blaze Curry decided to play the game after the death of his step-father Mike Gurdineer, who passed away from COVID a day earlier. Gurdineer was a former Spartan assistant coach before taking an assistant coaching position at Northampton. Curry carried the ball 21 times for 109 yards in the game. The moment of silence prior to the game also was for Curry, his family and the Southern Lehigh High School community.