Northview Chiefs Win Florida 1A State Championship

December 8, 2012

The Northview High School Chiefs won the Florida Class 1A football championship Friday night in Orlando, beating the Trenton Tigers 42-21.

The road to Orlando had been oh so long for the Chiefs — losing out the past couple of years a the state semi-final level — making the victory oh so much sweeter Friday night.

The state title is the first ever for Northview, the only Escambia or Santa Rosa County team to make the Citrus Bowl in Orlando this year.

There were 3,609 fans on hand for Friday night’s game — over 1,500 of them making the road tip from North Escambia.

For a highlight photo gallery, click here. NorthEscambia.com will publish hundreds of additional photos over the next several days.

After a scoreless first quarter, La’Mikal Kyles scored for the Chiefs on a 58 yard run with 11:07 on the click. And the Chiefs were just getting warmed up. Chad Smith was in with 8:25 in the half on a 20 yard blocked punt return.And LaDarius Thomas scored on a two-yard run with just 34 seconds in the half. With good kicks from Kevin Vaughan on all three touchdowns, the Chiefs held a 21-0 dominating lead at the half.

Trenton scored on a three yard run in the third, while Northview scored twice in the quarter. Neino Robinson had a 79 yard kickoff return, and Brannon Freeman add a touchdown with a 28 yard run.

Northview had one touchdown, a six-yard run from Kevin Vaughan, in the fourth, while Trenton scored twice. As the clock wound down, the Chiefs won the 1A championship 42-21.

Kyles finished the night with 113 yards and one touchdown on 12 attempts. Freeman had a touchdown and 61 yards on 11 attempts, and Thomas also added a TD and 39 yards on 10 attempts.

Trenton covered more artificial turf that Northview in the Citrus Bowl — 270 yards to Northview’s 226.

For a highlight photo gallery, click here. NorthEscambia.com will publish hundreds of additional photos over the next several days.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

87 Responses to “Northview Chiefs Win Florida 1A State Championship”

  1. JLee on December 11th, 2012 3:45 pm

    WAY TO GO KEVIN #12. HAVE LOVED WATCHING ALL OF YOU ON FRIDAY NITE!!!WE HAD A GREAT TIME AT ALABAMA WING HOUSE WATCHING YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!!!

  2. Ray McCullough on December 10th, 2012 4:48 pm

    To have been priviledged to watch and cheer for these young men as the team worked their way through the games on their schedule this year has given me a renewed appreciation for what can be gained through brotherhood. At times adversity challenged this,(CHIEFS), football team, they remained united when injury compromised one, some other player would step up and they remained overcomers even in times when the final score was not in their favor.
    Young men you have earned the alocades,afforded you all at this time. 1A Class State Football Chapnions!!! Behind the scenes are the people who love you and instilled the good characteristics which have enabled you all to be winners in sport as well as examples to the players following in your footsteps. God bless and keep you every one in present and future endeavors.

  3. khandy k on December 10th, 2012 4:13 pm

    GGOOOOOOOOO CHIEFS I LOVE YOU GUYS GREAT JOB YOU GUYS SAW YALL ALL THE WAY HERE IN ATLANTA GOOOOD JOB IM SO PROUD OF YOU GUYS

  4. Dale K. on December 10th, 2012 10:01 am

    Good job chiefs,and to all coaches and parents, NORTHVIEW CHIEFS #1

  5. Brenda Godwin on December 9th, 2012 9:49 pm

    What a year! What a team! What a game! I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Shine on no. 38.Also, a special thanks to Coach Bell from JHS who helped make this division possible. What do we do now on Friday nights, Chiefs!!!!

  6. Laura on December 9th, 2012 8:54 pm

    Congratulations from the Class of 1951. We have only a few left from our class but we all are proud of all of you; although we were graduates of dear ole Ernest Ward we know you all are carrying on the tradition of team spirit at Northview. We are so proud of you.

  7. Mary Gilliard on December 9th, 2012 3:24 pm

    Congratulations,and Well done…Northview Chiefs

  8. Vivian Black- The Proud Mother of #22 on December 9th, 2012 2:49 pm

    To God Be The Glory! I am so proud of the Northview Chiefs! Coaches, you did a Spectacular job indeed, all of u… And Congratz guyz for the hard work this year that certainly payed off in the End. You guyz were already #1 in God’s eyes, and mine as well! I wud like to say that i am so proud of my son Cameron Rasheed Newsome #22, He has certainly made all of us proud indeed, especially his #1 fan, myself. I thank god for making it all possible for “Cam” to be a part of this Unforgettable Triumph! Youngmen, please keep God 1st and u all can Go, Do, and Be anything u all set ur minds and hearts to. I love each and every one of u guyz and 4 Life… remember that? And thanks to the entire staff @ NVH for putting up with all the parents, especially me!Lol. I love u all @ NVH, Blessed Be God In The Highest! All i have to say now is, “BUT GOD”. Because we know He’s the Real Source of It all…

  9. EB Holk on December 9th, 2012 12:42 pm

    Thank you Bobby Simpson. Great words!
    Thank you Bro. Tim for your comments.
    Honored to be a part of this.

  10. Jarrod Davison on December 8th, 2012 6:27 pm

    Way To Go CHIEFS!

  11. Billy Gates on December 8th, 2012 5:54 pm

    WHAT A CLASS ACT, CONGRATULATIONS CHIEFS

  12. Joyce Gunn on December 8th, 2012 4:17 pm

    Northview High School team bus should arrive in Bratt between 6:30 and 7:00 PM. Hope everyone in the Bratt area can line up the back entrance to the school to show the team our appreciation of an outstanding win.

    Great job Chiefs…Class 1A State Champions!!!
    Mrs. Gunn

  13. jackie band mom on December 8th, 2012 3:43 pm

    congratulations Cheifs. you deserve this. Shout out especially to my Son Michael Hall And the Northview band , Yall are awesome. Also Shout out to our cousin Laderious Franklin (kemp) the whole family are so proud of you both. Get home safe and soon.

  14. Gwen Butler on December 8th, 2012 3:11 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS!

  15. Diann Stewart on December 8th, 2012 2:27 pm

    Way to go Chiefs. The community of Bratt is so very proud of you guys. Good job band and cheerleaders. Keep up the good work.

  16. Rita Tullis on December 8th, 2012 10:53 am

    Congrats to my nephew, Daulton #8, and the entire Northview Chiefs. Thank you to those who sponsored and to those that traveled to Orlando……

  17. j on December 8th, 2012 10:51 am

    Does anyone know when the team will be arriving at the school? Would be great to show our community support and pride to be there when they return.

  18. Former Chief on December 8th, 2012 10:48 am

    Good job chiefs! I love my boys of fall! I think as a community we should welcome these boys home! Who agrees?

  19. Judys on December 8th, 2012 10:41 am

    CONGRATULATIONS CHIEFS!!!!!!!! what a great game to listen to on the radio and watch on ESPN-3 on the internet. wish I could have been there with you Hunter, let’s do it again next year.

  20. Ronnie on December 8th, 2012 10:29 am

    From an old former Atmore Blue Devil Q.B…….congrats to the Chiefs…way to go!
    Logan…I can tell papa is one proud daddy!….again great job and of course go Chiefs and Roooll Tide !

  21. Brian Prescott on December 8th, 2012 10:20 am

    Congratulations to the NORTHVIEW CHIEFS from a JAY ROYAL!!

  22. Kayla nahkala on December 8th, 2012 9:47 am

    Nice good chief the wing house was full of cheer for u guys !!

  23. Atmore G on December 8th, 2012 9:46 am

    A great game, and a great win for the Chiefs.. I listened to the entire game and I was really impressed with this team.. Although I am enjoying the moment, I can’t wait for next year so we can repeat!!

  24. Cheyenne Glenn on December 8th, 2012 9:30 am

    Great job cheifs proud of my boys. Yal came a long way to win to make us very proud of yal… keep up wit the good work!!!!

  25. Carrie Ellis Fields class of 97 on December 8th, 2012 9:23 am

    So proud to be a Chief! Merry Christmas…..Go Chiefs you guy’s are AWESOME!

  26. elijah Bell on December 8th, 2012 8:21 am

    Great job Northview Chiefs. Proud of the school, Century,and Walnut Hill. A Rural State Championship for this part of the state is what the Division is all about. Be proud you will carry this for the rest of your lives.

  27. puddin on December 8th, 2012 7:57 am

    Super wow! I dont even like football but I was callin my brother last night for him to explain what an “off side” meant, totally wrapped up in the game. I am just so, proud
    Of all you kids. And our band and cheerleaders rocked! GO NORTHVIEW!!!

  28. Bobby Simpson on December 8th, 2012 7:41 am

    My old buddy and good friend Tommy Weaver who was so passionate and devoted to the Northview Chiefs would have loved every minute of this run to the championship. I don’t know how much someone in heaven sees down here, but if Tommy could see (I know they say there are no tears in heaven) I firmly believe there would tears of joy flowing down Tommy’s cheeks.

    He was my friend and I miss him. When I sub at Northview after retiring I walk in the door and have to catch myself because I find myself looking for Tommy.

    Would we all be so passionate and loyal to Northview as Tommy Weaver so demonstrated, sometimes to the point of being ejecting from games or drawing penalty flags. That’s who he was and he did not apology for it.

    HAIL TO THE CHIEFS. Thanks to Tommy Weaver for all those years of loving Northview not just by words, but by his actions.

  29. Crystal on December 8th, 2012 7:34 am

    Will there be a parade or celebration of some kind when the team returns home?

  30. Willene & Preston Bryan on December 8th, 2012 7:32 am

    We are so proud of each one of you. Way to go, Northview High School Chiefs State Champs!!!!!

  31. E. Sansom on December 8th, 2012 7:17 am

    Congratulations, Northview Chiefs! You did a terrific job and showed the whole state what great kids we raise in the north end of the Panhandle!

  32. KATHY on December 8th, 2012 7:03 am

    CONGRATULATIONS! WATCHED FROM HOME AND LISTENED TO THE GAME ON THE RADIO AT THE SAME TIME!! IT WAS AWESOME SEEING CHIEFS DOMINATE! CHIEFS ARE #1!!!!

  33. Arron McCants on December 8th, 2012 6:52 am

    Many time have you chiefs made it this far but now you have accomplished a great task congrats to all you boy and girls you fought for a ring and earned it so proud to have been a Chief. Chiefs run the house. Go get it again next year.

  34. dan-o on December 8th, 2012 5:37 am

    Congratulations, Florida class 1A State Champion-Northview Chiefs!!!

    You make north Escambia county proud!

    We know you all are proud as well, as you should be.

    Way to go!

  35. Richard C on December 8th, 2012 4:42 am

    Congrats al the hard work paid off a well deserved victory

  36. Tammy on December 8th, 2012 4:06 am

    Way to go Chiefs loved watching it on ESPN..REPLAYS.. good to see all the support,
    Will there be rings??

  37. JW on December 8th, 2012 12:06 am

    Way to go Chiefs!

  38. doug coburn on December 8th, 2012 12:02 am

    Number 1…Goat Cheese…proud of you all…

  39. Ronda on December 7th, 2012 11:57 pm

    Congratulations to the entire NHS football team, coaching staff, band, and cheerleaders. Whether you’d won or lost, you’ve represented the community well, but so proud of you for the win!!! Go Chiefs!!!

  40. Freedom on December 7th, 2012 11:13 pm

    Congrats Chiefs!! What great memories were made tonight!

  41. Tommy and Sandra Greenwell Jr. on December 7th, 2012 11:01 pm

    Northview Chiefs…. You worked hard and had a great season!

    Congratulations on earning position of State Champs for Florida Class 1A!

    Have a safe trip back to the Panhandle, along with your many fans.

  42. Alumni'2001' on December 7th, 2012 10:30 pm

    Way To Go Guys!! Awesome Job!! Thanks for working hard and playing great!! You represented your hometown amazingly and made us PROUD!!! Thanks CHIEFS!!!!

  43. Samantha Nowling on December 7th, 2012 10:13 pm

    Congrads chiefs ….yall did soo good :) what a way to end for class 2013

  44. onyr1911 on December 7th, 2012 9:57 pm

    Way to go Chiefs!! So proud of you guys with all of your hard work, commitment and dedication! Proud to be apart of the Northview family!

  45. Bro Tim on December 7th, 2012 9:51 pm

    Congratulations Champs! The Northview Chiefs proved tonight that they are the best Class 1A Football Team in the entire state of Florida! I mean from Miami…to Bratt! Champions in the game of football for the year 2012! What a great blessing to be a part of history in the making! We are so very proud of you guys! You are champions on the field and off! Not only are you the best football team, but you have the best coaches, cheerleaders, and band!! And, a wonderful base of fans that have supported you all year long! To God be the glory! FBC Bratt is so very proud of you!!

  46. Angie Killam on December 7th, 2012 9:47 pm

    Congratulations Northview !!!!!!!!

  47. well on December 7th, 2012 9:44 pm

    Congratulations to the Northview Chiefs.

    STATE CHAMPIONS!!!!!

    It was a great season , proud of all of you.

  48. Joanne on December 7th, 2012 9:37 pm

    Whoop-whoop!!! Super game! Congratulations on the victory Chiefs and way to go #12.

  49. SFC Ewing on December 7th, 2012 9:37 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am so proud of you young men. I know the school, the community, and your families are just as proud if not more. God Bless!!!

    GOOOOOOO CHIEFS!!!!!!!!!!!

  50. Senior 2011 on December 7th, 2012 9:34 pm

    Congratulations chiefs!! Finally a state championship yall had a great year i hope next year is even better!

  51. Nancy Perry on December 7th, 2012 9:31 pm

    Congrats NORTHVIEW CHIEFS!!!! Well done!!!

  52. NHS Parent on December 7th, 2012 9:31 pm

    CHIEF STYLE BABY!!!! Northview IS BRINGING IT HOME!! WHAT A GAME!

  53. Bloodsworth's in Bratt on December 7th, 2012 9:27 pm

    So proud of all our young people and all those who support them. Congratulations Northview Chiefs, you gave us an awesome football season. We got spirit yes we do!

  54. FutureChiefs on December 7th, 2012 9:25 pm

    Congrats Chiefs!!! Papa Weave would be proud of ya’ll and I’m proud to be one of you soon!!!!!

  55. Keith Garrison on December 7th, 2012 9:16 pm

    Congratulations Chiefs!!! We love you!!!! Great Game!!!

  56. Jim on December 7th, 2012 9:15 pm

    Congratulations Chiefs! Cherish the memories.

  57. Julie Booth-Moran on December 7th, 2012 9:14 pm

    Congratulations Northview Chiefs!!! Awesome game!

  58. Aaron on December 7th, 2012 9:10 pm

    Congratulations to the Boys from Bratt.

  59. MOMOF3 on December 7th, 2012 9:09 pm

    YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAY TO GO NORTHVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAY TO BRING IT HOME!

  60. ProudStudentOfNhs on December 7th, 2012 9:08 pm

    Way to go Nhs Chief, You make so proud!! Class of 2013 is going out with a big bang <3
    Love you guys soo much!

  61. RHONDA CURRIE on December 7th, 2012 9:07 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS BOYS !!! YALL DID IT !!!! WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO I AM SO PROUD OF ALL OF YOU !!!! GO CHIEFS !!!!!! THIS IS AWESOME !!!!

  62. MRS.HOLLINGSWORTH on December 7th, 2012 9:05 pm

    GREAT JOB YOU ALL PLAYED A GREAT JOB… EVERYONE HAVE A SAFE TRIP BACK HOME.

  63. Gary on December 7th, 2012 8:59 pm

    Can’t saying nothing but proud , proud , proud of a very great bunch of young men that played and put there whole heart into bringing home the state championship !!!!

  64. Scobie Wilcoxon on December 7th, 2012 8:59 pm

    Congratulations, Chiefs!

    Where’s that trophy pic, William?

  65. Willene Bryan on December 7th, 2012 8:58 pm

    So happy!! Chiefs you played a great game. Have fun and have a safe trip back home!!

  66. angelia on December 7th, 2012 8:58 pm

    HERE AND LOVIN’ THIS! WAY TO DO IT TEAM OF CHAMPIONS!

  67. Joanne on December 7th, 2012 8:57 pm

    Whoop whoop!! Way to go Chiefs! Super game! Congratulations on your victory.

  68. Mrs. Castor on December 7th, 2012 8:55 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS, CHIEFS!!!! So proud of all of you! STATE CHAMPS!!!!

  69. Proud alumna on December 7th, 2012 8:54 pm

    Way to go boys,what a great way to end the season!

  70. Bobby & Beverly Simpson on December 7th, 2012 8:54 pm

    Congratulations Northview Chiefs!!! We are so proud of you!!!

  71. Wilma Gibson on December 7th, 2012 8:52 pm

    Congratulations to the Chiefs. I went to the championship game 33 years ago. I know how excited you are.

  72. mrs. Hollingsworth on December 7th, 2012 8:52 pm

    you guys are the best and they just didn’t know what was coming there way. Thanks for the update..William

  73. Ronnie P. on December 7th, 2012 8:50 pm

    Way to go Cheifs! So proud of you!

  74. Mrs. Cook on December 7th, 2012 8:48 pm

    Way to go Chiefs! So proud of all of you!

  75. JusJen850 on December 7th, 2012 8:48 pm

    CONGRATS CHIEFS!!!! SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO MY NEPHEW, KAHLIL GRICE, #55(SENIOR). WAY 2 END UR HIGH SCHOOL CAREER….STATE CHAMPION. CONGRATS TO ALL THE PLAYERS, STAFF & FAMILY.

  76. Lee Coleman on December 7th, 2012 8:48 pm

    CONGRATS Coach Wheatley and your Chiefs!

  77. Amanda Sellars on December 7th, 2012 8:47 pm

    Proud to be a Chief! Good job boys.

  78. captainfire on December 7th, 2012 8:47 pm

    Way to go Chiefs…..Watched the game and enjoed it on ESPN……Congratulations

  79. Oak Grove Bud on December 7th, 2012 8:47 pm

    WOW!!! We are Number 1…… Way to go Chiefs! Time for a parade!

  80. karen c/o 2004 on December 7th, 2012 8:47 pm

    Way 2 Go Chiefs!!!!

  81. Carl on December 7th, 2012 8:46 pm

    Congratulations Northview on an AWESOME WIN!!!!!!!!

  82. MOLINO GIRL on December 7th, 2012 8:46 pm

    Congradulations!!!!!! All of you worked hard for this!!!!!!

  83. Gerri McDonald on December 7th, 2012 8:45 pm

    What a game !! Congratulations Northview

  84. Daysha . on December 7th, 2012 8:45 pm

    Good Job Cheifs !! Yall Came So Far This Year All Of Youu . Made Yalls Town Proud Of Yall !

  85. uncle allen on December 7th, 2012 8:45 pm

    Way to go Northview Chiefs!!!!!! There is a new number 1 in town!!!!

  86. Mrs. Detria Harris on December 7th, 2012 8:42 pm

    GOOD JOB BOYS!!!! Wish we could have been there to support you all! Watched it all on ESPN! Shout out to my godsons Neiko and Neino along with my adopted son, Arkelle Elliott! I’m very proud of you all!!!! Way to go Chiefs!

  87. terry on December 7th, 2012 8:41 pm

    Way to go Chiefs. So pround of you. Stare champs. Yea