DOVER — For one half, North Montgomery played with undefeated Western Boone Stars. Then the Chargers ran out of steam in the second half and the Stars exploded for 35 second half points.
North Montgomery fell behind 21-0 shortly after the second quarter started, then the Chargers ignited for some of the best football they have played all season. Two quick Charger touchdowns made the score 21-14 and all the momentum was belonged to North Montgomery at halftime.
North Montgomery got on the board when Warren found Harwood near the goal line. Harwood was able to fall into the end zone for the touchdown. After a successful two-point conversion by running back Jayden Thompson, the Chargers were down 21-7.
On the Stars next possession the Charger defense stiffened and was able to recover a Star fumble on Stars 23 yard line. It took North Montgomery seven plays to score again when Warren hit pay dirt from four yards out.
The Chargers actually had the ball on their own 22 late in the second quarter, but could get no closer thanks to a couple of penalties and a Star sack of Warren. The second half started with North Montgomery executing a perfectly places onside kick. Opportunity was again knock on the door, but the Chargers were not able to capitalize.
For all practical purpose, the rest of the game was controlled by the Stars. Western Boone scored 35 straight points while holding the Chargers to a mere six yard of offense.
Thompson said it was obvious to him that his team just ran out of energy.
“We flat out got exhausted,” Thompson said. “We started missing tackles and could not move the ball. Western Boone, who has a lot of depth, took control early in the second half.”
Thompson said his staff will work on getting more players into the game on Friday. He said some of his players who have not had much varsity experience will need to work into varsity minutes.
“We have to find some guys to give our starters a break,” Thompson said. “The young guys are going to get a chance to play and they need to step up and take advantage of the opportunity.”
The Chargers (1-4, 1-2 SAC) will host Crawfordsville on Friday. It is the Chargers’ homecoming.
