The North Cross Varsity Football team ended their season last weekend in Norfolk falling to Norfolk Christian by a score of 29-14 at Old Dominion University’s Powhatan Field. The home team Ambassadors jumped to an early 17-0 lead but the Raiders fought back in spite of losing key two-way player Brandon Trent to a separated shoulder on the opening drive. North Cross closed to within 19-14 before Norfolk Christian finally put the game away late in the fourth quarter on the strong running of Div I College football recruit Breon Bailey. The Raiders made several key defensive stops to keep their hopes alive but the North Cross offense never really got on track. First year Coach Stephen Alexander was visibly disappointed by the loss but said he was, “so proud of these guys for the effort they showed in the game and all year long . . . We couldn’t have asked for more than they gave us – just a great group of committed players.” Former UVA standout Shannon Taylor was credited with molding a defense that, “kept us in it all year long.” North Cross will lose 12 seniors this year and looks to supplement a strong group of underclassmen with a few new players in 2011.
