The Northwestern Warriors defeated Graham Friday night, earning a 23-13 victory over the Falcons.

The game started slowly, with both teams playing good defense but neither being able to score. Northwestern pushed their line down field with every possession, but couldn’t cross the goal line. Northwestern’s defense was able to stymie Graham at every turn, not allowing the Falcons to gain any ground at all. The defensive efforts of both teams saw the first quarter end in a 0-0 stalemate.

The second quarter started out much like the first, with the Falcons taking control of the ball at the 45 yard line. Again, the Warriors weren’t giving an inch, forcing Graham to try for a Hail Mary pass on the fourth down, which ultimately went incomplete. After again regaining control of the ball on downs, Graham was able to inch their way toward the goal, scoring the first touchdown of the game.

Graham kicked the ball downfield to Northwestern. In an unprecedented play, the kick was recovered by Logan Voorhees, who made an 80 yard touchdown run in an effort to tie the game. An unsuccessful extra point kick left the Warriors still trailing by a single point.

Once again, Northwestern’s defense proved impenetrable as the Falcons were kept on their end of the field, not being able to cross the 50 yard line. A punt on the fourth down was recovered by the Warriors, turning control of the ball over to them at the 49 yard line.

Graham was able to make a long touchdown run, widening their lead. A successful block of the extra point kick by the Warriors kept that lead 13-6. Graham, pulling a page from Northwestern’s defensive playbook, managed to keep the Warriors stuck around the 23 yard line. The half ended with the Falcons holding on to their 7 point lead.

The second half began with Graham intercepting the ball in the first moments, but a fumble cost the Falcons control of the ball almost immediately. A penalty for a false start cost the Warriors yardage, but this didn’t slow down their aggressive offense. After successfully completing a first down, the Warriors were able to score again, tying the game 13-13.

Logan Voorhees made an interception, placing the ball back in Warrior hands. A personal foul cost Northwestern significant yards, but the Warriors were able to pull off a field goal on the fourth down, giving them a 3 point lead to end the third quarter.

After a delay of about 30 minutes with nine minutes left in the game due to a sideline injury of one of the ball boys, Northwestern was able to score again once the fourth quarter was able to resume, ending the game with a 10 point victory for the Warriors, giving them a 5-4 record.

The Warriors will end their season next week, October 30th, against Greenon.