It would have been easy for Northview fans to listen to the Chiefs' Class 1A state championship game on the radio.
Instead, the fan base climbed into their cars and got to driving.
Nearly 500 miles later, more than 1,400 parents, supporters, students and teachers watched Northview earn a 42-21 victory against Trenton for the school's first state championship on Friday night at the Citrus Bowl.
"It's really big for our town, student body -- everyone," Chiefs defensive back LaMikal Banks said. "Third time's a charm."
Fans from Century, Bratt, Flomaton, Ala., and the surrounding areas filled the stands with cheers, signs and inspiration for head coach Sid Wheatley's team.
"That's awesome," Wheatley said of the crowd. "It's like 460 miles, nearly 500 miles, and that's impressive. I've said it all year, we have great fans. They really turn out for home games, and they follow you wherever you go. To have that number of people, it's just awesome."
The Chiefs said the support made a difference on the field, giving Northview a home-game atmosphere so far from home.
"It's amazing," Banks said. "These people traveled eight hours to support our team. They spent plenty of money, staying overnight and everything to support us. It's beautiful."
Front seven comes up big
Northview pulled down three interceptions on Friday night, but according to defensive back Neino Robinson, it was because of the guys up front.
"The defensive line was great," Robinson said. "Those guys played great all night. I love those guys. They were great."
The hard hits kept coming all night with linebacker Corry Baggett and defensive end Stetson Nash leading the way with a little inspiration from the Trenton players leading up to the game.
"They said we weren't physical enough," Baggett said. "We had to prove a point."
Elliot plays the 'bango'
When Arkelle Elliot got the call for "bango," he knew it was his time to shine.
Elliot rushes the punter on the play, and when the ball was snapped, he was unimpeded to the kicker.
"I got it from coach, we were doing 'bango,' so I went in there, and I got it," Elliot said. "I saw an opening, so I just took it."
Going out on top
For Northview's 12 senior starters, there was a special sense of urgency in the state championship game. Win or lose, the title game was the final game for the group.
Never again suiting up for the Chiefs wasn't lost on the group.
"It's bittersweet," Baggett said. "My last high school football game, to win a state championship with all my brothers, our last battle, it was great. It's the only way I want to go out."
Stokes' big game for nothing
Lost in the Chiefs' blowout win was an impressive night for Trenton running back Cedric Stokes.
Stokes ran for 192 yards against the Chiefs, and while Northview players weren't willing to sing his praises, they did admit he had some nice moves.
"He was very good at changing directions; he could change directions very quick," Baggett said. "I'll give him that."
