By John Glover

The Daily News

In a hard fought game, the Bogalusa High School Lumberjacks overwhelmed the Northlake Christian Wolverines 23-0 on Friday in the season opener for both teams.

The Lumberjacks (1-0) and the Wolverines went back and forth during the first half. The Lumberjacks drove deep into Wolverine territory several times, but the Wolverines’ defense held strong with one interception by Blain Gros, forced a turnover on downs three times, and forced a punt.

The Lumberjacks’ defense returned in kind during the first half with an interception of their own by Demarcus Spikes. The Lumberjacks’ defense also forced two punts and two turnovers on downs. At the half, both teams had yet to score.

The Lumberjacks took to the field in the third quarter with a renewed spirit. The Wolverines had the ball first, but the Lumberjacks held them to just 15 yards and forced a punt.

Quarterback Michael Swan meant to punt for the Wolverines but the snap went high. Swan recovered the ball but was put down on the 7-yard-line. Bogalusa quarterback Josh Taylor and the Lumberjacks took possession. Taylor ran up the middle with a quarterback keep and scored the first touchdown of the game. Taylor attempted the extra point kick but it was blocked by the Wolverines’ defense and the Lumberjacks led 6-0.

The Bogalusa defense picked it up a notch as well, forcing not only a punt after just four downs in the Wolverines next drive, but also another missed snap which led a safety by Swan.

The following kickoff put the Lumberjacks at the Wolverines’ 40-yard-line. A four-play drive ended with another quarterback keep by Taylor from the 31 that broke through the center line of the defense for the Lumberjacks’ second touchdown. Taylor handed off to Tyrese Rousell who broke left and pushed through to the end zone for the two-point conversion and put the Lumberjacks ahead, 16-0.

Bogalusa didn’t let up in the fourth quarter. A six-play, 45-yard drive by the Lumberjacks put the third and final touchdown on the board with a handoff from Taylor to Chase Smith. Smith ran up the right side and in for touchdown. Taylor kicked the extra point and set the final score at 23-0 with 6 minutes left in the game.

The Lumberjacks’ defense kept at it, holding back the Wolverines. With 1:41 left on the clock, Spikes again intercepted a passed from Swan at the 8-yard-line and returned the ball 12 yards and to the Lumberjacks’ control with less than 1:30 left.

Bogalusa will travel to play the Chalmette Owls on Friday.