Football: Northbrook Raiders still winless but seeing clear signs of progress – Houston Chronicle

The Northbrook Raiders went 0-3 in pre-district play as their losing streak that stretches back multiple seasons continued, but for Coach Andres Gomez, there were clear signs of progress.

In last seasons 0-3 start, the Raiders scored a combined 31 points and lost by a combined 146 points.

In the first three games this season, the Raiders scored a combined 63 points and lost by a combined 34 points.

Season overview: Football: Gomez enters second season as he tries to remake and redefine the Northbrook program

In Northbrooks Week 1 34-27 loss to Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center, the Raiders led 7-6 at halftime and trailed 20-19 after three quarters.

In the Week 2 42-21 loss to Booker T. Washington, Northbrook led 14-13 at halftime.

In the Week 3 21-15 loss to Sam Rayburn, Northbrook trailed 11-8 at halftime.

When Northbrook played Sam Rayburn on Dec. 4, 2020, the Raiders were down 50-0 at halftime before losing 50-6, a fact that Gomez pointed out to his team during the Week 3 game.

Weve got a bunch of fighters on this team, and we made a lot of progress on all facets of the game, said Gomez. Unfortunately, the scoreboard is not reflecting it yet. Were definitely on the right track. My heart is broken for these kids because they need to see a win for them to really appreciate the work theyve put in.

Junior Aidan Chevalley, who splits time at quarterback with sophomore Brandon Dillard, threw three touchdowns in the Week 1 game against Sam Houston.

Junior Marquell Hannah has three rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns in Northbrooks first three games.

He had rushing touchdowns of 45 and 49 yards in the Week 3 game against Sam Rayburn.

I just got a couple open looks, and I took them, said Hannah.

Recap from around the city: Friday night highlights: Westfield topples North Shore; Clear Falls routs Deer Park

The Raiders have two defensive touchdowns in the first three weeks, one of which came on a fumble recovery which sophomore Julian Cruz returned 45 yards to the end zone.

They dont see the big picture because at that age its hard to see it, Gomez said of the players. But we are making a lot of progress and are heading in the right direction.

Following a bye week, Northbrook will begin District 17-6A play on Sept. 25 at Cy Creek and will have its first home district game on Oct. 2 against Jersey Village.

Nobody expects anything from us. Were going to come out firing against everybody, said Gomez.

During preseason practice, senior offensive lineman and team captain Kevin Ortega had proclaimed, I am confident in our ability and whats coming up in the future for us as Raiders. I feel were headed in the right direction.

elliott.lapin@hearst.com

Read more:

Football: Northbrook Raiders still winless but seeing clear signs of progress - Houston Chronicle