Cheney rallies, knocks off North Central 22-21

Cheney took advantage of an ill-timed mistake by North Central in a nonleague football game at Joe Albi Stadium.

Leading 21-16 with under 7 minutes to play, North Central faced fourth-and-1 from its 38-yard line. Quarterback Matt Mickey, in the shot gun, appeared to not be ready for the snap, which bounced to the 18 when the Blackhawks took over.

Two plays later, quarterback Cole Hinrichs hit Logan Kendall on a touchdown pass, and the Blackhawks rallied from an 11-point deficit to trip North Central 22-21.

As expected, Cheney (1-1) and North Central (1-1) battled in a low-scoring game.

The teams traded first quarter touchdowns.

Cheney struck first when Charles Johnson sprinted 53 yards for a touchdown. He then spent most of the rest of the opening half standing on the sideline. He picked up 94 yards on 11 attempts.

NC answered. Facing fourth-and-goal from the 2, quarterback Matt Mickey hit Khanian Charlton in the end zone for the tying TD.

Cheney regained the lead at 10-7 when Alfredo Camarena made a 28-yard field with 6:30 to go before halftime.

The Blackhawks had 185 yards total offense in the first half to the Indians’ 99.

On the first possession of the second half, NC used five plays to score when Kieran McHenry crossed into the end zone from three yards out for a 14-10 lead.

Seconds into the fourth quarter, NC increased its lead to 21-10 on a 5-yard run by McHenry.

Cheney pulled within 21-16 when Hinrichs found Luke Martin on a 31-yard TD connection.

Johnson, who appeared to be fighting off the effects of a groin injury, finished with 144 yards on 18 carries to lead Cheney.

McHenry had 136 yards on 23 attempts to lead NC.

NC rallied last week with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to beat East Valley.