Vikings vs Lancers

Where: Charlie Martin Memorial Stadium
When: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 22
Last Year: Northeast, 27-16
Central leads series, 51-50-10

By Ryan Smith
Times Staff Writer

Thanksgiving is a day for connecting with family.
The tradition of coming together with loved ones is as old as the nation itself.
But Northeast High School’s Stokes brothers haven’t waited for the third Thursday in November.
Malik and Je’Ron have been connecting all season.
Malik, the Vikings’ sophomore quarterback, and Je’Ron, a junior wide receiver in his first year in the Public League after transferring during the summer, lead Northeast into its 112th annual match-up against Central High School on Thanksgiving morning. All-time, Northeast narrowly trails the Lancers, 51-50-10, in what is the city’s oldest series.
In his first full season as Vikings starting quarterback, Malik Stokes has racked up some big numbers in the Public League’s Red Division.
The young signal-caller leads Northeast (5-3, and 5-6 overall) with 1,102 passing yards and 12 touchdowns.
While he has had a diverse number of weapons at his disposal, the quarterback’s favorite target this season has been his brother Je’Ron.
In his first season at Northeast after transferring from Penn Charter after his sophomore year, Je’Ron Stokes has set the school record for receiving yards in a season.
Despite missing three games because of injury, he enters next Thursday’s game against Central with 22 catches for 520 yards. (Stokes smashed the school’s previous record in just six games.)
At 6-feet-1 and 175 pounds, Stokes is developing the attributes that elevate a receiver to the top of his game.
"He’s very gifted, has good hands, he runs excellent pass routes, he knows the game, and he’s a hard worker," head coach Mel Hinton said.
So what made the top-notch player transfer to Northeast after his sophomore year?
"I think we’re a good program with a great coaching staff — a program where we work hard and try to do the right thing," Hinton said. "I think that (Je’Ron) was aware of these things (because of his brother) and wanted to be a part of it. Together, they have a good thing going."
In addition to his brother, Malik has had a number of fine players to throw to this season.
Senior receiver Keith Scruggs has been a solid second option, with 21 catches for 318 yards.
In addition, senior tight end Tyrik Clary, one of the team’s three captains, has been a "go-to guy," catching 11 passes for 210 yards.
On the ground, the Vikings are led by seniors Nafis Muhammad, another captain, and Quinton Reid, who have combined for more than 500 rushing yards on the season.
Junior James Rosseau has been another impact player, rushing for 373 yards on 84 carries.
"When we need to pound it inside, we give it to Jimmy," Hinton said of Rosseau. "When we want to take it to the outside, we give the ball to Nafis or Quinton. We’re very balanced."
While Central (3-5, 4-6 overall) has had a tough season, including an early-season 27-13 loss to Northeast, do not expect the Lancers to roll over.
In a rivalry with such history, it’s impossible to predict an outcome.
"It’s tough to beat a team twice in a season," Hinton said. "So this is going to be a tough battle for us. They have noting to lose."
Leading Central into the Turkey Day match-up are running backs Carl King and Corey Barkers, who’ve combined to rush for more than 1,100 yards so far this season.
Central’s rushing attack is one of the most potent in the Public League. The Lancers have five players on the roster who have gained at least 100 yards on the ground this season.
The Northeast defense will be hard-pressed to hold Central to 13 points, as it did in the last meeting of these teams.
However, Hinton believes that the Vikings’ defensive coordinator, Phil Gormley, will have the squad prepared.
"(Our defense) is not very big, but they have speed and aggression," Hinton said.
Expect a battle of wills, as Northeast’s high-flying passing attack goes up against Central’s proven ground game. ••