Third time’s the charm
for the Vikings

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

The Northeast High School football team has done it again.
The Vikings claimed their third consecutive Thanksgiving Day victory over Central High School. And they did it with style.
Final score: Northeast, 44, Central, 28.
Sophomore running back Tyleel Robinson led Northeast in rushing, amassing 91 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Je’Ron Stokes made his own contribution to the victory, catching six passes for 99 yards and reaching the end zone once.
"I think we had a great game," said Robinson. "It feels real good to come out and win."
Other Viking standouts included tight end Tyrik Clary and running backs James Rosseau and Quinton Reid, all with one score each.
"I think the kids did an excellent job," said coach Mel Hinton. "They played hard and they didn’t give up."
The victory ties the Thanksgiving rivalry’s all-time series record at 51-51-10. The rivalry is one of the oldest in high school football history, dating to 1892.
But last week, there was only one win that mattered.
"This was a great game," said wide receiver Keith Scruggs, who snagged two passes for 45 yards, boosting his season total to 363. "We’ve been practicing for this game. We worked hard for this."
Two of the Vikings’ touchdowns came on fourth-down plays. The first occurred in the second quarter, when Reid crossed the goal line for a three-yard score. Robinson surprised fans with another fourth-down score halfway through the fourth quarter.
"Our game was too much for them," said Scruggs. "Both teams came to win, but we came out on top."
Northeast’s season wasn’t all touchdowns and celebrations, though. The Vikings finished their season 4-1 in league play but lost to Bok in the Public League semifinals.
"We had a great season overall," said Scruggs. "We came one game short. It would have felt better winning the championship, but it felt pretty great beating Central."
The Thanksgiving victory was especially sweet for Scruggs, who had to endure a good amount of trash-talking before game day.
"It feels great beating Central three years in a row," said Scruggs, an Olney resident. "A lot of my friends go to Central and I was hearing some ‘You suck’ comments, so this win feels great."
Originally, Scruggs had intentions of teaming up with the Lancers as a Central student. However, thanks to his mother’s advice, the 17-year-old Scruggs decided to enroll at Northeast instead.
"I came here for the Magnet Program," said Scruggs, referring to Northeast’s college-preparatory program that provides students with higher-level math and science classes. "Now I’m glad I didn’t go to Central. That school is not for me."
In addition to his success on the gridiron, Scruggs scored some impressive feats in the classroom. While participating in the school’s Magnet Program — geared specifically toward students who want to pursue medical and engineering careers — Scruggs earned good grades and a clearer perspective on his decisions after high school.
"I know I want to play college football, hopefully on a D-1 level. But I always knew that," he said. "Now I also know I want to study electrical engineering."
Like many aspects of his life, Scruggs’ career choice had some guidance from his family.
"My dad was always into computers, so I guess it rubbed off," said the senior. "I get a lot of my motivation from him."
In fact, the old man could be held accountable for many of Scruggs’ successes.
"My dad taught me everything I know about football," said Scruggs, who has been playing since age 6. "He was there when I first started, and he is there now. He’s at every game."
And, hopefully, Scruggs can now pass the knowledge further along the family tree.
"My little brother plays," he said, referring to 8-year-old Seth. "I’m preparing him to play running back for little league next year."
By then, Scruggs’ days in a Northeast jersey will have ended. However, even with graduation looming around the corner, Scruggs is in no rush. He’s trying to savor his time left at Northeast.
"I know I’ll miss the people in school, having fun in the hallways and class," he said. "But I’ll miss football the most. I’ll miss the fun in the locker room, playing games on Friday nights — I’ll miss it all." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com